A great hatchback - but flawed in crucial ways! Toyota Corolla 2023 review (Corolla hatch)

The Toyota Corolla hatch is a terrific option for some buyers - but it's really going to depend what your priorities are.
If you want an efficient, reliable and fun car to drive, but back seat space and boot cargo capacity aren't important to you, then it'll tick a lot of your boxes. But if space efficiency and clever packaging are more what you're after in your new small car, then maybe have a look at a Kia Cerato or Hyundai i30 or Skoda Scala or VW Golf...
In this review, I run you through you the stuff you want to know - engine specs, efficiency, safety and warranty / ownership details - but also fill you in on the stuff you NEED to know before you go and buy a new Corolla hatch.
And this one has just been updated for 2023 and beyond - so there's some information and specs data that you'll likely be wanting to find out about!
--
00:00 Intro
00:45 Is it the right price?
01:52 What's the best competitor?
03:13 Is it the right size?
04:29 Interior
07:45 Under the bonnet
08:34 Driving
11:41 Efficiency
12:51 Is it safe?
13:47 Ownership
14:31 Verdict
--
I'm aiming to review every new car on the market that people actually buy, to help new-car customers like you, or curious car enthusiasts (maybe also like you) get the right steer when it comes to choosing a new set of wheels.
If you're looking for a car for yourself, monitoring the market and hunting for the latest info, or even if you've just bought your new car and you're looking to see what experts like me think about it, The Right Car will offer you something of value.
Subscribe to The Right Car: / @therightcar
I'm aiming to upload a review or two per week, so if you have any specific cars you want me to take a look at, please feel free to leave a comment. Any feedback on my content is welcome, and you can feel free to email me or hit me up on social media.
I'm eager to see this new channel grow, and it can only do that with your support and feedback - so please let me know if there's anything you don't like, want more of, or would like to see changed. I'd love to hear from you.
Follow The Right Car on social media to see what I'm up to and to ask any questions!
The Right Car:
TikTok: / therightcar.au
Instagram: / therightcar.au
#toyota #corolla #review

[@Bestow3000]

One of the best reviewers out there for a small channel! Super informative! To me this car feels like the perfect balance of sportiness and also just normal everyday car you can drive around. These cars are exceptionally rare and expensive here because you can only get it through gray import dealers sadly...

[@therightcar]

Thank you so much for that. Appreciate your kind words! I've been in the game for almost 15 years, but decided to have a crack on my own - and it's going well so far. Oh, where are you mate?

[@nicksalzke9729]

Hey Camby! Been a long time! Lol Great job on the channel, you present very well! Subbed and keen to see where you take it! Wishing you all the success in the future from the fam in Cooma!

[@therightcar]

Thanks so much mate - just a Cooma bloke living the dream! 🙏 Heaps of fun making these vids, lots more in the works. No VLs though. Unless there is enough demand…! 😜

[@nicksalzke9729]

Haha good on you! VL's long gone lol, into the soobies pretty hard these days, love to see your thoughts if review the new wrx!

[@ZETA8384]

superb review. i dont even subscribe to car channels but i have to yours it was that good.

[@jesstaylor-webb3523]

Hi Matt, like your review would you be able to maybe show the lights on and indicator lights on in the reviews.

[@brijeshsingh4012]

Good review and I like your channel Can you review Toyota Highlander (kluger) hybrid please Thanks

[@therightcar]

Hi mate, thanks for the compliment. I will aim to get a Kluger through at some point. They are a bit hard to get at the moment. Likely going to have a crack at the new turbo one. Should be fun! Stay tuned!!

[@Donster888]

excellent review Matt, I would like to see a comparison review of hybrids likes of RAV4, Haval H6 etc.

[@therightcar]

Thanks! I would love to do comparisons - and I plan to, if that’s what the community is craving! Just focusing on building up a bit of a catalogue of single-car tests first. Thanks for being a part of it!

[@96libertytt]

1 thing I would like any reviewer to at least touch on is resale value. It is a factor for many when purchasing. Glad you did.

[@therightcar]

Thank you!

[@lot5953]

Almost all Toyota models have good resale value

[@INTELLIGENCE_Revolution]

Hey Matt. Would you be able to fold down the seats in your reviews. :)

[@khalidballim8081]

fantastic honest review, in SA the specs and warranty are a bit different

[@aussie8114]

Saw a blue one today. Very beautiful looking 💙

[@therightcar]

It’s a stunner.

[@gazinbris]

Congratulations on the new channel. Great and comprehensive review. This is a car we are considering at the moment (wait times are scary though). Any idea when the new CH-R will be coming?

[@therightcar]

Thanks Gary! Yeah the wait times are insane. If you haven’t already, a hot tip is to call around to dealers outside of your area, especially if you live in a city. Often you might find a regional dealer has stock on hand or easier to order. I don’t think the new-gen C-HR is all that close to being launched here. If you’re not averse to it, and thinking maybe a compact SUV could be suitable, the new Qashqai impressed the heck out of me - review on it soon!!

[@JamesZ888]

amazing review, just wish the updated australian corolla gets the 10.5 inch infotainment european corolla gets

[@therightcar]

Thank you - yes, it is a shame Toyota seems to hand us the dregs on some of these update models.

[@ayfj4572]

Doesn't matter what you think of these cars, the corolla or the cross, as you won't be able to buy one for 12-24 months. When you do finally get one, the dealer will try and stitch you up and say the price has gone up 4 grand.

[@therightcar]

It could be the case, though Toyota reckons supply will improve in the second part of the year.

[@snowstanden9921]

Funny, I just bought one and am taking delivery on Friday. If you buy what they have in stock, you don’t have to wait. Though, you have to accept what they have.

[@bazinga615]

Thanks for the review. I’ve always read the Corolla has a lovely supple ride until now. In this ZR trim you mentioned the ride is quite firm. Is there THAT much of a difference in the wheel and tyre combo vs the Ascent Sport grade? Secondly, how would you rate the high speed road noise vs an i30?

[@therightcar]

Thanks for commenting! The ZR wheel and tyre package is going to pick up the little sharpies more than the lower spec models. But it was the road noise that annoyed me most. It’s been a while since I drove an i30, but from memory the Hyundai was a smidge quieter.

[@microminiskirt]

In the USA market this car does not exist. There is a Corolla XSE hatchback with 2.0 gasoline engine. I love the interior in this hybrid interior but I want a petrol model which doesn't offer this red interior.

[@barrycrosby8602]

It's a shame you don't have the Corolla touring sports over there it eliminates the downfall of the hatchback ie large boot and spacious back seats but it's only made in the UK for the European Market toyota could easily sell tons of these cars in other countries, I've had one for a couple of years a great car nice to drive so comfortable excellent hybrid system and easily exceed the claimed mpg I've had 85 mpg on a few occasions averages about 65 also good quality interior and well built

[@therightcar]

I TOTALLY AGREE! The wagon would be great - and fill a nice niche for those who don’t want another bloody SUV.

[@rc70ys]

Lovely Car.

[@therightcar]

Agree!

[@gym_bob]

The one question I had didn't get answered....Do the rear seats go down to give more room in the hatch?

[@seunjinbing]

Yes

[@LisaLiu-gx3ry]

Where is the unique peacock black colour? and why have they removed the rear air conditioning?

[@therightcar]

“Eclipse Black” is still available. Rear vents have never been offered in this generation hatchback.

[@richardp965]

Good review! We had a 2019 Corolla ZR petrol hatchback. And was looking at upgrading to this new refresh model. But I was disappointed it was pretty much the same. It has bigger screen, new infotainment system, digital cluster, new front-end exterior. Nothing that would convince me to upgrade to another Corolla. And the bootspace is definitely lacking. So, ended up getting a Hyundai N Fastback! Which surprisingly has plenty bootspace! Its has a good mix of daily and spirited driving!

[@therightcar]

Wow! That is quite a shift from a Corolla. Good one - I’m sure you’ll love it!!

[@alwayswinning3743]

I just want a new car that last a good 15 years :)

[@darvinjimenez8168]

What color is this hatchback? Is it classic silver with the black roof?

[@seunjinbing]

Silver Pearl with optional black roof

[@Exxodus74]

I noticed at 7.49 the hybrid Toyota logo on the engine, mine doesn’t have it. Does anyone else have this missing?

[@therightcar]

Do you have a hybrid Corolla?

[@Exxodus74]

Australia. Hybrid zr, brand new

[@scottch4444]

I wish the hybrid hatchback corolla would make its way to the US.

[@therightcar]

I'll put in a good word for you.

[@globalroamer1900]

LC300 review please

[@seunjinbing]

Servicing is now $245 instead of $205. I picked up my new ZR hybrid sedan last week and had to correct my dealer when they said it was $205 ...

[@therightcar]

Why did you correct them? Shame that changed so recently!

[@seunjinbing]

@@therightcar So they could update their printout from 2021 ...

[@johndeveraux8472]

Does the sedan get parking sensors in this update like the hatch?

[@seunjinbing]

@@johndeveraux8472 lol no. $800 option

[@marcducati]

The Corolla has the touring version which is the same car with a large boot and 13cm more in length. The hatch back version is a great city car. I bought one as a second car that my wife uses and have the larger family car for everything else.

[@therightcar]

Toyota sadly doesn’t sell that variant in Australia. There are plenty of private import businesses bringing them in, too. Maybe I should review one?

[@marcducati]

@@therightcar oh now I understand. It's a shame because the the touring actually resolves all the issues of head room, rear leg room and boot space. In Switzerland and France it amounts for about 60 to 70 % of sales. It's a terrific family car and if you want a second smaller the hatch is nicer looking and more nimble with a shorter wheelbase. But both are great...Hey it's a Toyota, what do you expect 😀

[@Ford_TImelord]

@@therightcar Please do a test of the touring although in Australia the Grey market version is from Japan that is shorter than the European version of the Touring. Its quite a compelling package as it fixes a lot of the shortcomings of the hatch regarding the tight interior.

[@katiecannon8186]

We don’t get the Corolla hatch hybrid in the US. Nor any of the hatches you mentioned.

[@therightcar]

Buy a… Sentra? They still have that? Kia Forte? Not as a hatch?

[@sixpooltube]

And no Yaris or Yaris hybrid. And no Honda Fit. And no Suzuki Jimny. All we get are fat cars.

[@production7540]

Can i use corolla hatch for uber driving?

[@therightcar]

You can. A sedan would be better. Sedan review coming soon!!

[@247Coby]

I used a 2016 Corolla for uber driving for about 5 years. The booth is not big enough when you have a family going to the airport

[@vuhoangdung]

i heard the wait time is 24 months for this, is it true?

[@robertceroli3512]

Yes that applies to bulk of the Toyota range part of the problem is that they bought by scalpers /flippers not sure what the percentage is but there's no shortage of new Toyota on the private market

[@96libertytt]

@@robertceroli3512 Noticing this myself. Its becoming like Lego collecting.

[@therightcar]

Love that reference!

[@therightcar]

Yeah there are stories out there if you search “Toyota wait times Australia” you should get a good indication of how long the expected waits are for different models.

[@Manc-fh5we]

No Corolla suv in the UK. Bigger than what I’d want anyway

[@THEAC83]

Excellent review! In mid-March, my BMW X1 XDrive20i M Sport is arriving! It wouId be amazing if you could review the car and give your expert opinion!

[@therightcar]

I was thinking about this just yesterday. Will try and tee one up!

[@THEAC83]

@@therightcar that wouId be Christmas come early if you can get your hands on one and review it! Thank you!!

[@kevinrtres]

The auto makers have been allowed to get away with lying to the public about the fuel efficiency of their cars. So far I've only seen ONE test where the reviewer was blown away by the consumption actually matching the claim. All others lament the fact that the figures given are far too optimistic. What is needed is a law or laws adopted right across the world that forces these auto makers to report on a standardized route for a particular country - morning and evening rush hour driving, weekend driving and one open road driving test. ICE cars are not going to vanish overnight, no matter the loud screaming by the climate change fundis. So I think it'll still be interesting if such laws ever get adopted - but knowing human nature - I don't think it ever will - there's too much money under the table going around. Then of course with electric vehicles there can be no hiding - the battery either lasts so long or it leaves the driver stranded. No bones about it.

[@Clevo89]

Go Souths! :)

[@lukelawrence6007]

Nice review but that infotainment system looks dated😊

[@therightcar]

Thanks! And yep, there’s a 10.5 inch unit in Europe. We don’t get it. Sad.

[@lukelawrence6007]

@@therightcar one in Europe is better its in newer Lexus cars

[@kennethwright5157]

Too bad it’s not sold in the USA!

[@hanscaspersz4900]

All good except for the godawful 2000s tv screen they glued to the dashboard

[@247Coby]

It used to be the right car for me. I've owned 3 of them in the past. Now, no more. I need more space in my back-seat and booth.

[@therightcar]

Does that mean a… gulp… SUV?

[@247Coby]

@@therightcar Not for now. I switched it up to the Kia Cerato. It meets my current needs for size and practicality.

[@therightcar]

Awesome!

[@generalismoquabablinotheth5902]

Why buy a Corolla and ruin ride with low profiles, but silly but I’m 52 so getting a bit old for crashy rides 😂

[@therightcar]

It’s not what I’d call crashy!

[@itsmePassportBro]

Or buy both.

[@therightcar]

I guess?

[@itsmePassportBro]

The Cross is for 4 people. But if you only drive your wife around then Hatch is fine.

[@therightcar]

What if your wife only drives you around?

[@spritual_enlightenment]

Pros for hybrid AWD. Cons for engine noise and motion sickness due to regenerative braking.

[@JimboSRP]

A strange but nevertheless pertinent criteria any new car review should take into account nowadays is wait times. I just don't have the patience Toyota requires me to have, sorry. On the bright side, me not considering a Toyota reduces demand on the clearly overtaxed Toyota production line, which I suppose means I am helping reduce those waiting times for those who do want a new Toyota. Not all heroes wear capes. You're all very welcome! :D

[@therightcar]

The problem is that wait times fluctuate and aren’t relevant in terms of timeliness. I understand your frustration though.

[@56tread]

No spare tyre, Toyota just lost me

[@cirruscanton8119]

type r

[@therightcar]

Hopefully a review coming of that one, too!

[@cactuscake1323]

This guy has no idea, it's a good car he's just being like this for views

[@therightcar]

You have no idea. I have reviewed cars for 14 years and I know what I’m on about - I drive 200 cars a year.

[@robertceroli3512]

I know I'm late to the party as you chanel has been out for a few weeks but you car journos are like footiy player and bikies you chop and change clubs or even worse you form your own chapter what ever happened to club loyalty

[@therightcar]

Hi mate. You’re certainly not late to the party - in fact, we’re just kicking things off!! 😅 As for the chopping and changing like footy players - have you ever been told “you’re not part of the team moving forward”? That’s what happened at my last gig, and I was there for five years. Redundant, apparently. I took that as the push I needed to get out and do my own thing - and this is it! Hope you stick around, because I plan to!

[@zaamuro8408]

@@therightcar I think there might be an assumption by some that you've left CarExpert, which is not the case and that you're still a contributor there.

[@brobiv2452]

Stop lying about your height

[@therightcar]

Dingus. I’m 6’0” tall.

[@brobiv2452]

I just calculated your height using some parts of the car, ur not 6 ft@@therightcar

[@CelicaSainz]

Cars are so expensive in Australia

[@therightcar]

Where are you watching from, Nick?

[@GAZZA55]

Come to new zealand they are even more expensive by about $4000.