2019 / 2020 Corolla Hatchback | The Practical Corolla

Toyota's Corolla hasn't always come as a hatch in America but Toyota now seems dedicated to the more practical form of their compact vehicle. The new Corolla hatch is our first preview of what the upcoming 2020 Corolla sedan will be when it launches later this year.

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[MrEdwardCollins]

I bought a black Corolla Hatchback in May of 2019. I've had zero problems with it so far. I absolutely love it. Great gas mileage, lots of cargo room, great visibility, handles well... I find myself driving it more than I do my sports car. (A Nissan 370z.) I bought the Corolla to replace my 2001 Toyota Celica, which I sold after it reached 200, 000 miles. I think I like the Corolla more than I do the Celica, and I'm a huge fan of Celicas.

[rightlanehog]

What a fine summation Alex. For those wrestling with the abject lack of rear passenger legroom, it must be noted that Toyota is only offering us 66.6% of their worldwide Corolla lineup. Their European Corolla wagon offers rear leg and cargo room by the acre or, more precisely, by the hectare. Japan's Corolla wagon is a touch smaller but offers a 50 mpg eAWD Hybrid option.

[theconformist]

A fun-to-drive car with a hatch that's ACTUALLY small? This is great. I miss the days when cars were smaller. Thanks, Toyota!

[smonkey]

Wow, didn't realize the back seat space is that small! Thanks Alex.

[martinmartin]

Bring the wagon ! The cargo space on this one is not even close to that of the old Matrix ( 49 cubicfeet ) . I miss the 70 cubic feet of cargo space that we found in the Xb .

[alliejr]

This is my favorite Toyota design since the MR2. I also love this color and that electric blue color also.

[donr]

Really liked the review, I appreciate the comparison's you did for this segment. I just purchased a 2021 Corolla Hatchback XSE w/6 speed manual, silver metallic w/a black metallic roof and I love it, I would still buy the Toyota over any of the others. I have been burned by Honda on a 2008 Accord V-6, bought new. I did have excellent luck with a 2003 Civic automatic EX, great car and 185, 000 no real issue miles an 15 years of ownership. to me the corolla hatchback is just a gorgeous little car and very sporty with the manual. I traded a VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI w/ a DSG double clutch Transmission and 80K miles on the odometer. I like wangons and hatchback cars. They just look better to me. I just got tired of the maintenance costs associated with German autos. Trust the Toyota Corolla. Go drive one in a manual, it is so much fun. Ride and handling are very good for this segment, independent multilink rear suspension makes a big difference and I think is pretty rare in this category.

[dirtyberry]

I put red reflectors lengthwise in the fake exhaust outlets. I bought inexpensive self sticking rectangular reflectors at the autos supply and cut them lengthwise and stuck them inside the chrome outlets. They look great and factory perfect on my Black Hatchback XSE.

[Mark-v_]

I was waiting for this review for a long time! Thank you! Great review as always.

[HappyCarReviews]

I'M TOTALLY IN LOVE with this car 😍 too BAD I could only AFFORD the sedan, but I LOVE IT TOO 😅

[HJUdallReviews]

Actually, Toyota announced the discontinuation of the Auris nameplate in Europe shortly after this vehicle was first introduced in Geneva. They have since gone on to sell the vehicle as the Corolla hatchback. However the Auris name still survives in Taiwan of all places

[mishimposble]

I'll take the Toyota reliability as the most important feature anyday when purchasing a car.

[Vegas_Des]

Finally, a car I can afford that you are reviewing

[typesblue]

I know that you had previously reviewed the manual when it was first released, and it was also an excellent review. I was hoping you'd also review the CVT (I actually made a request at some point) and am very happy that you've done so. Thanks, Alex, and another stellar review

[kimberlymackey]

I fell in love with this car in July but have been patiently waiting for the roller bag test before pulling the trigger. I love your reviews, so thorough and unbiased. Thank you! Keep up the good work

[eugenetadie]

I just bought a 2019 XSE manual. I tested most of the competition and found the Corolla to be the best combination of interior and exterior design and execution, together with sound mechanicals. Your review and that on SavageGeese were the best and most informative available. Many thanks.

[universalhologram]

What a good review! I like the "for your consideration" bit, it's nice to check out the competition.

[rbielarski]

We have the 2017 Corolla IM & just love it. Our other car is a leased 2017 Fusion Energi but as Ford has decided to discontinue that model we will be at a loss in 2020 when the lease ends. I think we will await the Corolla sedan to see how much room and comfort it overs in the hybrid model. Besides Toyota's reliability & resale value, the dealership service we are experiencing is exceptional. Great video as usual Alex!

[utbp]

Well done as a reviewer.  I opted for the Corolla XSE with its CVT.  Just couldn't get over the non body lines on the Mazda 3 hatch, and I test drove a Civic hatch, but felt it was oversized esp the length from the middle post to the from end, and disliked the rear styling, and of course I choose to stay from the turbo models (more costs in maintenance)  if possible. Keep in mind (you didn't mention fuel injection types any of them use) the Toyota uses dual port and direct fueling which helps to prevent carbon buildup in the top end of the engine. These Direct injection only engines are having real issues with premature carbon build up, and coupled with turbos, it might completely drain you saving account to fix or repair one of these type engines let alone hugely effect your re-sale value.

[mhicks]

I was a shopper in this segment over the summer. I bought a Civic type R. No regrets. Yes its almost double the price of all the base models in this segment, but its easily 5 times more fun to drive while sacrificing none of the practicality.