2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE - Watch Before You Buy!

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a massive step forward for the Corolla. The interior has gone upscale and its crisp styling should win over new buyers. I found my time with the Corolla very enjoyable. Should you buy it?

It's powered by a 2.0L engine making 169hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The CVT transmission is a game changer and one of the best CVT transmissions I've driven yet. The standard suite of safety tech is impressive. The car I drove was optioned to close to $29,000 in the XSE trim with nearly every option available. If you're looking for a compact car that's fun to drive and looks sharp, the 2020 Toyota Corolla should be at the top of you list.

FYI - for the stopping portion: My foot was sitting on the brake pedal for the entire test. The car began to brake quite early which you cannot see in the video and did not brake to maximum capacity either. I drove the car for a week before filming the video. If the car had not begun braking in time I simply would have stopped the car myself with space to spare.

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[mugensamurai]

This man is so dedicated to his craft he even dressed to match the car.

[kylieTXgirl]

I have the flame blue w/midnight black roof in 6mt and absolutely LOVE it! Fun car to drive and that flame blue color just pops.

[oreylds]

I don‘t really know why, but I like this review style. It‘s calming. Do more of those. Also, when driving the car, please let us hear more of the engine and sounds, there is no music needed 😊

[thefranz]

I have had this car for 3 months or so and I love it. A blast to drive and you didn't mention how comfy the seats were too!

[lilmoris]

All they needed to do was to add AWD and a 2.0L turbo engine with *at least* 210hp

[Garage]

Nice format on this, Eric! Very big time feel video. The car overall looks great. Can't say I love the stuck on screen, but I do appreciate the physical buttons. I hope we get some of the sportier versions!

[matts.]

What’s funny is that the design of the new corolla and Corolla hatch really stuck out to me at the Chicago auto show back in February, and I really dig the XSE, adds a bit of sport to the aggressive new look

[Ang]

Great review my dream car I was a little scared when you was showing us the car stopping at the last minute 😂

[rachelpomol]

I wish they had a sunroof! Great review man!

[basithph]

A Corolla hatch 2.0 with 6-speed manual can be a fun car
A GR Corolla would be so cool!

[swampthing]

I have a '04 T Sport. It' s an amazingly fun vehicle. Modern cars don't have the same character as older ones do. The GR Yaris looks super fun though.

[Tixeros]

Wish they would just bring the 4 wheel drive Yaris with the 4cylinder rally engine to North America

[michaelw]

I bought a ‘24 Corolla SE sedan which is extremely similar to this hatch and I love it, great little car. It isn’t a sports car but it really is a joy to drive. If you can get one for MSRP without dealer add-ons it’s a great value at the price.

[ruthun]

2:30 Doug de muro was hiding in the trunk as seen in rearview mirror? Nice video man. :-)

[THEPAPASMURFTHEOG]

nice looking hatchback, I'd buy it because of the blue color.. this is fire 🔥

[donr]

Eric, really good, professional review. I like your style and I am a subscriber. I actually bought a 2021 a Corolla Hatchback with a 6 speed manual in silver Metallic with a black metallic roof and I love it. Your review is spot on. I particularly enjoyed the coverage of the radar distance following feature and how you actually tested it in the real world. I traded a very cool 2012 VW Jetta Sportwagen with 80K miles, a TDI (turbo diesel) and a DSG (dual clutch transmission), but as German cars do, they cost you, eventually. I know. I have owned many. I love them for what they are. I, however, have no regrets. This Corolla is sporty, especially with the manual transmission. It should be very dependable and low on maintenance costs. It is a Toyota after all.

[guyinnyc]

I have the 2019 version, same flame blue color with the CVT. I like it overall, however i do wish I had more room in the back. I can get my bike in there with the back seats flipped but not much else. As you mentioned, if you're thinking of this as a weekend camping trip type hatchback it will disappoint. Otherwise I'm very happy with it so far, especially with the mileage.

[ilcugginocanadese]

Imagine if the reviewer had even mentioned the existence of the "sport" button and its effects on the transmission especially in manual mode the shifts in sports mode are crisp and quick. Steering is also more responsive and so is the engine mapping curve. If you can only afford ONE vehicle and want the "best" of both fun vehicle and practicality, it will be hard to beat this car.

[oregonsucks]

I have a 2010 Toyota Corolla I had it for 10yrs traded in my ford thunderbird because the engine started smoking it was not good for my 2yr old to be in that because of that and every time I got a ford it broke down a year later but years later I still have my Corolla still runs like a charm I never had major problems only just needed a alternator but this car is in good shape and I alway kept it nice and clean my son is 12 now he likes are Corolla but it’s not only personal car I have a 2002 Kia Rio got in December 4th 2013 I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon had it since January 4th 2016 back on March 17 2018 I got tboned on it lucky for me I had full coverage for it to get fixed it got fixed it just looks the same look before the accident I really like my cars and I will take well good Care of it and Will keep them as long till they start braking witch may not happen

[mikes.]

I like the Corolla hatchback. Needs a version with a little more power and for some reason, the "infotainment" screen looks like an afterthought, like it was added after they started making the dash. 🤷‍♂️