2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review

Name: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $10,000 - $23,590

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 4dr Hatchback Exterior

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback Exterior. Options Shown.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback Exterior

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Toyota Corolla Hatchback model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Lots of standard advanced driving aids
Enjoyable handling capability along with a smooth ride quality
Easy to see out of

Cons

Rivals offer more cargo and cabin storage space
Not much rear legroom
No Android Auto

What's new

Redesigned Corolla debuts in a new hatchback body style
Improved interior design and materials
Standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity
Part of the 12th Corolla generation introduced for 2019

American car shoppers have traditionally shown a tepid interest in small hatchbacks, especially since small crossover SUVs have become so popular. So it might come as a bit of a surprise to learn that Toyota has decided to kick off its newest Corolla generation in this unloved body style. The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is all-new, while its sedan sibling carries forward on previous-generation hardware. (An updated sedan is due for the 2020 model year.)

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$113/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Improvements this year include edgy styling, a well-appointed interior and surprisingly enjoyable performance. A 7.8-second 0-60 mph time shows the Corolla is packing heat this time around, too — the outgoing Corolla sedan took a lethargic 10 seconds to make the same run. And as is the case with most Toyotas now, a healthy complement of advanced driver safety features, including forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, come standard.

Our main concern relates to something you wouldn't typically expect to be an issue: utility. The Corolla Hatchback's cargo area is only slightly larger than the sedan's, and rival hatchbacks offer up to 50 percent more capacity. But on the whole, this new Corolla is a strong contender.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.4 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE (2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed manual | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.4 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.0
Technology	7.0

Driving

7.5

It's hard to remember the last time we had fun driving a Corolla, and this new hatchback has us crossing our fingers that this is not an anomaly. Power is adequate, while braking, steering and handling are surprisingly good. The only disappointment here is the manual transmission's vague clutch pedal feel.

Acceleration

7.5

Power isn't overwhelming, but the smooth-revving engine is fun and willing to pull right to redline every time. The distinct lack of low-end torque makes quick getaways difficult. In Edmunds testing, our Corolla Hatchback test car accelerated from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds.

Braking

8.0

The brake pedal makes smooth stops a breeze thanks to the right amount of pedal stroke and decent feel. Panic braking from 60 mph in our testing revealed good consistency and a stopping distance of about 125 feet.

Steering

8.0

The steering doesn't provide a lot of feel, but its weighting is spot-on. The steering response is quick and accurate, too. Overall, the Corolla Hatchback makes a sporty initial impression.

Handling

8.0

The Corolla's suspension is well-tuned. On a twisty road, it's surprisingly fun and engaging to drive. Tire grip is ultimately modest. But with better tires and a limited-slip differential, it would be an exceptionally fun handler.

Drivability

5.5

It's nearly impossible to pull away from a stop smoothly because of the slow clutch and throttle calibration. The best way to be smooth is to shift quickly. The shifter lever is quick but also slightly loose and notchy.

Comfort

8.0

One of the surprises of this new Corolla is how well the suspension strikes a balance between comfort and composure. It also benefits from a smooth engine, comfortable seats and a relatively quiet interior.

Seat comfort

8.0

The heated front seats of the XSE will appeal to a variety of drivers. They are fairly comfortable even on long journeys. There's even a decent amount of support for enthusiastic driving. The rear seats are firm but not overly so, and the seatback angle is agreeable.

Ride comfort

8.5

The 18-inch wheels of the Corolla Hatchback XSE can make the ride quality choppy on rough roads, but overall the ride is surprisingly supple. It feels a tick soft when driving over freeway undulations, but the body stays well under control. There's suitable composure when you're driving hard.

Noise & vibration

8.0

Overall, the Corolla Hatchback is pretty quiet. The engine is smooth and doesn't provide any untoward vibrations at higher revs. The side windows are the source of the only wind noise, which intrudes into the cabin at higher speeds. The tires can get pretty noisy on coarse surfaces.

Climate control

7.5

The little buttons are a bit difficult to press without a second glance. That said, the climate control unit is very space-efficient and certainly does its part to make the interior look more upscale. Airflow is good for all passengers.

Interior

7.5

The Corolla's interior should appeal to a wide variety of drivers. Its controls can be figured out quickly, and the easy outward visibility inspires driver confidence. But the somewhat small back seat brings the scoring down a little.

Ease of use

7.5

Though it might take a minute to decipher the new-for-Toyota button arrangement, the interior quickly makes sense. The climate control buttons are a bit crowded, and the infotainment buttons are a bit small. Instrumentation is clear but could use more information in its digital display.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

There's ample access to the front seats thanks to a large door opening. The seat height makes getting in and out a breeze. Taller rear-seat passengers will need to watch their heads. The compact nature of the Corolla means the rear door opening isn't anywhere near as generous as the front's.

Driving position

8.0

Adjustments can be made quickly. Drivers of varying sizes will be able to get comfortable behind the wheel. There's a decent amount of adjustment from the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, too.

Roominess

7.0

Front passengers have more than enough room all around, but taller occupants will steal most of the legroom from rear-seat passengers. There's ample shoulder room in the rear, and the back of the front seats are cut away to allow for a bit more rear-seat knee room. Even so, taller passengers will still be cramped.

Visibility

8.5

As you'd expect from a small hatchback, there's great visibility in every direction. A low hoodline aids forward visibility while plenty of side glass makes lane changes stress-free. The rear headrests can block the already small-ish rear window, but the headrests can be removed when not in use.

Quality

7.5

In XSE trim, the Corolla Hatchback is trimmed with simulated leather and contrasting stitching on the seats and dashboard. Panel fit is good, and the climate controls and touchscreen go a long way toward pushing the interior upmarket.

Utility

6.0

A small and practical hatchback can be a surprisingly versatile car, assuming its cargo area is large enough. But the Corolla's cargo space is spoiled by a high floor. Also, the interior doesn't offer many clever solutions to modern storage needs.

Small-item storage

6.5

The door pockets and cupholders provide decent room for a small assortment of items. In front of the shift lever, there's a shelf that looks to be for a smartphone, but it's not really big enough to hold one. The center console bin is also a bit small and awkward to reach into.

Cargo space

5.5

An almost comically high load floor takes much of the practicality out of this hatchback. With the seats up, the cargo space is short and shallow, amounting to only 17.8 cubic feet. For comparison, competitors such as the Kia Forte and the Hyundai Elantra GT offer more.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

The LATCH anchors are protected by plastic covers and are easily accessible at the base of the outboard rear seats. Large rear-facing infant car seats might necessitate moving the front seats forward, but a parent's access to the back seats is good.

Technology

7.0

Apple CarPlay is finally here and allows you to escape the pitfalls of Toyota's Entune system. However, Android customers will still have to deal with this comprehensively unloved in-house interface. The voice controls do work well once you set them up. Toyota's full complement of standard active safety and driver convenience aids are also here.

Audio & navigation

5.0

Toyota's Entune system continues to frustrate. Even with the high-mounted 8-inch screen, the layout, various speed-related lockouts, and the lack of a native navigation system for cars equipped with a manual transmission make for a frustrating experience. The decent audio system helps, but other cars do this much better.

Smartphone integration

7.0

There's one USB port under the dash for Apple CarPlay connection. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, and Amazon Alexa is also supported. Android users are out of luck and will be forced to download a proprietary navigation app for any route guidance.

Driver aids

8.0

The Corolla hatch comes standard with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam control, lane keeping assistance and more. If you opt for the CVT automatic, you also get lane centering assistance and an upgraded adaptive cruise that can bring the car down to a full stop.

Voice control

8.0

The voice recognition system is reasonably accurate so long as you follow the tutorial and set up the system to recognize your voice. It can be a bit time-consuming. But once this process is completed, commands are usually identified correctly.

Compare 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback models

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a four-door hatchback with seating for five. It's available in two trims: the fairly well-equipped SE and the more luxurious XSE. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (168 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on both trims, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional.

Standard equipment for the SE includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, heated mirrors, a driver information display, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40-split folding rear bench, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice controls, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system with two USB ports and Apple CarPlay.

Standard safety features include Toyota Safety Connect emergency communications, automatic high-beam control, adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning system (with pedestrian and cyclist detection plus automatic emergency braking), and lane keeping assist.

SE models with the CVT automatic also get steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, lane centering assist, and a version of the adaptive cruise control system that can bring the Corolla to a complete stop (the manual-equipped version deactivates at low speeds). Selecting the CVT automatic also opens the door to the SE Preferred package, which adds a blind-spot monitor, HD and satellite radio, and Toyota's Entune app services.

Compared to the SE, the XSE adds 18-inch wheels, LED foglights, a chrome grille, an upgraded driver information display, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery with cloth inserts, HD and satellite radio, and Toyota's Entune app services.

Models equipped with the CVT automatic also get the blind-spot monitor. The CVT automatic's optional XSE Preferred package further adds a wireless charging pad, a navigation system and an eight-speaker JBL premium audio system. This package can be ordered with or without adaptive headlights.

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Toyota Corolla Hatchback Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

29 reviews

5(62%)

4(21%)

3(10%)

2(3%)

1(4%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love this car!

Ronda, 01/30/2019

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

It’s quick, nimble, has responsive steering, sticks firmly to the road and is a joy to drive. I have zero complaints. I test drove many cars before this one, but when I finally got a chance to drive one, that was it. Every time I get in it to go some where, I like it even more. It also helped that it has Toyota’s reliability standing behind it as well. As long I do my part (change …

Flame Blue Hatchback Sizzles

Denise, 06/24/2019

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

I have owned my blue flame Corolla for 4 years now and have no plans to sell it. It was a good investment for me and I so enjoy driving my XSE model. Such fun. I also have paddles but I haven't used them yet. This car delivers all that I need.

Great commuter car that can still fit the family

Timothy Burgess, 05/15/2019

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

I purchased my 2019 Corolla Hatchback XSE (CVT) about 2 months ago. So far I have put about 1,100 miles. My combined mileage so far is 29MPG; I use the car for a short commute (10 miles each way), granted the speed limit never goes above 45 on my commute and there are several stop lights. Im sure it will do much better on the highway. No maintenance issues so far. The car is very sporty …

Just right!

Erwin A. of Chicago, 10/24/2018

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Cute, cheap, fun . Perfect proportions, improve cvt with one gear to minimized the rubbery feel of cvt , 2.0 engine non-turbo, reliability will last 200,000 miles no problems, just change the oil regularly that’s it.,I live in the city / easy to drive / comfortable very good suspension set McPherson’s in front and multi link in the back / rigid platform, long term peace of mind / no …

See all 29 reviews of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback

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2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback video

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE is a high-revving hatchback with an easy and enjoyable manual transmission. Watch our review for all the details.

2019 Corolla Hatchback Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$20,140
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$113/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Corolla Hatchback models:

Pre-Collision System: Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist: Warns if you are drifting out of your lane and corrects the steering if you don't respond in time.
Automatic High Beams: Activates high beams automatically on dark roads and deactivates them when the system detects an oncoming vehicle.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review

Price & Payment

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Toyota Certified Program Overview

2019 Toyota Corolla HatchbackSE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2019 Toyota Corolla HatchbackXSE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2019 Toyota Corolla HatchbackSE 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which Corolla Hatchback does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback models

Toyota Corolla Hatchback Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love this car!

Flame Blue Hatchback Sizzles

Great commuter car that can still fit the family

Just right!

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback video