Can the updated 12th generation Toyota Corolla tow? Maximum Corolla towing capacity? Need a Corolla towbar?

Can the updated 12th generation Toyota Corolla tow?  Maximum Corolla towing capacity?  Need a Corolla towbar?

With cities getting ever more crowded, smaller cars are becoming even more popular.  Many people assume small cars cannot tow.  You can use your small vehicle to tow, either a popup caravan, take rubbish to the tip with a box trailer or take your bikes along on your next weekend trip.

Toyota's Corolla is the best-selling car worldwide, and the 12th-generation model has just been given an update for 2023.  On the outside, the 2023 Corolla is indistinguishable from past model years with this update focusing primarily on its interior and underpinnings.

Toyota made a giant leap with its 12th-generation Corolla. Available as a five-door hatch or a slightly-stretched four-door sedan, the small segment-leading Corolla is notable for its solid, and quality build. The latest models are also notable for their much-improved driveability.  The five-door hatchback is easy to spot with its bold, narrowed LED headlights, integrated daytime running lights and a huge front grille. Sharp lines contour the Corolla's exterior, delivering a sleek and sporty look that has catapulted the Corolla's appeal.

The rear has benefitted, too, with sharply profiled tail-lights and a prominent bumper that our testers agree gives the humble Corolla a touch of Lexus luxury –

Toyota has rated its 12th Gen Corrolla with a maximum of 1300kgs towing capacity (check your owner's manual as it differs depending on your exact specs)

The new 12th Gen Corolla is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering improved ride quality, enhanced comfort, cutting-edge safety features, and a stylish interior design. The new 2.0-liter petrol engine also delivered impressive performance. With the integration of the Toyota Safety Sense suite, Toyota demonstrated its attention to detail by prioritising advanced driver assistance technologies. The increasing demand for a larger version of the Corolla has led to the introduction of the Corolla Cross in 2022.  Seems the Corolla is only getting more popular.

A new 2.0-litre four-cylinder Toyota Dynamic Force petrol engine delivers 21 per cent more power (125kW) and 15 per cent more torque (200Nm) than its 1.8-litre predecessor while using less fuel. A new Direct Shift continuously variable transmission offers a ten-speed sequential shift mode and mechanical launch gear – the first in the world for a passenger-car CVT – to promote brisk yet fuel-efficient off-the-line acceleration.
Corolla’s improved hybrid system is lighter and more compact due to advances in engine, electric motor and battery technologies: smaller, lighter and more efficient. The 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine shares a raft of technical features with the new 2.0-litre engine, including world-leading thermal efficiency of 40 per cent and a 13:1 compression ratio. The Corolla Hybrid variants score a power boost with the 2023 update.  The same 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is now paired with a new high-output motor generator, power control unit, and more compact hybrid transaxle, with the maximum system output now 103kW, marking a 13kW boost and fuel economy of 3.9 litres/100km

The hatchback has a pretty tiny 217-litre boot, the Corolla sedan, fortunately, has a more practical 440-litre boot - fitting a towbar reaps rewards when loading up the car for a holiday. 

The immediate thing you notice in the refreshed cabin is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster added ahead of the driver in this top-spec variant which offers a crisp display and a good degree of customisability, with trip, phone, navigation, and vehicle information able to be selected as you please, along with the choice of two-dial, one-dial, and no-dial layouts.

Another feature is the new infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard, although still a 7.0-inch, the new display is much clearer and doesn’t have the grainy, washed-out look of the former version. It’s based on the Lexus system which means it now offers wireless Apple CarPlay and integrated sat nav in all Corolla variants. It’s also worth noting that you can control some vehicle functions through your smartphone using the Toyota Connect system.
Other available upgrades include heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, and an electric glass sunroof.

The hatch is handy and versatile, while the sedan is roomy and more elegant. Safety is a priority: All Corollas get autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian avoidance and lane-departure warning/lane-keep assist.

Toyota keeps it simple, the Corolla is familiar, effortless and uncomplicated. You get in, put it in drive and go. Best of all the Corolla is fun to drive.  

Need a Corolla towbar?  We have a full range of towbars for the 12th Gen Corolla sedan and hatch.  The increasing demand for a larger version has led to the introduction of the Corolla Cross in 2022, of course, we also offer towbars for the Corolla Cross.