2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

The Corolla is Toyota's venerable entry-level model and the best-selling automotive nameplate of all time. The hatchback version adds a little extra utility thanks to its more generous cargo hold. As such, the Corolla hatchback is a sensible pick if you want an inexpensive and versatile runabout without having to step up to a crossover SUV. Not much changes for the 2026 model year, though the Corolla hatchback does receive a few more standard features and a new retro-inspired FX Edition.

The GR Corolla is the Corolla hatchback's spicy counterpart. When it debuted in 2023, Toyota hadn't sold a fast hatchback in the U.S. in years. The GR was a major palette cleanser. The combination of a 300-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder and all-wheel drive is a riot that will put a smile on your face and keep you entertained mile after mile. But even if you don't feel the need for speed, the regular Corolla hatchback combines the sedan's roomy cabin with a practical liftgate and nearly 5 cubic feet of extra cargo space. Opt for the new FX Edition and you'll get 18-inch white wheels, black wheel lugs and a rear black spoiler, in a nod to the original Corolla hatch from the 1980s.

The Honda Civic hatch is the Corolla's most obvious rival, but it's a more expensive proposition. That said, it features a nicer interior, more cargo space and an optional hybrid powertrain. We expect all of those things to come to the Corolla when it gets a fresh design, likely for 2027. But right now, the Honda is the more well-rounded car. If you want something with an even more upscale interior and the option of turbocharged power, the Mazda 3 hatch is another great option to consider.