History/Overview
The 2019 model year saw Toyota roll out an all-new Corolla hatchback to replace the Corolla iM, a car that began its life as a member of the now-defunct Scion brand.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2023, the Corolla hatchback gets a mid-cycle update of refreshed styling and new paint colours and wheel designs. Toyota has also upgraded the car’s infotainment and driver safety assist systems. Also, last year’s manual transmission option is gone.
Available Trims
Toyota offers the Corolla in SE and XSE trim levels. Both are powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Of note is this year’s introduction of a high-performance GR Corolla variant, but it is covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry.
Standard Features
SE trim comes with power windows, passive keyless entry, six-speaker audio, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a front wiper de-icer, a 4.2-inch driver info display, automatic A/C, 15-inch steel wheels with covers, LED headlights, and heated side mirrors.
The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite comprises forward collision mitigation, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert/steering assist, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams.
XSE trim’s additions are heated front seats, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, a heated steering wheel, driver lumbar, a power driver’s seat, dual-zone A/C, eight-speaker audio, cloth/softex upholstery, fog lights, and a digital gauge display.
Key Options
Toyota offers two option packages for SE trim: SE Plus adds 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert; the SE Upgrade pack builds on that with 18-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, and a heated steering wheel.
Fuel Economy
Toyota’s fuel consumption estimates are 7.5/5.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
The compact hatchback field is pretty thin these days, but you can still cross-shop the Corolla hatch against the Honda Civic, Kia Forte5, Subaru Impreza, and Mazda3 Sport.
