2019 Toyota Corolla XSE Hatchback (6-Speed Manual) - POV Review

MSRP: $23,140
MPG: 28 city / 37 highway
Horsepower: 168 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Curb weight: 3,060 lbs
Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gal
Torque: 155 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
-Buying Tires? bit.ly/2JyRg3j
-Filmed with the GoPro Hero7 Black amzn.to/2CLOWSX
-Binaural Audio recorded with Roland CS-10EM Microphones amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Zoom H2n recorder amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Hat Clip mount: amzn.to/2GW7nmd
A slightly outdated list of video equipment: kit.com/TheTopher Patreon: / thetopher
Instagram: / thetopher2
Facebook: / thetopheryoutube
The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones. If you wear headphones, your mind won't be blown, but it will go, "woah, that's cool."
I'm also the producer for the Winding Road KZbin Channel:
/ windingroadmagazine
Here on TheTopher, I'm known for putting a camera on my face and driving cars. Whether it's about any of my personal cars or reviews on weekly press vehicles, the goal is to give you an idea of what a certain car is like to drive or live with. Most of my videos are filmed in POV, with my clothes on, and (for like the 5th time) with in-ear binaural audio. Which, if I haven't made it clear yet, is why you should wear headphones. Because of the whole "woah" factor. It's there, trust me. Try it, it's pretty nuts. Or don't. As long as you whitelist me on your adblocker I'm okay with whatever you do or don't do with regards to headphone usage. That is all. Oh and I guess you should also probably subscribe. Why are you still reading this, you should be watching the video. With headphones! Hah, had to sneak that in there one more time. Later!

[@rahatchoudhury175]

7:29 My man Topher predicted the GR Corolla!! What an exciting car for the car world really

[@TheWeirdGuyIsHere]

I'm excited for it despite the price

[@derekgardin1512]

I'd rather have this with 220hp as it is. The GR Corolla is too expensive and a 3 cylinder? That's not going to last long term

[@professionaldesk]

@@derekgardin1512 cope bozo

[@dawnpoint]

This is the first time I’ve actually thought “Dang that Corolla is sick and I want it!”

[@juljasmaharchive]

Taylor Rhodes yup

[@Combine1331]

That is because the review is honest and good and the car has manual transmission! Americans love automatics but they do not know what they miss out imho.

[@stevenrego1434]

I enjoyed driving it minus the steering feeling too weightless... So I bought my wife a Mazda 3 lol

[@Immortalkalashnikov]

Uhmmmm what about the drift legend Corolla AE86?!?

[@Jszul2318]

@@Combine1331 The americans who want them like me kinda get screwed, the options are very limited.

[@brandonsanchez7465]

The hatchbacks corollas are much more appealing than the sedan corollas.

[@andrelima5124]

Man the new top trim corolla sedan is really nice but it doens't have the same clean front end and I don't know if it comes with a manual like the hatchback.

[@Deepestdrip]

@@andrelima5124 It does. I have one.

[@SonicBoone56]

it's sad that I see nothing but the new sedans. It's like people are scared of hatchbacks or something.

[@Deepestdrip]

@@SonicBoone56 I went with the sedan because I have no need for a hatch and I like the look of the sedan better. Just preference for me, plus I got a better deal on the '20 because I work for the company.

[@SonicBoone56]

@@Deepestdrip I can respect that. But I do wonder if most people are unaware of the hatchback's existence or something. Or is there a stigma against it? Cuz besides body style, it's pretty much the same.

[@FallenBadstar]

Man, that blue is so gorgeous!

[@BobO-zo2bi]

Would get old and tired looking at it over time

[@alh06]

@@BobO-zo2bi Definitely not

[@subvet3668]

Love that color.

[@theconformist2399]

Sweet. I remember watching your POV video on the Corolla HB last year and wondered whatever happened to a full review. And here we are! Glad to see you finally got a chance to review this hatch.

[@kyleflemming9182]

Love your reviews TheTopher, been watching for years, you tell it how it is, you do not sugarcoat the product.

[@rayondelisser]

Awesome review of this amazing machine 6M. Thanks! And Toyota good job keeping manual transmission alive and even more fun to drive.

[@T-cup23]

This got to be the best review ever. Getting this car in the future and you just happen to sums up everything for me!!!

[@michaelw2263]

This car is absolutely gorgeous! I haven't liked a corolla since the older XRS with the Celica motor from the early 2000's.

[@Combine1331]

One of the best car reviews out there! This is how Doug DeMuro should make car reviews. Honestly exactly what I was hoping for in a car review! Thank you!

[@GiovanniXO]

Noooo doug must be himself

[@derekgardin1512]

Doug can't drive.

[@blinkblink2255]

Man I really love your reviews, and the sound is really great on headphones. I'm sold on the manual Corolla; I was planning to get a CVT version beforehand. I just love the looks, and definitely want a small car for myself. I only learned to drive a car 3 years ago (I'm late 30s) and been driving a 2006 Civic Hybrid. This part at 13:10 just feels really cool! I am beginning to see why so many people are asking for manuals. It looks like a much more engaging experience than a CVT or an automatic. My friend who drives a manual already offered to tutor me.

[@TheTopher]

Thanks dude! The new Corolla is a great car! The CVT is very good too, but you’re right the manual is more engaging. It’s a good transmission too, Toyota did a nice job with it. We may get one in a couple years here too. Eyeing a used XSE Hatch 👍

[@KylesTechChannel01]

I have an 06 Civic Hybrid and am looking at a Corolla hatch lol

[@dexedr1ne]

Hey, did you end up getting the corolla hatchback? I ordered mine and waiting for it. Corolla Hatchback 2022 SE Upgrade 6speed manual

[@NotARealUTubeAccount]

Recently got my dad into an automatic and he's been very happy with it. The ride quality and handling is shockingly good!

[@SonicBoone56]

Is the automatic soul draining like most CVTs? Or did they actually try to make it fun?

[@NotARealUTubeAccount]

@@SonicBoone56 Its okay, I wouldn't call it fun but the paddles work decent and the fake 'shifts' are convincing enough

[@EbilEnemyofBurgerTown]

Saabfrk Fake shifts? Automatic sucks. Should’ve had a dual clutch transmission.

[@gime5323]

@@SonicBoone56 they have a first gear from a Manual then it switches to a cvt in the higher speeds

[@TheBli7krieg]

9:30 a wild M2 appears 🤠

[@lad7477]

without using his indicators lol but still my dream car

[@whitegoodman7465]

@@lad7477 wont be ur dream car when you are in the shop every other month with that wonderfully built bmw reliability...gonna wanna get rid of it real soon

[@lad7477]

Dale, No Power tools! Not really the case, if I have the money for an M2 then I know what I’m getting into. Also if I had an M2, it wouldn’t be my only car. I would have something more reliable like this corolla. If you’re so lazy you don’t want to maintain your car, yeah, it’s best you don’t go for a performance brand and instead buy a Prius, but you see the thing is, I don’t mind spending money on my cars that I care for and it’s worth it cuz of the smiles per gallon. Also, I never said bmws were reliable cuz it’s no mystery they are hunks of hella plastic but regardless it’s my dream car lol

[@muhann4d]

Honda be like: Hold my revs....

[@TheTopher]

😂😂😂

[@JJFLD]

I love this car, this was the one that taught me how to drive manual. Corolla Hatchback always has a special place in my heart. ❤

[@tanmay_6363]

Same 👍🏻

[@NiKsXm]

7:30, you're an absolute prophet! Watching this because I plan on buying the 2023 Corolla GR, was mostly interested in how roomy it is and road noise

[@pethaa]

i love the praise this car gets… great prediction too! gr version should be coming out this year! cannot wait for your review!

[@MrBluoct]

Nice detail That stereo sounds fantastic

[@azz9416]

I love to watch your test drive!! thanks!

[@Five0]

Thanks for the 6spd review. Love this so much I got the 2021 SE 6spd. My favorite interior feature is the easy clean fabric. My least favorite feature is the small console bin. ❤️❤️❤️

[@docholiday1967]

i just traded my chr for the corolla hatch 6sp se and i love the corolla.

[@revolution583]

i just got the only manual XSE 2022 hatch in the LA area currently and its so much fun, a real stunner

[@tommieboi707]

"maybe someday we will see a gr version of this. One can only hope"-the Topher.

[@AnthaGainz]

damn man great video love your content

[@aritruths1452]

Another great video. Loved you from day 1. Hope your channel succeed further!

[@kf6857]

Love my Corolla Hatchback :)

[@ttvalhercc2592]

Only if they put the camry v6 in it with a 6 speed manual. Oof

[@sadmanh0]

that'll be the GMRN version

[@E38vip]

@@sadmanh0 what's that?

[@sadmanh0]

*GRMN Gazoo Racing Masters of Nurburgring, it's like the M division for Toyota

[@E38vip]

@@sadmanh0 are there any articles that confirm it?

[@sadmanh0]

there's a GRMN version for the old Yaris, I'm just guessing they'll do one for this too

[@junlee7763]

Toyota reliability, practicality, I really want this car. Fuel efficient little hatchback 6sp manual with NA engine. This car looks gorgeous.

[@ZCFHUAfhnvjf]

i just want a hot hatch trd from toyota... directly compete with the type r, focus rs, etc

[@silvetdv]

AWD Turbo version offered in Japan :(

[@senoB]

gr corolla awd.... oof.

[@mothervader1559]

yaris gr

[@theking-og4oe]

Theres one, but its not sold in the US

[@brandonmarks6035]

coming out with the gr corolla soon

[@donr8773]

Thanks for an excellent review. I didn’t even have to test drive it, but of course I did. Just picked up a 2021 Hatchback w/the 6 speed manual in silver with the black metallic roof (can anyone say Mini Cooper?). Anyway, I am tickled with the car and the thought of a bullet proof Toyota. I traded a 2012 VW SportWagen TDI w/a DSG transmission and 80k miles. It was a great car and really not a comparable ride, but I got to say this Toyota is a great value and is a good driver all around. I will be very happy for some time to come.

[@donr8773]

@Mark. The worst I’ve gotten so far is 29.5 mpg (suburban mostly). The best so far, on a mostly highway 200 mile trip at 70-77(at times) is 37.5 mpg. I feel on a longer trip and constant 70 mph I could get close to 40 mpg. I only have 2600 miles on the car. I did get 44 mpg on a mostly highway trip in the Jetta SportWagen TDI at 75 to 80 mph, but of course diesel costs more than unleaded. The Corolla’s computer says it is averaging 32.6 mpg. I think the computer is close, but the one time I checked it, the computer was 1 mpg les than my calculation. I always do manual calculations on every fill up I think my average is 33 mpg. I hope this helps.

[@wraith4]

Almost sounds like the sound system is overlayed in editing! Perfect!

[@carldeithloff9412]

Good quality and a decent amount of fun for a fair price

[@SketchRC]

16:25 You said the car had more of a lane keeping system rather than a full-on lane centering, but the car does actually do lane centering if you activate the lane keeping along with adaptive cruise control. If you have cruise control off, it's just lane departure. Wish you had shown the lane centering because that's a feature I'm really interested in.

[@ubiased23]

Test drove the 2021 Toyota Corolla hatback with six speed manual earlier today. I have to say the reviewer in this video has nailed every aspect of the car and was spot on. The car was very fun and easy to drive due to the intelligent manual transmission feature. The Rev marching feature was fun to use when you downshift a gear. The car felt very well built and refined. There are a couple of things I did not like about the car. The auto dimming mirror option was missing, and you can't have the upgraded JBL sound system in the manual transmission XSE model. Also, you have to press the pedal to the floor of the car a lot in order to get it going. However, once the car gets going then that's when you feel the car has some decent power. My wife's 2018 Mazda 3 hatchback with six speed automatic has more power. However, the corrola it is more powerful than the 2012 Mazda 3 2.0 inline four cylinder engine.

[@davidnilles3117]

Toyota offers a white-colored leather in this hatchback that is absolutely gorgeous. A really great car!

[@xekret]

Nice review! I just have to wait a couple years so they start showing up used in the market. I don’t want to take a hit by buying a new one.

[@nickgalaini4152]

Can’t wait to see you drive the GR Corolla. Or see myself drive it lol I’m on the Roster😍

[@Studio3ify]

Great review, would you recommend this over a Elantra N line? Are the two similar in terms of fun on the road?

[@demarioclarke1734]

Nobody: Topher: **Does 0-60mph test** SUV flys by

[@MyWonderApple]

to be fair, if you watch his mirrors, that suv didn’t come to a complete stop. It was still moving coming up to the light as it turned green

[@Combine1331]

That is because he don't stop. Like in this clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqKqlZSBfsyGgac

[@michaelrud4351]

The XSE does have lane centering features that work quite well. I've never driven a tesla, but I was impressed

[@burtblahnik6074]

Great review thank you !

[@rightlanehog3151]

Just the other day I saw one of these driving down the road with 5 rather stout individuals inside. Much to my surprise, the suspension seemed to handle the load quite easily.

[@ramseyhazemey795]

Great Review. Thanks

[@moonsapling]

Better than any comparable crossover!

[@TheRandomDead]

Such a neat little car!!

[@alwaysiyi272]

Why don't people get that when something is on video it sounds louder cos there is a microphone on the camera so it amplifies the sound. But I would admit cos it's a hatchback it has more road noise than the Sedan cos it's more open. But awesome car and nice review. Hope there is a TRD version coming soon.

[@jdinn32]

This was exactly what I needed! Thank you.

[@DJblastyfone]

Test-drove one of these, a 6MT 2020 Mazda 3, and a new 2024 Civic Hatch 6MT today. All of them were solid cars, but out of the three I found the Corolla Hatch 6MT easily the most fun to drive. I genuinely couldn’t stop smiling! The Civic and 3 have lots of power down low so you can’t really give them much throttle or rev them high under normal city driving, whereas the Corolla only really comes alive at ~3000 RPM so you can do some really spirited driving within the confines of mild traffic and intersections. The way it feels when you cross the ~2800 RPM threshold is addicting. Steering was also lighter but a bit more connected than the other options. Really exceeded my expectations.

[@SupremeChief1]

I work at Toyota as a service porter and I get excited when I see a Corolla Hatchback

[@ryoon1761]

Looks really nice

[@manondmoon]

04:44 >.> looking at you Subaru WRX and your stock rev hang

[@JSal-sr6rz]

Love the sound

[@subvet3668]

yeah, nice to see that it is turbine smooth all the way to red line. That's not the case with a lot of others which get rough as the revs go up.

[@samronin732]

Great review. 👌 What’s your favorite manual of the new cars this year? How’s the clutch travel? Thx

[@nashelton9156]

clutch travel is perfect dont have to put your whole foot into it just a little leg action and youre off smooth!

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

One of, if not my favorite reliable compact. Even the CVT is shockingly good for a fun daily driver

[@dho]

saw this on the street and honestly it looks like such a fun beater. up there with a beater manual honda fit. looks like a quirky little ride. i don't think i'd get one even in a few years but i do appreciate these. if i had one for a weekend it would definitely be a cool weekend

[@TheEVGuy85]

I drove an SE with the manual last night and now I'm trying to purchase one. And it's in this amazing blue color. It's going to need better looking wheels though.

[@ravenstylea2]

Really nice looking car inside and out.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

You think you could do a video on the new Kia Forte? And I know you've done the new Mazda3 already but do you think you could get your hands on one with a manual?

[@ejabella3288]

I want to buy this beautiful hatchback with standard transmission👌👌

[@sylviafernandez3212]

Wow the gazoo racing hatchback DID come out!

[@Pethaho]

this dude called it, they really brought us a gr corolla couple years later!!

[@ElyciusM]

pulled up next to one of these at a red light in my Audi S4 and I actually want one. if I had the money I'd buy it as a daily. looks like a fun little car and it's pretty cool looking. which is strange cause I haven't really cared for new Toyota styling (I only like the hatchback version of this car though) but I wanna get back in a manual again and this has a 6 speed

[@1g2002541]

man, this car remind me of the 80s' japanese hot hach. Rev high, short wheel base, nice car for track.

[@samronin732]

Which did you enjoy more, this car or the manual Elantra GT? Thx

[@JeffKubel]

I love that offramp.

[@HeytoyoubudiV2]

1:46 not a volkswagen buddy lol

[@realtimecartravel]

LOL

[@JesusIsLord7773]

Or a Mazda

[@arrlos5163]

Just took my galactic aqua on a 1300 mile road trip. Averaged 36 mpg @80 mph. Was able to get it for 23,000 out the door. Few thing I don't like after 3000 miles. Wish the brake and gas peddle were closer to each other. Trunk space is limited. A lot of road noise. No android auto. I hate the electronic parking brake. I love the color but it shows a lot of dust. When all said and done I love this little hatchback. Underpowered but very fun to drive. Im glad I chose this as my first Toyota.

[@aetiusg]

Why didn't you got for a Civic Sport instead? That car feels like a sports car compared to the Corolla and has a better interior.

[@hamsterama]

@@aetiusg Doesn't the Civic have a gasoline direct injection engine? I know the Civic is a "better" car than the Corolla, but the Corolla would not have the possible reliability issues that comes with a GDI engine.

[@aetiusg]

@@hamsterama It's still a Honda and it will most likely be just fine.

[@generallyhelpfulsoftware646]

I got the Galactic Aqua manual XSE for 19.4 as they were model year transitioning. Really great car to drive, although gas mileage really requires making use of higher gears than I’d normally use.

[@singingLeaf123]

cant wait for gr version!

[@Kodazot]

Now this time put manual transmission 4runner.

[@PiLLO360]

When will this come :(

[@georgegarcia5288]

I need to get one of these 😄

[@BboyRedSTL]

7:31 foreshadowing 😎

[@SonicBoone56]

This is the car I want as my daily driver. Can be the SE version as well. But it needs to be a manual and that blue and a black interior. Personally would prefer the cloth interior of the SE probably.

[@nashelton9156]

i own that car its my favourite car ive ever driven lmfao!!

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I'm most interested in this car's bulletproof nature, the fact that it's still fun to drive, and has excellent fuel economy.

[@ridocf]

Hey Chris, have you driven the 2020 version? Is it still there same in the sense that it doesn't have a rev hang?

[@user-ye9fh7yk7i]

You are the best wrivew ever You give as what we will see when we buy the car not like other the only give the same in Peper just by say in it

[@moopoo8841]

“Maybe someday we’ll see a GR” mans was dead on

[@jonessenoj6753]

Looking forward to winning one of these in December 👍😉... in the real world driving... this car does it all and looks great too👌

[@jonessenoj6753]

Wish it was December NOW!!!!

[@Schmegil]

Just picked up a pearl white xse hatch!

[@JimmyDean404]

You should have a little section dedicated to showing how bad the rev hang is on these manual transmission cars. Maybe a spot where you take it 3, 4 or 5k RPM and push the clutch in. That's what I feel is doing some of the manual transmission cars in.

[@openscholar9908]

Has a nice sound

[@bannoch]

“Slow car fast” I love it

[@subvet3668]

New changes announced for 2020 Corolla Hatchback include removing the spare for a fix a flat kit and increasing cargo room to 25 cubic feet and the addition of Android Auto

[@rayzian]

honda needs to take notes on that rev hang

[@lucca450]

does the automatic downshift let you over rev the engine or it has some kind of protection?

[@derekgardin1512]

Been thinking about one of these but I think i have to satisfy my V8 manual urge first, while I still can. Then after a couple years of that can pick up one of these for a daily driver.

[@pmk-es1rw]

Could you review one of the last gen mazda6 with the manual? There arent many reviews and of course none in the POV style.

[@Mexxx65]

I want one....really! 0-60 is damn alright Neat sounding sound system! Really...what more do you want a car to do for you guys? You'll be able to afford decent tires for it, and change them regularly...and more importantly afford to feed the bloody thing fuel!!!!

[@gabrielunderhill]

Hey man I think I saw you today. Packing some stuff up in the back of a wide body charger?

[@SomeGuy699]

2022 4WD GR Corolla confirmed !

[@Humzid]

I need to buy this car 😍

[@J.A-CA139]

I haven't even watched yet an I know its awesome, i typed this will the STUPID 2 ADS Are playing before the video WHY youtube

[@snooterpuff]

I believe all manual hatches are built in Japan too so that's another huge plus.

[@Brandon-eh4tz]

One of the few Japanese cars still made in Japan!

[@treerexaudi]

I had a dream toyota made a rwd corolla hatchback... Man that was a good dream, only nightmarish part was when I looked it up as soon as I got up and saw it didn't exist! xD

[@stevenxcel7841]

but they do...

[@SonicBoone56]

They do though. One of my friends have one.

[@treerexaudi]

@@stevenxcel7841 huge typo sorry

[@treerexaudi]

@@SonicBoone56 I made a typo I meant to saw rwd but mac auto corrected it to red

[@SonicBoone56]

@@treerexaudi oh. Nah that'll never happen. Maybe an AWD version one day.

[@julianboyd8719]

I went with this between the Civic hatch and the Mazda 3. Gets better MPG than both and the engine will likely last longer than both. Looks better too IMO.

[@alansmilealot]

*Better than the civic by alot but not the Mazda*

[@aky19832001]

I do alot of driving on dark roads and highways that aren't well lit at night. I wish Toyota offered a heads up display that displayed IR night vision or some type of Night vision in general.

[@alwaysiyi272]

They do on a lot of cars. But not the Corolla cos it's an economy car for example. The 2019 Camry has one. The Highlander, and some other cars. But I see your point. Cheers

[@ansaarhoosen7765]

07:30 “Maybe we’ll see a Gazoo Racing version of this” That aged well.

[@jenniferharris7633]

"If you're in a lower gear and you're trying to pass, you'll have to downshift a couple of gears...". That's what makes a 6 spd manual FUN TO DRIVE. What's the point of driving a manual if you never have the need to downshift? I am currently trying to decide between this car, a Civic stick and a Mini Cooper S.

[@rightlanehog3151]

To put all my cards on the table, I am a little over 6'2" and weigh 210 lbs. I drive a first generation Vibe manual which you will know is the non-identical twin of the Matrix. The Matrix/Vibe were founded on the principle of practicality. They had a relatively high seating position, a decent tow rating, outstanding fuel economy and the adaptability to carry an 8 foot ladder with the front passenger seat folded down. With a manual transmission they are engaging to drive but not really sporty. It seems like Toyota has turned that formula upside down with a new hatch that excels at handling and creature comforts but sacrifices much of the utility of the earlier generation. When I parked my car directly beside the new hatch I was surprised to see the new one is about 5 inches shorter - no wonder I literally cannot fit inside. Of course, this reorientation of design priorities would be perfectly acceptable if they would just offer us the highly practical Corolla #wagon they sell in Europe and Japan alongside the hatch and sedan. As it is, the new Hatch is a top choice for people of a certain #stature while others will be forced into a CUV just to have a place to stick their heads and feet.

[@SonicBoone56]

It's less practical than the iM before it, but just barely. But it's a better value cuz iMs aren't exactly selling for super cheap it seems. At least not later ones.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@SonicBoone56 I think its a fine value with a completely different mission statement. In Canada the Matrix/Vibe were absolutely top sellers. The iM and the new hatch sell in far lower numbers.

[@chingatumadre6450]

So what would be the case to have a massive stall ? I learned on a civic, the roll was terrible but I haven’t drove manual for 3 years. Considering going back to manual for this car though.

[@tymofiichashurin1602]

Amazing! :)

[@kiritsuguemiya9310]

I remember when these first came out really fun to drive ( toyota lottech btw)