2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. It featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model was priced at $72,900 Canadian, plus a destination charge, and offered a thrilling driving experience with its blend of power and comfort. The exterior styling was subtly aggressive, with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, while the interior provided a snug yet comfortable space for four, enhanced by quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid presented a more understated design with a focus on efficiency and practicality. It received a mild style refresh, including new grille patterns and rear bumpers, and introduced an all-wheel-drive option for most trims. The interior was simple and functional, with adequate space for passengers and a trunk capacity of 371 litres. While the materials used were not as premium as those in the Lexus, the Corolla Hybrid prioritized affordability and fuel efficiency, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious drivers.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, boasting a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produced 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable yet stable ride, while the upgraded brakes ensured reliable stopping power. Despite its impressive performance, the IS 500 was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. The addition of a 40-hp electric motor for the all-wheel-drive system improved traction and initial acceleration. However, the Corolla Hybrid's performance was more modest, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The hybrid powertrain prioritized efficiency, with a dedicated EV mode for electric propulsion, although it was challenging to maintain in real-world driving conditions. The Corolla Hybrid's handling was adequate for conservative driving, but it lacked the power and agility of the Lexus.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable and well-equipped interior, with features like ice-cold air conditioning, seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were snug yet supportive, providing excellent thigh support and a driver-focused position. Rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, but the lack of smartphone charging was a drawback. Storage space was limited, with a small trunk capacity of 305 litres. The control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs for easy operation.

In comparison, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid provided ample space for front passengers, although taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach insufficient. The interior was simple and functional, with basic climate controls and well-placed steering-wheel buttons. Storage options included a small tray for phones, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. The rear seats offered adequate headroom and legroom, and the trunk capacity of 371 litres was competitive for its class. The rear seats could fold for additional cargo space, although they did not fold flat.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with an 8-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a dynamic voice command system. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The controls were logical and intuitive, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was quick to respond and included improved voice commands activated by saying, "Hey Toyota." Over-the-air software updates ensured the system remained current, and it could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. However, the JBL audio system available in the U.S. was not offered in Canada.

The 2022 Lexus IS was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a range of driver assistance features such as collision warning, emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The IS received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating, respectively.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid also prioritized safety, with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This included features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor. The Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection, and the standard Corolla sedan was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.