2023 Toyota Corolla XSE Hatchback Review - A Hatchback Without The Headache

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DISCLAIMER!
The thoughts, feelings, and opinions expressed in this video are the sole thoughts of Zack and no one else. The thoughts expressed in this video do not reflect the owner, dealership, or organization that owns the vehicle featured. The purpose of this video is to provide entertainment with the hope that you will take what you see and formulate your own opinions. DO NOT make a financial decision based off of this video.
#Corolla #CorollaHatch #CorollaXSE

Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:06 - Drivetrain
5:03 - Interior
6:33 - Infotainment
8:50 - Interior
10:04 - BFB Test
10:33 - Interior
11:05 - Back Seats
12:34 - Trunk / Cargo Space
13:39 - Exterior
14:57 - Final Thoughts
17:10 - Outro

[@davinp]

Toyota has made the Corolla for over 50 years. They keep redesigning and perfecting. Unfortunately, the American automakers don't do that, they just give up and cancel the car. No American brands make small cars anymore

[@iCarlyfan4534]

ever heard of chevrolet? dodge maybe? jeep even?

[@bwofficial1776]

@@iCarlyfan4534 I've heard of all of those brands. Chevrolet discontinued the Cruze in 2019, Dodge discontinued the Dart in 2016, and Jeep has never made a small car. The closest thing Jeep has to a compact or subcompact car is the Renegade SUV.

[@damilolaakanni]

@@bwofficial1776 they couldn't compete well with the Asians, including Hyundai and Kia. Those two have their issues, but they make better cars than the American brands.

[@SethDaMeth]

F in the chat for the Ford Focus and Chevy Cruze, they will be missed

[@VramanNoodles]

@@SethDaMeth Ok, I’ll miss the Ford Focus but never the Chevy Cruze, that thing is garbage 🗑

[@pffbh]

I just bought a 23 SE hatchback last Saturday. I bought from a dealer 150 miles away. the elevation goes up 3000ft on the way home and I got 42 mpg using normal mode. I thought the transmission was smooth. I've recently had 6 and eight speed transmissions (2012 Mazda 3 & 2018 Camry) . I was not a fan of those transmissions as they tended to switch and search for gears too much at lower speeds. This is my first cvt and personally I kinda like it. I'm not a lead foot so it suits my style of driving. If you want a hot hatch get a GR if you got the cash..

[@alhambrabiker1476]

How much was it out of the door? Thank you

[@StopWhatYerDoing]

Your first video with the Corolla hatch is part of what sold me on it. I bought a 22 SE with a manual transmission last August and have been thoroughly enjoying it. This 'facelift' makes me sad, as there's not much that I like about it, the biggest being the lack of the manual. I hate that Toyota is pushing all the manual hatch buyers to the GR. The GR Corolla will sell well regardless, so I don't see why they had to take away one of the last few economy cars with a stick shift. I got the manual partly because I wanted a more pleasurable driving experience, but also because it was more affordable. I'm still young and don't have kids, so this was a perfect entry-level car for me that didn't break the bank. There's no way I can afford a GR or manage to get an allocation. I paid 25k out the door for my car, and that was my limit. Just about anything else now with a manual just costs too much. That orange color looks great, but that's about all that I like for the new 23 models. However, this was a great video as usual, Zack. Keep it up!

[@samt6788]

Exact same story here! I also saw his video when I was waiting for my '22 manual to come in and I knew I made the right choice since he genuinely seemed to like it. The CVT was never even a thought for me sure its a Toyota and will go forever but I wanted a fun car to drive until I can comfortably afford the GR!

[@scrambie]

I have a hard time believing they're intentionally pushing people to buy the GR corolla when the demand far exceeds the supply.

[@Nucleus281]

I notice the little changes and upgrades you have been making to the quality and the they are appreciated, looks so cool 😀👍

[@Hwan.421]

I love your reviews, there’s continuity and no bs. Please don’t ever leave us.

[@LousWRX]

I loved the B-Roll footage at night in Downtown Naperville, IL with the rain. You must have recorded that either really late at night or really early in the morning as there were no cars around. And great review as always, Zach! 👍

[@baronvonjo1929]

I swear automakers give so much more effort on small cars in Europe than they do here. Both the Civic and Corolla come with rear AC and connectivity in the rear at this trim. Nothing here allows you to get these features. The Corolla Cross comes standard with rear AC vents. Yet both the sedan and hatch can't. No wonder people go towards crososvers if you keep cheaping out. Edit oh cool this does have connectivity.

[@bwofficial1776]

It's a self-reinforcing cycle. Europeans buy small cars because they need small cars because of their tight cities and expensive gas. Americans have roomy cities and cheap gas and long distances to travel so there's no reason to cram into a tiny car if you don't have to. Carmakers are going to put features in the markets where they make money. In the US we prefer larger SUVs so that's where carmakers put their efforts. Small cars are bought by people who want cheap basic transportation. If you want rear AC and USB you can buy a Corolla Cross for a little more money.

[@LouisSubearth]

Manufacturers put more effort on the cars they sell the most at each market. At least the Corolla Cross shares a lot of interior trim with the Corolla hatchback and makes it easier to put some of those goodies in the hatch.

[@cafn8ed74]

Ugh. The manual transmission was the main thing that put this car on my radar. I'd love to have a GR, but not for double the MSRP. I guess this is where I lose interest in a new Corolla.

[@StopWhatYerDoing]

I felt the same way. I scrambled to find a new 22 Corolla with a manual. If I couldn't find one, then I just wouldn't have bothered getting one. I'd rather have a manual Civic hatch or a more affordable auto Mazda 3. I'd love a manual Mazda 3, but they're just too expensive to justify paying 30k+. The Corolla was one of that last reliable and affordable economy cars with a stick.

[@davinp]

Why so many blank buttons? Features missing that you may find in the Candian version include heated steering wheel and wiper de-icer which I don't know why they don't offer in the USA

[@BDTTK9]

This was a really good review, usually other car reviewers cover the exact same things but you dug a little deeper and spoke about the finer details

[@WildWildWeasel]

No manual, no deal.

[@NERDLYFE-es9ef]

YOU WEASEL!

[@msmoniz]

24mpg is absolutely horrendous for a compact in 2023. My 2012 Honda Fit Sport will still get at worst 30mpg out of a tank if I drive it like a total jackass, but will easily do 35-40mpg if driven conservatively

[@StopWhatYerDoing]

My manual Corolla hatchback regularly gets 28-29 in the city, and I'm not a super conservative driver.

[@tylorwilliams5404]

Good luck getting your hands on a 2023. I ordered one in July 2022 and there still is zero updates from Toyota. 8 months with no news when I was told a 6-month wait is making me not want the car anymore.

[@kompa2004]

I don't care that the manual discontinued. I always getting automatic I don't like changing gears. For the back seat, it's a compact car. The CVT isn't bad at all. It's my opinion, we getting it to commute to work or mostly city. It's fine for what it is. It's always a job to drive it! The car comes to life when it's on sport mode. But you will burn more gas. I put it in sport mode for a few then back to normal. It's my all time favorite car so far.

[@michaelw6277]

The transmission calibration on the CVTs seems to have improved since this review. Mine is flawless and always seems to do exactly what I want. I come from manual transmissions and I don’t feel burdened by it.

[@samt6788]

I love the color and the minor tweaks to the gauge cluster and front end, however I love my '22 hatch with a stick, drives like a completely different car.

[@mrtoaster77]

I like these longer more in-depth videos, great content as always, keep knocking it out the park my friend.

[@canadianjustice386]

My 2008 Pontiac sadly died after 15 years of owning it. I am bitterly having to buy a new vehicle and I wanted the Corolla Sedan LE. Unfortunately, vehicles are scarce where I am and it will take 3-6 months to get one. The dealer has a 2023 Corolla Hatchback XSE they can give me this week. I am going to have to take it and this video made me feel better about it. It actually is a nice little car. I am not a fan of 18" wheels or the leather interior, but I need a vehicle. Thank you for the thorough review!

[@microminiskirt]

You are very lucky. Most dealerships don't have inventory in stock especially a Corolla HB. If anything if they have a Corolla it will be a sedan-boring. I would ask the dealership to swap the 18" wheels for the 16" wheels on a Corolla SE HB since the 16" wheels will give you better gas mileage, more protection against potholes and bumps to protect wheels & tires, A better comfortable ride, last longer in treadwear, and when you do need to replace the 16 tires they will cost alot less than 18 tires and you get more choices in the 16 inch tires size. On the XSE you automatically get the blindspot warning system which is standard, as well as top of the line stereo JBL, fog lights and paddle shifters which the lower corolla models don't get.

[@ab78001]

Did you buy?

[@Kataru.]

I love this color, thinking of wrapping my ‘14 Corolla in this color

[@mark_u]

Love how the Corolla hatch looks. Does have less passenger room/cargo space than the old Corolla iM and perhaps, even the Matrix from 20 years ago.

[@Curiousever]

That’s what I bought… a gorgeous 2023 Corolla hatchback XSE. I’m loving it.

[@NoBucks777]

Good job on your review!

[@LiamSpillane-mb8sh]

Did you mean 34 mpg? I couldn't get 24 mpg without going to jail. I have a 2021 hatchback SE 6spd. At worst, I get 32 mpg in mixed driving.

[@michaelw6277]

It says 24 mpg on he display and I have no idea how to make it do that. I get around 34 mpgs pretty consistently.

[@enzojh3035]

Not a big fan of Yota and still not. It's too busy with the design and it feels like a fleet rental car when I sat in one. Mazda 3 hatch, GTI, and civic sport would be a better go to.

[@martyp4465]

The 2023 is supposed to have a launch gear to get it going, which is supposedly making the CVT in this car last a lot lot longer, unless you’re consistently punching it which this is a grocery getter point a to b car so you shouldn’t be punching it.

[@Runbow]

i always found these corollas so attractive. Very good looking car

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

I'd love Toyota cars! I might buy this Zack.

[@MARTINRIGGSS]

One thing I dislike about the 23 model is the rear bumper. They just flat out removed the fake tips instead of giving us a real cutout like the sedan SE, Apex and XSE have.

[@bwofficial1776]

Looks like a nice little basic car. I didn't expect that much cargo space. Toyota used to paint their spare tires bright yellow to shame you into fixing it. I wish bright colors would come back. Be bold, have fun. I saw a yellow Jeep Wrangler the other day and it was nice to see something that wasn't silver, gray, white, black, medium red, or dark blue. Bring back color-matched interiors too. You stuck your 360 camera on the windshield and drove around like some sort of Corolla camera unicorn?

[@NisotAutoMech]

I will love to drive the one with a manual transmission

[@NisotAutoMech]

@brianeugenelee is that how worst jacto CVT is?

[@ejstreasurehunting6627]

2023 Corolla doesn’t have a manual anymore in the US. 2022 was the last year. (Besides the GR Corolla which obviously has it)

[@MrHubb1]

Wow the tail lights look awesome at night. In a standard id love it . I know it would last for years with little problems. I have a normal automatic and it's a six speed Santa Fe. It's a great gear box and makes the most of it he 2.4 litre engine. I don't think a CVT and I would work. Give me one in a different color and I'd be happy. Trunk should be bigger .

[@TAELSDOLL]

i have a 22 hatchback se and its great. one thing i hate about it is the piano black plastic in the interior

[@MrChickenspit]

Im glad you added a mpg review segment. Im kinda dispointed with 24 mpg. I was expecting at least 30 mpg

[@Dankcatvacs]

city driving.

[@MrChickenspit]

@@Dankcatvacs still. Thats like driving a big as truck

[@katiecannon8186]

Europe gets the hybrid. It’s so ridiculous we don’t.

[@Dankcatvacs]

@@MrChickenspit maybe a little turbo truck

[@OneFreeMan17]

@@katiecannon8186 Yeah it’s because their cities / infrastructure is designed differently

[@noahbarber1234]

This has everything going for it except for the CVT, if they put the rav4 8-speed transmission on the corolla hatch I would probably prefer it over the Mazda 3 hatch

[@timcoleman3421]

Looks like most Toyota’s are going CVT now. Camry and Rav4 are going CVT 2025 models.

[@davinp]

Its interesting that the hatchback gets dual-zone control but not the regular sedan

[@scottch4444]

Great wheel upgrade on the 2023 XSE trim too.

[@microminiskirt]

Those low profile tires n wheels cost more to maintain and replace. Put the SE CORROLA HB 16 in. For more protection against potholes and curb rash and a more comfortable ride.

[@mumwifeteacher]

24 mpg is pretty pitiful, I had a 2002 Chevy Prizm with a 3 speed automatic that could do that in city driving without trying. Lack of a manual and only having a cvt is a total fail.

[@SCraig-Handsome]

Yeah one thing I like about the Civic lineup, they are bigger and you can still get a base model with a Stick Shift… see the LX Hatch

[@BrooklynBound4]

$30K for a Corolla is insane! My RDX A_Spec gets the same MPG I’m 🫤

[@robertborne895]

24mpg, ain’t the best out of something so small. My 2012 Volvo S80 gets that in the city with a six cylinder. Get her out on the highway and I see 30 to 31mpg

[@Eazythebarber210]

As far as the back seat how tall are you? I know the back seat is small af

[@speedy97026]

Will probably get this hatchback when my Fit gives out on me

[@gforcecoons5857]

Your reviews are great man thanks One thing to know: You've been using "poignant" ncorrectly in several videos now. I think you mean "pointed". Anyway have a goodie.

[@Deno34-zi9xl]

Really surprised by the 24 mpg in town.

[@davinp]

Only the XSE gets digital gauges, the lower trims get analog gauges with a information screen on the right side

[@mark_u]

I think the information screen in lower models has been centered for 2023.

[@YocoWheelin]

Really wish they had kept the manual option. The updated wheels and color options are nice. But since it only comes in a lifeless CVT, I’ll be picking up a used 19-22.

[@microminiskirt]

I don't blame you but I would still buy NEW and I did so I ended up with NEW XSE COROLLA 2.0 HB FROM JAPAN in the USA MARKET. I do not want some one else's problems because you don't know if they broke in Corolla correctly or if they abused car. Used cars cost almost as much as new cars😮

[@timcoleman3421]

Only a tiny amount of manual Corollas sold in the US. I too wish we had the option for a manual but no body was buying them. It’s difficult to even find a used one around here.

[@KayakTN]

I have my eye on a 2023 Corolla hybrid. Maybe next year.

[@chrisnichols4962]

Too bad the 2023 does not come with a manual anymore. My 2022 6sp manual is the best shifting manual I've ever owned and i have been buying maunal hatches since 1980.

[@batsai]

I was torn between a Corolla XSE Hatchback and a Mazda 3 Sedan in the preferred trim. Both great cars, but I went for the Mazda. The automatic transmission, as you stated, and the sportier driving dynamics, as well as the amazing Interior of the Mazda made the decision for me. I still love the Corolla XSE Hatchback though. Great reviews! (On both cars!)

[@jamessephar9458]

Mazda's have a tendency to slowly fall apart, whereas Toyota's last for years and years.

[@Szcza04]

@@jamessephar9458 they’re equal in quality as Toyota owns Mazda lol

[@theactualtopher]

@@Szcza04 it’s actually not owned by Toyota. They never bought them out. They have a 5.1% stake in Mazda. But Mazda is still manufactured by Mazda. Therefore the quality of Mazda of long term falls short of the Toyota…. By far

[@aluisious]

The Mazda 3 has dogshit suspension. What "sporty driving dynamics" are you talking about?

[@streetballer2906]

If you get 24mpg on a Corolla in 2023 you need to relearn how to drive

[@damilolaakanni]

I think the Corolla would have benefited from the 6 speed automatic transmission from the 7th generation Camry. It could theoretically get better fuel economy than the previous models with the 4 speed while not being annoying and unreliable like most CVTs.

[@miggyspain3218]

If you had to choose between the mazda 3 and the toyota Corolla hatchback, which one would you prefer? Also, between this hatchback and the cross, which one would you choose ? I love the looks of this hatchback, but a few things holding me back are the cvt, leg room, and cargo room.

[@tomtaylor1975]

Hey Zack, nice presentation on the 2023 Toy Cor HB XSE. Just one question, what's the color of the car? It definitely stands out.

[@ShootingCars]

Orange Metallic is what the window sticker said!

[@tomtaylor1975]

Thank you for the quick response. Hmm, I can't seem to find any Orange Metallic for 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback color choice. Could the Orange Metallic color be called " INFERNO " by chance? If you could find out for me, that would be truly appreciated. And also if so that'll be the color I order for mine. Thank you once again and keep the videos coming.

[@familypedro8]

Have you reviewed the GR Toyota Corolla circuit edition?

[@ShootingCars]

I have not! I’m trying to find one to film!

[@janakbhakta7869]

The GR version is 50k for the core in my area.

[@dunky7157]

I’ve thought about upgrading my 03 matrix XR but hate hate hate the CVT and honestly I feel 24 mpg is appalling I consistently get 34 to 36 on the highway and 28 to 30 around town in mine. It sure is good looking though

[@msmoniz]

My neighbor had an 03 Matrix and only got rid of it because the gears on his manual transmission started failing, first with the 5th which was fine, it still drove alright but when the 4th started failing, based on how many miles he had on the car, the cost of repairs outstripped it's value so he reluctantly junked it. He wished he still had it. If yours is still running relatively trouble free, with today's more complicated cars and not much better fuel economy, you're much better off keeping it running if it's practically affordable.

[@davinp]

This replaced the Scion/Corolla iM.

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@@msmoniz how many miles did he get out of it. That can happen to the tranny overtime when people ride the clutch all the time & keep it in gear when stopped. I have a 2006 Matrix and I absolutely love it. 152,000 miles & 17 years old but still going strong like the day it was made. The best part is that it’s the base model with crank windows & less stuff to break. Really good car, safe, reliable, and easy to work on, good gas mileage. All the best things to have in a car. Hope to do another 152K with it at least. Change all the fluids regularly.

[@LiamSpillane-mb8sh]

I get 32 mpg combined with the 6spd hatch SE. I did lose about 1 mpg with my Thule roof rack. It sounds like you only lose about 2 mpg max rowing your own gears. My 16" wheels probably help over the 18s.

[@darylkik6204]

Great video and comments as always. I was kind of surprised that in town and in economy mode you average 24 this past week. Shouldn't a small car from Toyota do a bit better? I drive an old 2000 Taurus Wagon with the DOHC 3.0 V6 and I have a heavy foot yet I consistently average 20 mpg in city driving and that has been true for over 5k miles. Is that due to the single speed transmission? *Note: You cannot go wrong ever with a Toyota.

[@bshn3805]

does this have turbo?

[@davinp]

I get average of 25 MPG on my 2018 Corolla SE sedan

[@AEsmondeProductions]

All city and aggressive driving I hope if it's that low.

[@davinp]

@@AEsmondeProductions yes city, but not aggressive

[@KwamtumPshX]

At least it has a spare, lol, and Cincinnati Bengals fans wouldn't mind the orange color!

[@davinp]

This generation Corolla seems to have less room in the back then the previous generation

[@baronvonjo1929]

For some reason they decrease the wheel base on the hatch. The sedan and wagons are bigger.

[@yumishindou5705]

5:21 you might have reviewed a canadian model

[@jasonkernjr5343]

Seems like the only difference between the SE and the XSE is that the latter has fog lights and syntex seats. Doesn’t seem like it’s worth the extra 4-5k extra

[@microminiskirt]

XSE has blindspot warning system as standard equip. Fog lights, Heated seats. Top of line line JBL Stereo system, paddleshifters, softex leather seats and 18 inch wheels.

[@microminiskirt]

@@vinnieng1216 The driver side is all power with 8 settings?. The passenger seat is manual 6 settings? The SE has fabric seats with no heat warmers, whereas the XSE has the Softex type leather heated seats, cordless cellphone charging, dual air conditioning, blindspot warning system standard, fog lights standard, XSE has 8 speakers with JBL system and Amp. SE has 6 speakers. XSE has 18 inch tires and wheels. The SE has 16 inch alloy wheels and tires. The XSE has a different multi-screen than the SE.

[@dave11686]

Like these

[@TarmenAmzarian]

54 unanswered calls, what on earth is going on?!

[@signsofthetimes886]

Have any cars passed the "big frigging bottle test"? 😄

[@ShootingCars]

133/602 cars that I’ve tested have passed, so around 22%

[@sumidaj9947]

24mpg average??? I know these newer cars are heavy but my 2000 Camry averages 23-25 mpg. Thats pretty terrible considering new tech etc…

[@2Kriss2Kross]

Considered this car but ultimately went with the Civic hatch, big deal killer was no sunroof while the Corolla sedan can be equipped with one but don’t want a frumpy sedan. 😕

[@davinp]

You forgot to talk about Android Auto. I don't care for Apple and want Android. When this hatchback first came out it did not have Android Auto as Toyota is slow to adopt it where as competing models such as Honda did have it. They wouldn't support Android Auto until 2020. Android Auto was added later.

[@hattag3399]

Oh well android sucks anyway apple better

[@duhmarionn]

Well, can’t always get what you want.

[@Blakecryderman7244]

@Davin Peterson just get an aftermarket android unit on EBay or something for $400. I always laugh at the build & price site for cars and it says going from just regular to Android auto is an extra $2K or something ridiculous. I just buy it for cheaper on Ebay and put it in myself. Save lots of $$$ from absurd build & price options on dealer websites.

[@OneFreeMan17]

Apple master race

[@melisaspur032]

I don’t believe the gas mileage

[@bobcavanaugh5726]

I get 38 average in mine… he’s full of crapolla

[@kevincampos68]

Are you kidding me , only 24 mpg in town?

[@hewasdeadwhenigotthere46]

Sleepy time is over

[@vicp8772]

I'd pay and wait for a stick option. Auto manufacturers take note. Just don't cut the option out.

[@jaroslawakmiot666]

Here's fucked-up American consumer's mindset related to this car . If it's CVT and it's not all wheel drive it's a deal breaker. Majority of US potential buyers don't even know that this particular CVT tranny has a regular planetary first ( start-up) gear. I will leave that opinion to yourself so hopefully I won't have to wait that long for delivery of my 2023 ( or 2024 for that matter) Toyota Corolla HB. BTW, they're all made in Japan. At least the ones for US market....

[@branwithoutclaws]

CVT suck and can have issues leading to costly repairs, or dangerous malfunctions.

[@mnj640]

It's a hatch It's meant to be small

[@williamhenderson1161]

You lost me at CVT. I’ll stick with Mazda.

[@tbienvvv]

I love you

[@charlienevergold3654]

24 mpg in a 2L Corolla is crap.

[@LiamSpillane-mb8sh]

I get 32 mpg with the 6spd hatch. I'm pretty sure he meant 34. I doubt that it's even possible to get 24 mpg without going to jail.

[@calvinspiff4348]

I hate cvt. I wish car makers would stop eliminating manual transmissions