2027 Toyota Corolla: Gas and Hybrid Grades Compared

The 2027 Corolla's gas and hybrid grades overlap in price rather than forming two separate bands. This table lists them in order, from the lowest MSRP at launch to the highest.

MSRP at launch (2027 model year), excluding destination.

• Gas or hybrid: At the LE and SE levels, the front-wheel-drive hybrid costs $1,850 more at launch than the matching gas grade. Even so, the front-wheel-drive Hybrid LE starts below the gas SE.
• Front-wheel or all-wheel drive: Only the hybrid offers all-wheel drive, so if you want it, your choice is the Hybrid LE or the Hybrid SE.
• How far to step up: Each step from an LE grade to the matching SE grade adds $2,440 at launch, gas or hybrid. For that, you get larger alloy wheels, sport seats and a Sport drive mode. The XSE sits $500 below the Hybrid XLE at launch, and both add a moonroof and heated front seats over the SE grades. The XSE is the sportier of the two; the Hybrid XLE is the more fuel-efficient.

Even the least efficient hybrid version of the 2027 Corolla beats the best gas version on EPA combined mpg. On the gas side, the EPA rates three versions: the Corolla (1-mode transmission), the Corolla (3-mode transmission) and a third listed simply as Corolla. None of those labels names a grade, so the gas row below shows the range across all three, while each hybrid grade and drivetrain gets its own row in the table.

Here is an estimate of how far each version goes on a full tank at its EPA combined rating, and how many gallons it uses over 1,000 miles.

The hybrid carries the smaller tank, yet at the combined rating every hybrid version goes farther on a full tank than any gas version. Over 1,000 miles, the Hybrid LE FWD or the Hybrid XLE uses about 9 to 10 fewer gallons than the gas Corolla.

The gas Corolla's 2.0-liter engine makes more horsepower than the whole hybrid system, while the hybrid earns the higher EPA combined ratings.

In plain words, here is what Toyota's terms in that table mean:

• Hybrid system net horsepower is the total output of the whole hybrid system, which is more than the hybrid's own 1.8-liter engine makes by itself.
• Dynamic-Shift CVT is Toyota's name for the gas Corolla's continuously variable automatic transmission.
• ECVT is the hybrid's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

The gas and hybrid versions we list share one body, so their measurements match, apart from a little less front headroom with the moonroof and a curb weight that varies by version.

The rear seat on each grade listed here splits 60/40 and folds down, and it has a center armrest with two cup holders.

Each grade compared here comes with automatic climate control with a dust and pollen filter, a touchscreen audio system with six standard speakers and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and two rear USB-C ports. Beyond those, the grades split into an LE family, a sportier SE family and two better-equipped top grades, the XSE and Hybrid XLE.

The option packages bundle these items:

• LE Premium Package (LE and Hybrid LE): Smart Key with Push Button Start, alloy wheels and wireless charging.
• SE Premium Package (SE and Hybrid SE): wireless charging and larger versions of the digital gauge cluster and the Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen.
• JBL® Premium Audio (XSE and Hybrid XLE): nine JBL speakers with an amplifier and subwoofer.

Every grade in this comparison includes trials of Toyota's connected services. These services rely on the 4G network, and each one needs a subscription after its trial.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on each grade we compare, from the LE to the Hybrid XLE, and its features include:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Road Sign Assist

• Front: the driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, a driver knee airbag and a front passenger seat cushion airbag
• Side: seat-mounted side airbags for the driver, the front passenger and the rear seats
• Curtain: front and rear side curtain airbags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the same results to the gas 2027 Corolla and to the hybrid with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Not Rated means NHTSA has not issued a score for that test on the 2027 Corolla.

For 2027, the Corolla sedan carries over its engines, dimensions, trunk and standard safety equipment, including Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and Blind Spot Monitor. What does change is small: the MSRP at launch, the gas EPA ratings and the length of one connected-service trial.

On top of Toyota's basic and powertrain coverage, the hybrid grades of the 2027 Corolla get longer warranties on the hybrid battery and the hybrid system.

Every new Toyota also comes with ToyotaCare, a no-cost maintenance plan that covers initial normal factory scheduled service and 24-hour Roadside Assistance. When a visit comes due, you can schedule service online. Ask us for the current ToyotaCare details, including how long the plan runs.

We'd start with your top priority, since it usually settles which grade is right for you.

• Lowest price: The gas LE has the lowest MSRP at launch of the grades listed, with the same standard safety equipment as the other grades.
• Fuel economy for the money: The Hybrid LE FWD shares the top EPA combined rating among the versions we list and has the second-lowest MSRP at launch.
• All-wheel drive for winter: All-wheel drive comes only on the Hybrid LE and Hybrid SE. Pick the Hybrid LE if you want the lower MSRP at launch and the better mpg of the two.
• A sporty feel: The XSE is the only grade we list with paddle shifters, and it pairs them with the more powerful gas engine.
• Comfort and top fuel economy together: The Hybrid XLE brings heated front seats and a moonroof without giving up the top EPA combined rating of any version we list.