Toyota's engineers could have gone without making the 2021 Corolla hatchback fun, but they have. And we're happy they went to the trouble. When equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Corolla is engaging yet remains comfortable and easy to use. Only a smallish cargo space and a mediocre infotainment system hold it back.
For much of its existence, the Toyota Corolla has been practical and comfortable but not particularly bursting with character. But the 2021 Toyota Corolla hatchback might surprise you with its stylish looks and appealing driving performance. Even better, these qualities don't diminish comfort or utility. Compared to the Corolla sedan, the hatchback has more cargo space and makes it easier to load bulky items.
Changes for the 2021 model are few, but the addition of more safety equipment and the new Special Edition trim level are certainly welcome. Overall, the Corolla hatchback is a solid pick for a small hatchback alongside other top rivals such as the Honda Civic hatchback, Hyundai Elantra GT and Mazda 3 hatchback. Read our Expert Rating below to learn more about whether the Corolla hatch is right for you.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Average
7.5
out of 10
We drove the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Corolla Hatchback drive? It has a relatively small engine, but the Corolla hatchback's power is adequate. Our manual-equipped test car covered 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is an average time for this type of car. The brakes are also adequately powerful for emergency stops and are easy to control for smooth stops in typical driving.
The steering doesn't give you much of a feel for the road, but it's quick to respond. Along with the car's balanced handling, the Corolla hatchback makes a sporty initial impression. On a twisty road, this little hatchback is surprisingly fun and engaging.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the Corolla Hatchback? The Corolla hatchback strikes a great balance between comfort and composure. It might be a bit soft over freeway undulations, but the body stays well under control. Go with the SE trim and its smaller 16-inch wheels for maximum comfort. The XSE rides a bit rougher because of its bigger wheels and skinnier sidewall tires.
On the open road, you'll appreciate the fairly quiet interior. The front seats will also appeal to a wide variety of drivers and are relatively comfortable even over long journeys. Airflow from the climate control system is effective at both heating and cooling.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Corolla's climate control buttons are a bit crowded and the infotainment buttons are a bit small, but you can figure things out relatively quickly. There's ample access to the front seats thanks to a large door opening, and the seat height makes getting in and out a breeze.
Adjustments can be made quickly, and drivers of varying sizes will be able to get comfortable behind the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The rear should be OK for most passengers, but taller passengers will desire more legroom. As you'd expect from a compact hatchback, there's great visibility in every direction. A low hoodline aids forward visibility, while plenty of side glass makes lane changes stress-free.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Corolla hatch comes standard with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam control and lane keeping assist — an impressive array for a car in this price range. The high-mounted 8-inch touchscreen is visually appealing, but various speed-related lockouts and a lack of a native navigation system make for a frustrating experience. The decent audio system helps, but other cars have much better.
The native voice recognition system is reasonably accurate as long as you follow the tutorial and set up the system to recognize your voice. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now included and are effective voice command work-arounds.
Storage
6/10
How’s the storage? A small, practical hatchback can be a surprisingly versatile car, but a high floor spoils the Corolla's cargo space. Behind the rear seats you get 17.8 cubic feet. But competitors such as the Honda Civic and the Hyundai Elantra GT offer more.
The door pockets and decent cupholders mean there's some room for small items. In front of the shift lever, there's a shelf that looks to be for a phone, but it's not really big enough to hold one. The center console bin is also a bit small and awkward to reach into. For family duty, the Corolla has a decent amount of space for rear-facing child safety seats. The car seat anchors are easily accessible.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Corolla hatchback gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined with the six-speed manual transmission or up to a rather impressive 35 mpg with the automatic. Our manual-equipped test car returned 30 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route. Our total test fuel economy with random driving mixed in was a more lackluster 25.9 mpg, but we believe the EPA estimate should be achievable for most drivers.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Corolla Hatchback a good value? The Corolla hatchback is well built, offers good fuel economy, and comes with a lot of standard safety features. Overall warranty coverage is average, though you do get free scheduled maintenance for services such as oil changes and tire rotations for the first two years/25,000 miles.
Wildcard
8.5/10
"Surprising" might be the best word to describe the Corolla hatchback. Its styling and upscale interior push the Corolla name a little more upmarket. And its compliant ride, fun handling and willing engine make it genuinely fun. All that and an available manual transmission give it real potential as a fun-to-drive hatchback even if it doesn't quite make it into hot-hatch territory.
This 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE in blue represents a well-maintained compact car that balances practicality with modern conveniences, making it ...
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback trim level differences
The 2021 Toyota Corolla hatchback is available in three trim levels: SE, SE Nightshade and XSE. There's also a Special Edition package that's based on the SE trim. All Corolla hatchbacks are powered by a 168-horsepower four-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is typically standard but you can get the SE and XSE trims with a six-speed manual transmission. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback trim levels in-depth.
Which Corolla Hatchback trim does Edmunds recommend?
We suggest going with the top-level XSE model with the continuously variable automatic transmission. Yes, it's the most expensive version in the lineup, but features including dual-zone automatic climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat make it worth the premium.
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Dependable, good-looking, comfortable, and convenient. All very relatable adjectives to describe what the Corolla Hatchback delivers to its user. If you want the full experience, get the 6-speed. This car has just the right amount of spunk to take corners with high RPMs.
Amazing Car
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing car, 03/25/2021
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
This is a great car that drives as good as it looks. 6 speed manual shifts like butter & the appearance is very sporty & nicely appointed interior.
Sporty, spacious and all the bells and whistles
5 out of 5 stars
Tami E, 02/26/2021
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Super sleek and sporty, has tons of room for all the stuff we trek around. Drives with some zip. All the bells and whistles that make us happy! A really happy teen owns this one and surely it will last a long time
nice car, nice value and quality
5 out of 5 stars
4th time toyota owner, 10/11/2020
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Let's face it all these cars are pretty damm similar. Toyota has quality, reputation, dependably and value. Nice touch screen up front, nice ride, decent leg room up front.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Corolla Hatchback both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.5 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 Corolla Hatchback gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 13 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Corolla Hatchback has 17.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Learn more
Is the Toyota Corolla Hatchback reliable?
To determine whether the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Corolla Hatchback. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Corolla Hatchback's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Corolla Hatchback and gave it a 7.5 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 Corolla Hatchback gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 13 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Corolla Hatchback is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?
The least-expensive 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $20,465.
Other versions include:
SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $20,465
SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $21,565
SE Nightshade Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,465
XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $23,415
XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $24,515
What are the different models of Toyota Corolla Hatchback?
If you're interested in the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, the next question is, which Corolla Hatchback model is right for you? Corolla Hatchback variants include SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M), SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT), SE Nightshade Edition 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and XSE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M). For a full list of Corolla Hatchback models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more