What’s New For 2023: Toyota
Corolla Cross
Hot on the heels of its debut as an all-new model for 2022, the Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV adds gas/electric hybrid models for 2023. All Corolla Cross Hybrids use a new fifth-generation hybrid system that includes standard Electronic All-Wheel Drive (the gasoline engine powers the front wheels with the help of an electric motor, and a second electric motor powers the rear wheels). Complete details aren’t yet available, but Toyota says the Corolla Cross Hybrid will have 194 horsepower (conventional Corolla Cross models have 169 hp) and deliver an estimated 37 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Corolla Cross Hybrid will be offered in LE and XLE models, along with new sportier S, SE, and XSE trim. Standard features include the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity. Pricing is not yet available, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid goes on sale this fall.
First Spin: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
Corolla
The Corolla sedan and hatchback models receive updated exterior styling front and rear, along with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. The value-oriented LE model trades last year’s 139-horsepower 1.8-liter engine for the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter used in other Corollas. The Corolla Hybrid sedan is now available with electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, which uses a second electric motor to power the rear wheels. Previously the Hybrid was only offered in LE trim, but for 2023 it’s joined by four new trim levels: LE AWD, SE, SE AWD, and XLE. The Corolla’s Toyota Safety Sense suite of standard safety equipment evolves to version 3.0 with enhanced features.
Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota Corolla SE Nightshade
GR Corolla
Recently unveiled as a new-for-2023 high-performance version of the Corolla Hatchback, the GR Corolla has generated considerable excitement already. Now, before the new model has even gone on sale, Toyota is adding a limited-production variant. Joining the previously announced Core and Circuit Edition models is the new MORIZO Edition. Named after Toyota president Akio Toyoda (who began using the name Morizo so he could compete in racing activities less conspicuously), the GR Corolla MORIZO Edition boasts more torque, lower weight, and enhanced handling. The turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine remains rated at 300 horsepower, but peak torque increases from 273 to 295 lb-ft. In addition, the 6-speed manual transmission is an exclusive close-ratio unit, and there are shorter-differential gears as well. Weight has been reduced by nearly 100 pounds, largely through the elimination of the rear seat, rear door speakers, rear window regulators, and the hatch’s rear wiper. The body is further strengthened with two rear strut braces, and the forged 18-inch wheels wear super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. The two-seater MORIZO Edition also receives specific suspension tuning and exclusive red-and-black interior trim. Toyota says only 200 numbered units will be built for 2023, but the MORIZO Edition is not a one-year-only offering—more are planned to be produced for subsequent model years.
First Look: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
GR 86
After its redesign for the 2022 model year, the rear-drive GR 86 sports coupe adds a new limited-production Special Edition model for 2023. The GR 86 Special Edition wears an exclusive Solar Shift orange exterior color. A cat-back GR performance exhaust system with black-chrome tips adds a deep, growling exhaust note. The Special Edition’s black-finish GR 18-inch wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and there is a special black C-pillar decal and a black rear spoiler for a bit more visual zip. Only 860 of the GR 86 Special Edition models will be produced.
4Runner
Toyota is marking 4Runner’s fortieth birthday with a 40th Anniversary Special Edition based on the SR5 Premium 4WD model. Exclusive items include bronze-finished 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color “heritage” grille, and a bronze-colored 40th Anniversary liftgate badge. The highlight is the retro race-inspired yellow/orange/red exterior graphics. Production is limited to 4040 units.
Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport
bZ4X
Toyota’s all-new pure-electric compact crossover SUV debuts as a 2023 model. You can check out our First Look report by clicking the link below; stay tuned for our forthcoming full test-drive review.
C-HR
The C-HR, Toyota’s swoopy, car-like subcompact crossover SUV, was not included in the company’s latest wave of 2023 product info. A redesigned model is possible (the C-HR debuted for the 2018 model year), but we think it’s more likely that it will be carried over with no significant changes or perhaps discontinued, since the more-conventional Corolla Cross is establishing itself as a mainstream choice in the subcompact SUV category.
Test Drive Gallery: Toyota C-HR Limited
Camry
The popular Camry midsize sedan’s available Nightshade appearance package is updated for 2023. The changes include 19-inch bronze-finished wheels, along with black-trimmed headlights and taillights.
Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid XSE
Highlander
For non-hybrid Highlander models, the previous 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 is replaced by a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Though the 4-cylinder has less horsepower than the V6, it offers improved torque—309 lb-ft instead of the V6’s 263 lb-ft—so it should offer similarly peppy acceleration in addition to its improved environmental emissions performance and comparable fuel economy. Other Highlander updates include a relocated wireless charging pad and dual 12.3-inch display screens for the high-end Limited and Platinum models.
Quick Spin: 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE
Prius
The Prius was not included in the latest wave of 2023 product info, so we don’t yet know exactly what’s in store for Toyota’s pioneering hybrid compact car. An all-new next-generation model could be in the works.
Toyota Priuses Head-to-Head: Prime vs AWD-e
RAV4
The RAV4 Hybrid adds an off-road-adventure-focused Woodland Edition model, which includes TRD (Toyota Racing Development) off-road-tuned suspension, Falken-brand all-terrain tires, flow-formed bronze-colored wheels, mud guards, black badging, and roof-rack cross bars. The interior receives a set of unique Woodland Edition all-weather floor- and cargo mats.
Test Drive: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE
Sequoia
Toyota’s full-size SUV gets a ground-up redesign (at long last) for the 2023 model year. You can check out our 2023 Sequoia First Look article by clicking the link below; stay tuned for our First Spin test-drive report next week.
First Look: 2023 Toyota Sequoia
Sienna
To celebrate the Sienna minivan’s twenty-fifth year, Toyota is offering a limited-production 25th Anniversary Edition model. Based on Sienna’s sporty XSE trim, the Anniversary Edition adds a collection of upgraded features from the Limited model, along with exclusive interior and exterior trim touches. Toyota will build only 2525 of the 25th Anniversary Edition Siennas.
First Spin: 2021 Toyota Sienna
Supra
Enthusiasts rejoice! The Toyota Supra gets an available manual transmission for the 2023 model year—something many performance-driving aficionados have pining for since the Supra was revived for the 2019 model year. A 6-speed manual transmission is available as an option on the 3.0 6-cylinder models; the 2.0 4-cylinder models will continue to come only with the 8-speed automatic. All 3.0 Supras get retuned steering and suspension, and 3.0 Premium models get a standard 12-speaker JBL Audio system.
Test Drive: 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium
Tacoma
No official news yet on the expected new-generation Tacoma, but the existing model adds SX and Chrome appearance packages for the entry-level SR5 trim level. The SX Package includes blackout trim and a unique bed graphic. The Chrome Package adds chrome-finished 18-inch wheels, chrome door handles, and chrome TACOMA lettering on the tailgate. The all-new Tacoma is likely to debut for the 2024 model year.