2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE

When fuel prices rise, Americans gravitate toward vehicles that wring maximum mileage out of a gallon of gas, such as the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. The Corolla’s hybrid drivetrain—a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor (121 hp total)—gets an EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined and is seamless in its gas-electric transitions. Unfortunately, it’s also slow and noisy, and the drivetrain drones under acceleration. Handling in everyday driving is competent, but the Corolla isn’t fun to drive. Additionally, the brakes have a mushy feel. The cabin offers decent room in the front. The interior is plain and, in the base model, the materials feel cheap. A Premium Package, with leatherette seating ($1,525), was a welcome upgrade for 2021. On the plus side, standard features include LED headlights with auto high beams and Toyota’s well-regarded Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced safety features. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning are optional, however