2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G Review

2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G is a popular model in the C-segment sedan market, upgraded with intelligent features and driving assistance, combining a sporty appearance, practical space, and reliable fuel economy, making it suitable for families and young professionals.

RM 147,800

2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G

Segment

C-Segment

Body Type

Sedan

Capacity(L)

1.8

Engine Power(PS)

139

Engine Torque(Nm)

172

Transmission

CVT

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Review

User Review

Specs

The C-segment sedan market in Malaysia has always been a primary choice for family users and young professionals. Balanced space, configuration, and fuel economy are the core concerns. The 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G, as a popular model in this segment, has seen significant upgrades in intelligent features and driver-assistance systems with this facelift, while retaining Toyota's consistent reliability. The main goal of our test drive this time was to see its actual performance in daily use scenarios and whether these upgrades can truly enhance the user experience.

In terms of appearance, the overall style of the 2023 Corolla 1.8G leans towards sporty and youthful. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille with a black honeycomb pattern inside. The LED headlights on both sides are connected by a slender chrome strip, providing high recognition. The body has smooth lines on the side, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, making the body appear longer. The 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 225/45 R17 tires give the car a well-balanced proportion. At the rear, the LED taillight set also adopts a through-type design element echoing the front face. The diffuser-like design on the lower part of the rear bumper adds a sporty feel, and it comes equipped with rear fog lights, meeting safety standards.

Sitting inside, the first thing to notice is the simple and practical interior layout. Soft-touch plastics and leather materials are used, giving a nice tactile feel. The highlight of the center console is the 9-inch touchscreen display, which operates smoothly and supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto with a clear interface logic. The instrument panel has been upgraded to a 12.3-inch fully digital screen, which displays abundant information and can switch between different modes, such as navigation and driver assistance system status, making it convenient for the driver. The steering wheel has a multifunctional design, comes with paddle shifters, supports manual adjustment, and feels comfortable to grip. As for the seats, the driver's seat is 8-way electrically adjustable and includes lumbar support, making long drives less tiring. The front passenger seat is manually adjustable, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold configuration, adding flexibility to the storage space.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions are 4630mm × 1780mm × 1435mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm, which is in the mainstream range for C-segment cars. The front seating space is ample, with a 175cm tall passenger having one fist of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear seating space is equally good, with two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. The floor in the middle is not raised too high, so it’s not overly cramped even with three passengers. For storage, the door panels have compartments that can hold two bottles of water. The central armrest box is spacious, and the glove compartment as well as the cup holders in the rear armrest are very practical. The trunk has a capacity of 470L, which is sufficient for daily use, and folding the rear seats allows for the accommodation of larger items.

In terms of power, the 2023 Corolla 1.8G is equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 139PS and a peak torque of 172N·m, paired with a 7-speed CVT transmission. In actual driving, the power response during startup is relatively smooth, with no obvious jolts. Acceleration is linear, and on urban roads, the throttle pedal is calibrated lightly, making following and overtaking other vehicles easy. When switched to Sport mode, the transmission becomes more responsive, and the inclusion of paddle shifters adds to the driving fun. Although the power is not particularly strong, it is entirely adequate for daily use. The official fuel consumption is rated at 6.0L/100km. During our test drive, the fuel consumption was about 7.2L/100km in city conditions and dropped to 5.8L/100km on highways, showing a decent performance.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zone, the body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and the suspension system uses a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone combination. It effectively filters out most small vibrations on bumpy roads while maintaining a certain road feel. Overall, it leans towards comfort but also provides decent support. The braking system performs consistently, with a linear brake pedal feel and moderate braking distance, giving drivers confidence during daily driving. For driving assistance systems, features like ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking are all equipped. These features are reliable and can effectively reduce fatigue during long-distance driving.

In terms of ride comfort, noise control is well-executed. Wind noise and tire noise are within acceptable levels at high speeds. Engine noise becomes slightly noticeable during acceleration but does not affect in-car conversations. The seats are very comfortable with soft padding and good support. The rear seats are equipped with air conditioning vents and USB ports, enhancing passenger experience. The dual-zone automatic climate control system cools quickly and is easy to operate. The inclusion of a rain-sensing wiper and automatic headlights also adds convenience in daily use.

Safety features are a highlight of the 2023 Corolla 1.8G, equipped with 7 airbags, including front side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, and a knee airbag. Additionally, it includes lane change assist, forward collision warning, and a 360-degree panoramic camera. Its safety performance is among the top tier in the same segment. Compared to the Honda Civic 1.5E of the same class, the Corolla 1.8G has more comprehensive safety features and a more competitive price. At an RM147,800 price point, it is about RM5,000 cheaper than the Civic 1.5E while offering richer configurations.

Overall, the 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G's core advantages are its balanced performance, reliable powertrain, abundant features, decent space, and comprehensive safety. It is suitable for families who prioritize practicality and safety, or young professionals in need of a daily commuter car that can also handle occasional long trips. If you're not in need of particularly strong power but value reliability and features more, then the Corolla 1.8G is a great choice.

In conclusion, the 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G builds on Toyota's consistent reliability while upgrading its intelligent configurations and driving assistance systems. Its overall performance is well-balanced, and its cost-effectiveness stands out, making it one of the models worth considering in the C-segment market.

Pros

1.8L naturally aspirated engine + CVT transmission provides smooth and jerk-free performance in congested areas; climbing power is linear and sufficient

The rear double-wishbone suspension has good shock absorption, reducing bumpiness when passing potholes and speed bumps, ensuring a comfortable ride

Rich and practical safety features, including 7 airbags, full-speed ACC, active braking, etc., effectively ensure safety

Cons

The exterior design is controversial, with an ordinary rear, conservative sides, and some people feeling the front grille is too ostentatious.

Occasional slow response of the automatic braking system; manual intervention may be required in sudden situations.

The passenger seat is manually adjustable, with the configuration slightly lacking compared to vehicles in the same price range.

Overall Rating

4.5

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.8 / 5

Interior Design

4.8 / 5

Safety

4.4 / 5

Exterior Design

4.2 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

5 Excellent

S4_B9

Owner of 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G

As the owner of the 2023 Corolla 1.8G, after driving it for more than half a year, I genuinely feel that this car performs very steadily under Malaysia’s road conditions! Firstly, talking about performance, it definitely deserves full marks! The combination of the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine and CVT makes following traffic in Kuala Lumpur’s morning and evening rush hours exceptionally smooth, without any jerkiness at all; last week, I took my family to Genting Highlands, and the power output was very linear when climbing hills. Pressing the accelerator deeply even gave a slight push-back feeling, which was more than adequate. The double-wishbone rear suspension is truly great. When going over potholes and speed bumps on the North-South Expressway, the shock absorption was excellent, and even the elderly and children in the back didn’t complain about bumps. Regarding the exterior, I’d rate it 4 out of 5. The overall design is much younger than the previous model, and the LED headlights and streamlined body look quite refined under the sunlight. However, I feel that the rear design is a bit plain—if the taillights were sharper, it would be perfect. But my friends say it’s more timeless, so perhaps my expectations are just too high. The safety aspect is also worth praising—it deserves a solid 4 out of 5. The 7 airbags, full-speed ACC, and lane-keeping assist are all very practical. Last time on the Penang highway, the car in front suddenly braked hard, and the automatic emergency braking system immediately kicked in to help me decelerate, giving me a scare but also ensuring safety; the 360-degree camera is very clear when parking in narrow alleys in Kuala Lumpur, even showing the edges of the curbs. It’s super user-friendly, even for beginners. Overall, this car is really suitable for family use in Malaysia. Its performance and safety have not disappointed me, and with some minor adjustments to the exterior, it would be even more perfect!

5 Excellent

GT_R35

Owner of 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G

As the owner of the 2023 Corolla 1.8G, I've been driving it for almost half a year and I like it more and more! First of all, I’d give full marks for its performance—considering the traffic jams every day in Malaysia, the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine + CVT combination is impressively smooth. Following traffic at low speeds is completely jerk-free, and overtaking on the highway feels effortless. Last week I took my family to Genting Highlands, and the power output was very linear while climbing slopes—absolutely effortless. The chassis tuning is also stable with minimal body roll during cornering, making long trips on the North-South Highway particularly comfortable. I’m super satisfied with the interior as well. The 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the 9-inch central control screen exude tech vibes and operate smoothly without lag. The seats are genuine leather, and the driver’s seat has electric adjustment and lumbar support, so my back doesn’t get sore on long drives. The dual-zone air conditioning system with rear air vents ensures that the whole family stays cool in Kuala Lumpur’s 35-degree heat, and there’s enough storage space for phones, wallets, and other items. In terms of safety, I’d rate it 4 stars. The equipment is already quite comprehensive—7 airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous braking are all included. However, when I was in Penang and a motorcycle suddenly darted out, the autonomous braking reacted a bit slower, and I had to hit the brakes myself to stop in time. If the response were faster, it would be perfect. As for the exterior, it’s subjective, but I’d rate it just 4 stars. The large front grille looks bold, but the side lines are relatively conservative—lacking the sporty vibe of the Civic. However, the LED headlights and 17-inch wheels are still quite pleasing to look at, and it stands out well when parked in the neighborhood. In summary, this car is really suitable for family use in Malaysia. It’s fuel-efficient, worry-free, and spacious enough. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get a good C-segment car!

5 Excellent

i30N

Owner of 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G

As the owner of the 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G, after driving it for more than half a year in Malaysia, I truly feel that I made the right choice with this car! Let me start with the performance: the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine paired with the CVT transmission is especially smooth during Kuala Lumpur's rush hour traffic; you step on the accelerator, and it moves forward seamlessly without any jerking. On weekends, when I take my family to Genting Highlands, the power is more than adequate for climbing hills without feeling underpowered; fuel consumption is approximately 6.5L/100km, which is quite economical considering Malaysia's fuel prices. Regarding the interior, the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the 9-inch central control screen exude a high-tech feel. The dual-zone automatic climate control is especially practical in Malaysia's hot weather. The front seats also feature electric adjustments and lumbar support, so even long-distance drives are comfortable. The rear space is also very spacious, making it comfortable for the family. What reassures me the most are the safety features, including 7 airbags, active braking, lane departure warning, etc. Last time on the Penang highway, I almost had a rear-end collision, but the active braking system intervened in time and literally saved my life! Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with this car in terms of performance, interior, and safety, and I highly recommend it to my friends in Malaysia!

5 Excellent

AudiZ

Owner of 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G

As a 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G owner, after driving it for more than half a year, I truly feel I made the right choice! First, let's talk about performance. Everyone knows the road conditions in Malaysia – traffic jams in the city are commonplace, and occasionally you need to overtake on the highway. This 1.8L naturally aspirated engine paired with a CVT transmission may not have the most aggressive acceleration at start, but its smoothness is undeniable. Driving in traffic, it's especially comfortable to follow other cars without any jerking feel. At a cruising speed of 120km/h on the highway, it's very stable. When you step on the accelerator for overtaking, the power output is linear and not abrupt, making it easy to handle journeys on the East Coast Expressway or North-South Expressway. The fuel consumption is also quite impressive, with an overall average of about 6.5L/100km. This is very satisfactory for a C-segment car. Performance gets a 5/5 – no complaints! As for the interior, the overall design is simple and elegant, and the workmanship is quite exquisite. The dashboard is wrapped with soft-touch materials, giving it a nice texture. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and the 9-inch central control screen add a strong sense of technology, and the CarPlay connectivity is very smooth. However, there is a minor regret: the front passenger seat still uses manual adjustment. For a car in this price range, it would be perfect if it came with electric adjustment. So, I’ll rate the interior 4/5. Overall, I’m satisfied, but there’s room for improvement. Safety features are definitely Corolla's strong suit. With 7 airbags, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and ACC adaptive cruise control all standard, the safety features are commendable. One time, I was driving on a road in Selangor when the car in front suddenly braked hard. My car immediately issued a warning and automatically braked, narrowly preventing a rear-end collision – it truly saved me! Plus, ACC is incredibly practical on highways; it frees up my right foot, making long drives much less tiring. Given how chaotic traffic can sometimes be in Malaysia, having these safety features provides great peace of mind. Safety scores a full 5/5 – absolutely no issues, and it makes me feel very secure! Overall, the 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G has been an excellent experience to use in Malaysia. It's reliable in performance, comfortable in its interior, and rich in safety features, making it a highly suitable car for family use!

4 Excellent

Z4G29

Owner of 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G

Here is the translation of the content: As the owner of the 2023 Toyota Corolla 1.8G, having driven it for more than half a year in Malaysia, I’d like to share my thoughts on its exterior and interior~ The exterior gets 4 stars. Actually, the overall design is quite pleasing and durable, especially the LED headlights which have high visibility during those rainy evenings in Kuala Lumpur. The streamlined body also looks sharp when driving on the North-South Expressway. However, to be honest, the large grille at the front may appear a bit "too flashy" for some local conservative friends. Personally, I think it's fine, but occasionally when I park in older neighborhoods in Klang Valley, neighbors do ask me "Did you modify the front bumper?" — perhaps because of its contrast with the stable styling of the older Corolla model. So, I deducted one point. It's not perfect, but definitely not bad-looking. The interior deserves full marks! The first feeling when sitting inside is "this is way too comfortable for a Toyota" — the dual-zone automatic air-conditioning is incredibly useful in Malaysia’s year-round 30-degree weather. My friends in the passenger seat always mention, "This is cooler than my home aircon." The 12.3-inch full LCD dashboard is very clear, and checking navigation during traffic jams is not eye-straining. The most pleasantly surprising feature is the rear air conditioning vents. Every time I take my family to Genting Highlands, my parents in the back always say, “Our feet don’t feel stuffy anymore.” The leather seats feel very premium and the 8-way electric adjustable driver’s seat has lumbar support, making long drives to Ipoh for 3 hours feel not tiring at all. The overall workmanship is solid, and the center console screen’s response is quick. Locally, it’s ranked among the top in terms of interior texture for cars in the same class~ Overall, the exterior is the type that "grows on you," while the interior is so comfortable that "once you’ve experienced it, there’s no going back." For daily commuting and family use, I’m quite satisfied with both of these aspects!