The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback showcases a well-designed, compact car that effectively combines smart design, modern technology, and advanced safety features. Available in two versions – SE and XSE – this model brings a fresh level of adaptability to cars in its class. Both versions offer unique features, ensuring a personalized driving experience for all types of drivers. With its exceptional features, the Corolla Hatchback promises more than just transportation, it delivers a satisfying ownership experience.
Exterior Highlights
The appeal of the Corolla Hatchback begins at first sight, with its thoughtfully designed exterior features that provide both visual interest and functionality. Auto on/off headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and taillights are standard across both trims. The automatic high beams ensure the car intelligently adjusts to lighting conditions, providing optimum visibility. Unique to the XSE trim are integrated LED fog lights, offering increased visibility in sub-par weather conditions.
Wheel and color design also diverge between the trims. The SE model sits on 16-inch alloy wheels, while the XSE model makes a statement with 18-inch graphite-colored alloy wheels. The option of additional features, such as a black rear spoiler, roof, and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, allow for personalization of the vehicle.
Interior Design and Comfort
Step inside the Corolla Hatchback and you’ll find a welcome blend of comfort, design, and practicality. The SE model boasts fabric sport seats and a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display, ensuring essential information is readily available to the driver. Meanwhile, the XSE model upscales to Softex-trimmed (imitation leather) sport seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a front seat heater, and a larger 7-inch digital gauge cluster, providing comfort and convenience in tandem.
The car provides seating for four and can squeeze in a fifth occupant if needed. Rear legroom is somewhat limited, but for shorter journeys, it’s quite manageable. In terms of storage, the cargo compartment delivers a decent amount of space, with the option to expand by folding the rear seats. You should note, however, that the rear seats do not fold completely flat.
Advanced Technology
The Corolla Hatchback is furnished with an 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. The SE comes with a six-speaker system, while the XSE incorporates an eight-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. Both trims provide wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto compatibility and SiriusXM® with a 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription. A standout feature of the XSE model is the addition of a Qi wireless charging system, further simplifying device charging on the go.
The vehicle introduces an exciting voice-controlled feature, activated by saying “Hey, Toyota.” This allows the driver to locate radio stations, receive directions, or adjust the cabin temperature without taking their hands off the wheel – a convenience that also enhances safety by reducing potential distractions.
Uncompromised Safety
The Corolla Hatchback emphasizes safety, incorporating features like the Star Safety System and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite as standard on both the SE and XSE models. The following is a breakdown of the salient features:
Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection: This system actively scans the road ahead for vehicles and pedestrians. If it anticipates a potential collision, it alerts the driver and can automatically apply the brakes if necessary, to mitigate or avoid an accident.
Dynamic radar cruise control: This smart feature maintains a preset distance from the vehicle in front of you. If that vehicle slows down, your Corolla Hatchback automatically reduces speed to maintain that distance, and it can even bring the car to a stop if required.
Lane departure alert with steering assist: This feature alerts you if it detects your vehicle unintentionally deviating from its lane. If necessary, the steering assist function can provide minor corrective steering inputs to help guide your car back to the center of the lane.
Lane tracing assist: In conjunction with the dynamic radar cruise control, this feature keeps your vehicle centered in its lane when cruise control is active, even on mild highway curves.
Road sign assist: This system is engineered to recognize certain road signs and present the information on the display. This ensures that drivers stay informed and attentive to road rules.
Automatic high beams: This safety system automatically switches between high and low beams when it detects oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead, improving visibility for you and other road users.
Proactive driving assist: According to Toyota, when system operating conditions are met, the Proactive Driving Assist uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering. This feature is designed to support driving tasks such as maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist.
These features work together to elevate safety, convenience, and driving comfort for both the driver and passengers.
Ten airbags, designed for maximum protection, and the inclusion of a standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on the XSE model provide an added layer of safety.
Customizable Packages
Lastly, the SE model offers an optional package that includes blind spot warning indicators on color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and a power tilt/slide moonroof. Options for enhanced cargo space and a two-tone roof are available on both models, providing additional versatility and style.
Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is powered by a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. This power is sent to the front wheels via an efficient and seamless continuously variable transmission, contributing to quick acceleration and enhanced fuel economy.
In addition to this standard offering, Toyota presents the GR Corolla model, equipped with a more powerful engine. This variant houses a 1.6-liter twin-turbocharged three-cylinder engine, generating a significantly higher output of 300 horsepower and up to 295 pound-feet of torque. The GR Corolla’s power is managed by a six-speed manual transmission and it features an all-wheel-drive system, augmenting the dynamic performance capabilities of the Corolla lineup.
On the Road
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback exhibits solid performance for its class. Its engine delivers reliable acceleration for city driving and sufficient power for overtaking on highways. The steering is responsive and light, offering precise control in a variety of conditions.
Handling is a strong suit for the Corolla Hatchback. It stands out in its segment, exhibiting capabilities that have steadily improved across generations. The car maneuvers with ease, whether navigating tight city corners or winding roads. The braking system is robust, providing firm, reliable stops.
Despite the typical engine noise associated with a continuously variable transmission under full throttle, the transmission operates smoothly, enhancing overall drive comfort. A key advantage of this model is fuel efficiency, with up to 40 mpg achievable on the highway. While not marketed as a sporty model, the Corolla Hatchback’s driving feel and performance exceed the expectations for the mainstream compact car segment.
Competitive Set
The compact car segment, although shrinking, still features a few noteworthy contenders. Among these, the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra stand out as the strongest rivals to the Toyota Corolla. Other competitors include the Mazda3, Volkswagen Jetta, Kia Forte, Subaru Impreza, and Hyundai Elantra. Interestingly, traditional American brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge are absent in this category, having discontinued their compact models.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback Conclusion
The Corolla’s status as the highest-selling model ever can be attributed to more than just its recognizable name. It offers a blend of affordability, thoughtful design, appropriate interior space, impressive fuel economy, and unparalleled reliability. The Corolla lineup, whether in the form of a sedan, hybrid, hatchback, or the sportier GR Corolla, has an offering suitable for a wide variety of everyday users. Furthermore, the Corolla Cross utility vehicle extends the model’s appeal, adding a more versatile and spacious option to the lineup.
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