Toyota Corolla Hybrid: All-Wheel Drive System Performance Review

In this fun episode from The Fast Lane Car, brace yourselves as the team puts the brand new Toyota Corolla all-wheel drive hybrid to the ultimate test. Get ready for a wild ride as they take this beast for a spin around the ranch, unleashing its all-wheel drive system in a blaze of glory. But that's not all, folks! Prepare for a full-on review as they dive deep into what it's like to live with this mighty machine.

Now, let's talk numbers. The Corolla hybrid packs a 1.8L 4-cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine, mated to Toyota's hybrid system, delivering a total system output of around 134 horsepower (or maybe 138, depending on who you ask). It may not be a powerhouse, but hey, who needs excessive power when you're after efficiency and snow-conquering capabilities, right?

But here's where things get interesting. This all-wheel drive hybrid system operates in a rather unconventional manner. You see, the front wheels are powered by the gasoline hybrid powertrain, while the rear wheels are solely driven by an electric motor. No mechanical connection here, my friends. Toyota has been tinkering with this setup for years, and some of their all-wheel drive systems have proven to be more effective than others.

So, the moment of truth arrives as the team takes the Corolla through the TFL slip test. This grueling challenge simulates treacherous snowy and icy conditions, pushing the car to its limits. Will it conquer the snow, ice, and slush with finesse? Or will it crumble under the pressure?

In the front wheel slip test, both rear wheels are intentionally stuck in the rollers, leaving the front wheels to do all the work. Engaging normal mode, the team sets off, and while the rear wheels may experience some spinning, the front wheels prove their mettle by pulling the car forward. It's a valiant effort, considering the Corolla's front-wheel drive bias due to its modest rear electric motor.

But what happens when the front wheels are stuck? Will the Corolla's small electric motor have enough oomph to save the day? The team recalls previous Toyota models, like the Prius, that struggled in this very situation. They share footage of the old all-wheel drive Prius, where the feeble rear motor failed to deliver the necessary power to free the car. However, the Corolla hybrid is here to set things right. With bated breath, they put it to the test. And guess what? It passes with flying colors! The rear motor kicks in, providing the much-needed torque to propel the car forward, even when the front wheels are struggling.

Now, let's talk price. The Corolla hybrid they tested, an SE model with the premium package, comes in at a hefty $30,500. But fear not, my frugal friends, for there is a better option. The base model all-wheel drive Corolla, priced in the low $20,000 range, may lack the fancy bells and whistles, but it offers exceptional value for money.

As we conclude this adrenaline-fueled adventure, the team leaves us with a tantalizing teaser. The new Toyota Prius all-wheel drive is on the horizon, and they can't wait to put it through its paces on the roller test. Stay tuned, folks, for more heart-stopping action from The Fast Lane Car!

Watch The 2023 Toyota Corolla Offers AWD for the First Time! But Can It Pass the TFL Slip Test? on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for The 2023 Toyota Corolla Offers AWD for the First Time! But Can It Pass the TFL Slip Test?

AWD slip test results
Desire for AWD sedans
Nostalgia for previous yellow Bronco
Appreciation for the car's front design
Confirmation of testing the Corolla on rollers
Positive feedback on the Corolla SE hybrid in Canada
Preference for physical dials and knobs
Suggestion to shorten slip test videos
Critique of Toyota's limited car availability in the US
Question about EV functionality
Inquiry about the slip test and differential mechanics
Desire for AWD in Corolla hatch
Comparison to the Prius Prime's previous generation
Request for slip test with the JL Wrangler
Comparison to 4Runner TRD
Speculation about the 4Runner in the background
Criticism of Toyota's AWD system and preference for Mitsubishi's
Dislike of Toyota's AWD system using electric motors
Questioning the need for AWD in a Corolla
Humorous comment about the Wrangler
Recognition of previous AWD Corolla models
Fan from Kenya expressing support
Mention of an AWD Corolla from the 1980s
Suggestion to change roller position
Mention of all-track Toyotas with 4WD
Comment about the resemblance to Roman (presenter)