The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has debuted as the first-ever electrified version of the Japanese automaker’s ever-popular compact sedan.

The Corolla Hybrid shares its underpinnings and powertrain with the Prius and is expected to get more than 50 mpg combined. If you wanted a Toyota hybrid but thought the Prius was too ugly and the Prius C was too small, the Corolla, which has undergone a complete transformation, has similar fuel economy and much more palatable looks. Toyota also says the Corolla Hybrid has the same cabin and cargo space as the gas-powered model, as the batteries are stored under the rear seats, so there’s no compromise to practicality and comfort.

The new Corolla Hybrid is powered by an Atkinson-cycle 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine with two electric motors/generators and a nickel-metal hydride battery pack that gives a combined system output of 121 hp. The Corolla Hybrid, which also gets regenerative brakes to help charge the battery, can also run in EV mode for short distances and lower speeds depending on the battery charge level. It will also emit a sound to warn pedestrians when you’re running in EV mode. There are also three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.

ALSO SEE: 2020 Toyota Corolla Debuts with New Styling, More Power

As with all Toyotas, the Hybrid Corolla will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense, the brand’s full suite of driver assistance and safety technology that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure alert, pre-collision system and more. It will also come standard with a driving coach to help drivers maximize their mpgs, brake hold (so you can wait at stop lights without having your foot on the brake), wi-fi connect, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support, but no Android Auto.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid goes on sale in spring 2019 and pricing should be announced closer to that time.

In other news, the Prius will differentiate itself from the Corolla Hybrid by offering available AWD. Read about it here.

From AutoGuide.com