2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review
Price Range: $16,998 - $23,998





+180
Average
7.5
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback model years
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- A sporty-looking Special Edition trim debuts
- New rear-seat side airbags and broader availability of the blind-spot monitor
- Part of the 12th Corolla generation introduced for 2019
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$118/mo for Corolla Hatchback SE
Corolla Hatchback SE
vs
$158/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Toyota Corolla Hatchback Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(70%)
4(16%)
3(10%)
2(2%)
1(2%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Love this car!
5 out of 5 starsRonda, 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 … the oil, etc.), it’ll be around for a long time.
Flame Blue Hatchback Sizzles
5 out of 5 starsDenise, 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 compact car, plenty of comfort and power!
5 out of 5 starsBob, 06/29/2020
2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
It is a very sporty, cool looking hatchback! The hatchback lid makes the storage area look small, but the lid goes up as you store more supplies in the back! It has remarkable take off power, smooth and zippy! We were surprised at the blastoff feeling from a stopped position. The CVT is smooth and quiet. Nice! AC is cold, cold, COLD! The backup video makes backing up much less stressful … and easier! Plenty of storage in glove compartment and else within the front seat area. The only thing we really don't love is how low it sits to the ground, but that is a small complaint compared to all of the great value of this enjoyable car!
Great commuter car that can still fit the family
5 out of 5 starsTimothy 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 … looking, however looks are a bit deceiving (my other vehicle is a Ford Expedition with the 3.5 twin-turbo, so this admittedly makes it difficult for me to fairly judge the Corolla's power). The handling however is nothing short of excellent, I thoroughly enjoy taking hard corners in this car as it is rather fun! Interior space is ample for me (I'm 6'3" and 245lbs). I can actually fit my whole family into the car (Wife who is 6' and two car seats in the back), granted we are a little cramped (I wouldn’t want to do a long road trip like that), but it has enough room for a short trip into town. My only issue with the vehicle is the Entune system; it is laggy and the layout is just awful. Honestly it was bad enough for me to buy an IPhone just to use CarPlay instead of the native system. Outside of the infotainment system, the car is just awesome. Never would I have thought a Corolla could bring a smile to my face, but this little car definitely does!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, so we've included reviews for other years of the Corolla Hatchback since its last redesign.
2021 Corolla Hatchback Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,465 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $118/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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