The 2023 Corolla XSE Hatch Is A Solid Buy

Aside from the fire-breathing GR Corolla, no Corolla is overtly exciting, but the XSE hatch tries its best while also being a solid practical and reliable option.
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[@bradb.7802]

I have a 2020 Corolla hatch 2.0. If driving conservatively, I often average 37-40 mpg combined. Great little car. 62k trouble-free miles.

[@mixei4]

Have the same thing and love it, but never had 40mpg, usually 25-35, depending on driving style.

[@Doomgar]

how much did you pay out the door? or down payment

[@oskarngo9138]

Any car is trouble-free at only ~62K miles.... Heck accords/Camrys of the late 80s can easily get >200K miles... Modern cars should be getting at-least 1 Million miles...!

[@laurencehebert4880]

If only they would sell this car with a Hybrid in the States like they do in the rest of the world.😮

[@LordWaterBottle]

Seriously there's a good chunk of the American public that have ruled out anything less electric than a non-plug hybrid. (hello)

[@kenkozawa9810]

Americans are weird about their hatchbacks and plus the Prius fits them better than the Corolla Hatchback which has been accused of being too tight especially for rear occupants..

[@afcgeo882]

@@kenkozawa9810 I agree with you. I think the new Prius design hits all the right marks for a hatchback in the US and in my opinion, the Corolla hatch will be discontinued within the next 3 years.

[@kenkozawa9810]

@George L well considering they just released the GR Corolla, which I'm personally purchasing, I don't think it will happen that soon but I could see it ending after this generation for sure.

[@afcgeo882]

@@kenkozawa9810 This generation is due to end by the end of 2024. The GR Corolla is a loss leader for Toyota. It was developed using existing components mostly derived from the GR Yaris and the existing Corolla. Its purpose is to draw enthusiasts toward the brand, that’s all.

[@bigbean78]

To speak on the durability of SofTex material…I have a 2016 4Runner SR5 Premium with beige interior. Almost 104,000 miles on the truck and the interior looks new. The only hint of wear is a slight crease on the driver’s seat bolster from entry/exit. They stay clean looking even with the light color. I’ve wiped them down once with Meguire’s leather wipes in 2 years of ownership.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Thank you for sharing your experience! -Travis

[@mss627]

Everybody I talk to about this car says the same thing: "If only Toyota offered a hybrid version." Oh to be a fly on the wall of one of their marketing meetings: "Let's sell the hybrid everywhere but in the U.S. because Americans hate fuel efficient hatchbacks." I was all ready to settle for the hybrid sedan but now I'm pissed off. If Toyota can be stubborn then so can I.

[@RoguePlanetStudio]

If you watch carwow you see that Europe gets a hybrid they even got a hybrid of their version of the scion IM

[@dssn5526]

Love how this auto review channel takes into consideration car lengths, as this is important for parking indoors/garage and street city parking. Would love also to get guidance/reviews on car towing and hitch rack capabilities as I'm looking for a compact suv that can carry 100kg of e-bikes on a hitch rack.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

We need the new Prius 2.0L hybrid AWD system in the Corolla Hatchback. Best looking vehicle in the Toyota lineup by far.

[@kingsamvisuals]

The new Prius is cleaner imo. This does look great.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I'm not a fan of the light bar rear taillights. It's a lazy design imo. The Corolla Hatchback's taillights are so much more aggressive and stylish.

[@joec1774]

Great, fair review. I think the Corolla hatch is often overlooked, but as Brian points out, it's a solid little entry, made better this year by the infotainment upgrades. I prefer the prior MID and analog tach and fuel/temp gauges of the pre-refresh XSE though.

[@muyaho420]

Kudos to Toyota for keeping physical buttons for AC, but the piano black.... Impressive MPG for 2.0NA

[@chrismv102]

I get really annoyed at car manufacturers still trying to monetize their infotainment and navigation systems. Apple Carplay and Android Auto do it all. We all have phones. We all know how to use them. Just allow us to hook them up as easily and seamlessly as possible and get out of the way. As much as I like Toyota it seems that they have not learned what other car makers have learned. That they're not in the information business.

[@guyindecatur]

Globalists are trying to monetize everything. That's what all this climate change BS is about. "Imagine how dumb the average person is. Now realize half the population is dumber than that." - George Carlin (he said something like that)

[@MAAtx]

I went with the black interior with light cloth inserts precisely because of the blue jeans. My softex has held up great. I drive a 2020 model btw.

[@9OsLatina]

I just ordered the 2024 Corolla hatchback has the leather in the softex had any breakage? I’ve been worried about that mostly.

[@MAAtx]

@@9OsLatina So far mine have held up well. Though mine has low miles (around 16,500). I just use standard leather cleaner on the softex portions of the seats every now and then to keep them looking new.

[@a-a-ronl]

I have a 2023 Corolla LE sedan, only small complaints I have are 1) all the piano black in the center 2) even at the least sensitive settings, the automatic braking is a little too intrusive. I absolutely love this car though! The infotainment beats it’s competitor in my opinion, it’s super cost effective and working great :)

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Yeah even the GR Corolla has tons of piano black in the interior. Toyota really needs to lay off the piano black jeez

[@thepcuser5469]

@@Unchainedmaple888 would you rather have glossy wood trim everywhere or gloss black everywhere?

[@criticalcog6363]

@@thepcuser5469 how about neither?

[@thepcuser5469]

@@criticalcog6363 i would choose the glossy wood, wood is nice unlike plastic at least

[@Tx240sx]

Just came back from Japan last week and I saw a ton of Corolla Tourings(wagons)! I actually even rented one for 2 days and it's amazing! Saw the hatch and the touring both in Hybrid form frequently. Now if they brought the touring to the states as a GR, that would be great, but highly highly unlikely lol.

[@StopWhatYerDoing]

Honestly, I'd just kill for them to bring over the regular Corolla Touring to the states. Too bad everything has to be a giant crossover if you want more cargo space.

[@rightlanehog3151]

On your next trip you can go to Europe and rent their larger version called the Corolla touring Sports.

[@thepcuser5469]

I WANT MORE WAGONS NOT JUST 1 MILLION INFINITE SUVS EVERYWHERE Toyota bring back the avalon if you are hearing me

[@thearto]

Bring the Corolla Touring over here, call it a Matrix, sell a million of 'em

[@rightlanehog3151]

How many of the boxy Corolla Fielder wagons did you see in Japan?

[@godofstones]

I have a 2019 Corolla with cloth seats and they have been holding up well so far. Really want to get another Corolla, especially the hatch, but the price increase is keeping me from committing.

[@kolt9051]

I like the charts at the end!

[@mark_u]

How creative of Toyota to dub the spare tire delete option as "Enhanced Cargo Package" 😂

[@dygardion9130]

I have a 2020 Camry se hybrid with the synthetic leather and it’s held up great over the last 3 years! No complaints and as for the jeans idk since I rarely wear jeans and my interior is all black

[@robertduklus6555]

synthetic leather? so vinyl of some sort.

[@jxmar_]

@@robertduklus6555 softex

[@robertduklus6555]

@@jxmar_ so thermoplastic polyurethane. thanks

[@dygardion9130]

@@robertduklus6555 idk lol I just know it’s not real Leather nor cloth. But it’s nice and is holding up well

[@guyindecatur]

Leather sucks. If you keep a car 20+ years as I do leather will not last. I put 400,000 miles on my 325i. The naugahyde looked almost new when I donated the car to charity.

[@flat6gts]

I’m looking for a replacement for my 2016 Honda Fit. I was hoping this could be it, but it’s just so small compared to the Fit despite slightly bigger than exterior dimensions. The Fit’s rear legroom is impressive enough to put a rear facing car seat while keeping the front seat usable for a small adult (5’6” max), and rear truck looks comparable to the Corolla here

[@rightlanehog3151]

The only cars from Toyota that came close to competing with the Fit's phenomenal space efficiency were the Matrix and Scion xB. Things have been going steadily backwards since they left this market. Have you ever seen the incredible Fit Shuttle wagon sold in Japan?

[@markmiller3279]

One reason the Fit was so space-efficient was that the back seat was so uncomfortably thin (and small in other dimensions). I'm a skinny guy, but I found it unbearable back there for more than a few minutes. It would have been OK for kids. I think Brian is slightly exaggerating the tightness of the Corolla's rear seat. I'm taller than him and haven't found it that tight. A child seat wouldn't fit behind a tall driver, but it probably would behind you. Still, the Civic would be the better choice, as it has quite a bit more rear legroom.

[@ranthony2714]

wish they offered a middle of the road option, like Hyundai offers with the n line.

[@markvicferrer]

You don't need to include the GR Corolla & Civic Type R on the competition scale at the end - anyone shopping for the regular versions of these cars isn't gonna suddenly splurge for thoee performance models. Compare like for like.

[@christopherbassit2757]

Loving my GR Rolla

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

Please do a Q8 video!

[@rondail5675]

Hatchbacks are nice for driving and storage.

[@markmiller3279]

They're perfect for city drivers like me, who only has one car.

[@johnborges5938]

With the hybrid setup from the Corolla sedan, I'd have a hard time resisting this hatch. As is, the sedan puts me to sleep and this version of the hatch has good looks but otherwise doesn't stand out. None of the competitors really appeal to me, though if I had to choose one I would likely go with the Civic.

[@afcgeo882]

When the Civic hatch hybrid hits the NA market it’ll be all over.

[@long_fellow]

*Toyota dealerships are marking this up $8-$10k over MSRP. No one in North America can buy a Corolla anywhere near MSRP.*

[@PhilBilo15]

In Quebec dealerships can't sell over MSRP. I guess we're the exception by having consumer protection laws.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@PhilBilo15 Vive le Quebec Libre!

[@OldDood]

That is not true. I wish people would quit saying that. Sure some dealerships will mark up over sticker but not all. We bought a new 2022 RAV4 Hybrid last year and as I just posted a minute ago our daughter got a new 2022 Corolla LE last year. Both of these vehicles we purchased at Sticker. (MSRP) We even got a discount on the Extended Warranties for both vehicles.

[@braetonwilson4296]

Longfellow, very true! I live in Dallas Texas and all the Toyota dealers here want over 30 thousand dollars out the door for a base 2023 Corolla LE! They refuse to negotiate price! Corollas are in low supply and have very high demand so dealers have no problem selling them with markup!

[@xTouragx]

How crazy are these times? Back in spring of 21 I was shopping in this category and test drove a Corolla Hatch LE for 19.5K with a manual...even the SE was only a shade over 21k...I ended up not purchasing the car due to the lack of room in the hatch and back seat...the tech & quality were both top notch in that years variant...ended up with a VW Golf Mark 7 with a manual instead :)...now to save up for the GR...

[@schmo7777]

Subaru over this. That rear leg room is as bad as my fiesta lol.

[@OldDood]

The only reason I can think of taking away the Manual Transmission is that most Young People cannot drive a Manual. I could be wrong but what other real reason for doing that? Saving money? Maybe. The CVT (E-CVT?) is not all that bad. We helped our daughter get a new 2022 Corolla LE last May and it seems to run fine. The 'Pick Up' is not all that bad either. It can get up to highway speed well enough. The lack of an available Sunroof is an odd one. I see no reason to NOT offer that on all trim models. They are so common place anymore. *SIDE NOTE:* Remember back a few decades ago people use to take their brand new vehicles to a Specialty Shop to put in a Sunroof? They would cut out a rectangle hole and install a Pop Out type of Sunroof. People had leak problems all the time too. I shudder to think of doing that to any new vehicle today.

[@braetonwilson4296]

The gasoline CVT reviewed in this video is very different from the e-CVT found in hybrid vehicles. Also the CVT reviewed in this video has a first gear which gives it better off the line acceleration and better pick up. Your daughter's 2022 Corolla LE has the old school CVT with no first gear. So while I'm sure your daughter's Corolla has decent pickup, these 2023 Corollas have even better pickup due to the first gear.

[@OldDood]

@@braetonwilson4296 Thank you for that. So I know my 2022 RAV4 Limited Hybrid has the E-CVT but it is nice to know what my daughters Corolla LE has.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Not just young people. Everyone seems to buy non manual vehicles these days. You hear how great manuals are yet no one is buying them.

[@LordWaterBottle]

@@janoycresnova9156who is offering them in USA in anything other than a sports car or dedicated off-roader? Are there even any crossovers/5 seat suv's (not jeep wrangler or direct competitor) with a manual available? I'm honestly unaware of one.

[@afcgeo882]

The only reasons people were buying manuals are: better performance in sporty cars or better fuel efficiency than automatics. Modern automatics and CVTs offer better fuel efficiency than manuals, so… The only reason to offer a manual is for sports cars.

[@AmandaHuggenkiss]

Belle Isle State Park in Detroit, MI ❤

[@billshoe22191]

Was always a fan of the Corollas more compact size compare to the obnoxiously large Civic so I was excited for the GR Corolla but after not being able to find a single one for msrp Im done with the brand. Stearlerships ruin new cars

[@damilolaakanni]

The rest of the world missed out on a "hot" Corolla that came before the GR Corolla. It wasn't called a Corolla though, although technically it is with a different front end and different suspension parts. It was called the Blade Runner G, and it paired the 2GR-FE engine from the Camry with a 6 speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive only. Was only sold in Japan, but people are importing them in Australia and New Zealand.

[@ALMX5DP]

North America did get the Matrix XRS though with the venerable 2ZZ engine and 6 speed manual.

[@FantomLightning]

Brian! 🥰

[@DainLaguna]

I love the looks but just like the Mazda 3, the interior space is way too compromised to use this as a car for more than 2 people.

[@mj1234321]

The hatch is ok but man I wish we got the wagon in North America. It is easily the best looking Corolla variant imo.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Which Corolla wagon do you prefer? Europe has the Corolla Touring Sports while Japan has the Corolla Touring and Fielder.

[@MARTINRIGGSS]

Shame this isn’t a hybrid and or has AWD. The new hybrid se sedan is so nice.

[@Falconlibrary]

There's something different about Alex in this video but I can't quite put my finger on it. New haircut?

[@johnborges5938]

That spa visit took a few years off …

[@sgrant9814]

You mention the cor. X hybrid....it has been in other markets outside n. America for well over a year. When is is expected to be in show rooms here? Long overdue and imo, toyota is dragging its feet with this

[@adamh8140]

Msrp +5000

[@mbruno64]

Detroit looks so sad

[@4GuitarTrance]

Uhhhh... you're not Alex! Where's Alex? 🧐

[@lynchware]

Oh I hate how they redesigned the center console

[@iNFECTED_pIE]

Tethered navigation with a subscription plan...wait does that mean I have to pay them to use google navigation from my phone?

[@naveenthemachine]

You’d use Apple CarPlay or android auto. There are no fees for using those two. The Toyota connected nav there is a fee

[@EchoSigma6]

If the Corolla HB had 2 more inches of rear leg room then it would be ideal. I’m leaning towards the Civic HB Sport because it can be ordered with a 6 speed manual. I looked at the Mazda 3 but the exterior color selection was not to my liking as well as their infotainment system is frustrating. My wife has a Mazda CX5 Premium and the infotainment system is frustrating to use but the Boss stereo is nice.

[@afcgeo882]

The Civic Sport only gives you 150hp, which for its size/weight isn’t much. Even with a manual, it’s slow.

[@EchoSigma6]

@@afcgeo882 Driving a slow car fast is better than driving a fast car slow. Come on, these are econo cars, who expects high performance for under $30k? A buyer for one of these want cheap, reliable, and durable. If they add a little fun then it’s a bonus.

[@afcgeo882]

@@EchoSigma6 Which is why people don’t buy them with manual transmissions. People who buy compact hatches buy them as inexpensive commuters that are easy to live with.

[@EchoSigma6]

@@afcgeo882 Then I’m doing my part to keep the manuals alive. It’s the driving engagement that matters to me and it’s a skill that I’ll be teaching my kids that are just learning to drive. Honda makes a decent manual.

[@guyindecatur]

@@afcgeo882 I tried my best to like the civic sport. I just couldn't do it.

[@kingpin461]

Nice car but I'll come back 10yrs later to watch again when I can afford 😂😂😂

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

It's such a shame that Toyota ditched the manual for everything but the GR Corolla.

[@subvet3668]

It's too bad that they dropped the manual for the XSE Hatch.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Brian, Toyota's decision to drop the manual option for non-GR Corollas will hand sales over to arch rival Civic. The Corolla's cramped interior already represented a major practicality compromise compared to the Civic. Making matters even worse, they have regressed to an OX CART torsion beam rear suspension on some Corolla sedans🤨. Your strategic decision to park 8:22 behind a Vibe/Matrix really demonstrates how much space and utility has been given up in favor of style in the current generation of Corolla hatch. 😉

[@ALMX5DP]

How many sales is the question. I can’t imagine the manual take rate is more than half a percent at this point. Might be more profitable to forego development for it even if it costs them a few customers.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@jacobs1047 from an article I saw, looks like in 2019 Corolla manual take rate was 1% which was about 2800 vehicles. I’m sure it’s lower still now as that’s been the general trend over the past few years. Can’t imagine that many cars can be profitable to continue developing, homologating and producing a manual.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@ALMX5DP Whatever happened to - No More Boring Cars?

[@ALMX5DP]

@@rightlanehog3151 no idea but boring can be interpreted in a few different ways. And at the end of the day we’ve gone through a paradigm shift since then and Toyota is still a company that needs to remain profitable to succeed.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@ALMX5DP How can Mazda and Honda afford to offer a manual if the biggest car company in the world can't?

[@Victic005]

Cars are getting too expensive.

[@guyindecatur]

You will own nothing, eat bugs and be happy.

[@noobwow2009]

Just buy 2024 Impreza hatchback

[@palebeachbum]

I love hatchbacks and would be interested in this car, but it's just too cramped and the exterior design is too ugly for my liking. I'm hoping they improve these aspects in the next redesign.

[@Jan96106]

You'd have to order one in anyway and wait months for it to be built.

[@Ben-bs4od]

There is nothing compelling about this car when the Subaru RS offers 190 hp and AWD. Why would anyone buy this? They need to make an AWD hybrid version of the hatchback with the same horsepower as in the Prius, and then you'd beat the Subaru. Until then, this is a mediocre CVT car to drive. Even the steering wheel doesn't telescope on certain models.

[@aluisious]

If you say the cabin noise is an A I cannot take you seriously. You must have no idea what you're talking about. I have driven the Corolla hatchback, and it had by far the worst road noise of any car I've ever driven. It's AWFUL.

[@coryphillips1783]

No manual option = ruined and boycotted

[@braetonwilson4296]

Why does the video title say "2024 Corolla" while the car being reviewed is a 2023 Corolla? Clickbait title for more views?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Because we had a typo … there have been so many 2024 videos this week

[@braetonwilson4296]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I understand, perfectly normal. I'm sure both of you are super busy. Thanks for reviewing affordable cars like the Corolla. Hope you review the Mirage, Rio, Versa etc. too!

[@i.d.6492]

Kia forte gt is better. You get fully loaded for much less of a price and with more power

[@Gftgkuhgvv]

How good are Kia though 👎 trashy so if u wanna go for looks go for it don’t blame you but Kia don’t make reliable cars I’ll stick with corolla

[@janoycresnova9156]

It's not practical though. Rear legroom and hatch are nearly useless.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

hideous 😢

[@naveenthemachine]

Unfortunately the civic exists and it’s far better. Just skip the corolla and get a civic. The Competition is simply better in every single regard than the corolla. Reliability isn’t much worse in the grand scheme of things. It’s not like others break as quickly as a Land Rover

[@j9670]

...then again, my kid's tricycle won't break as quickly as a Land Rover! 😂

[@braetonwilson4296]

The people who can afford to buy a new Land Rover or other unreliable luxury cars like Mercedes Benz, Audi etc. can afford to pay for their repairs. The people who buy used European luxury cars without warranty just to show off, well good luck lol!

[@kromahj]

But not everyone want honda civic

[@sammyt3514]

I don't like the Civic looks and its ride is ridiculously firm; I'd get this Corolla over the Civic for those reasons alone. And reliability still does set Toyota apart, even compared to Honda, let alone the Korean competition. There's a reason why the Corolla is the best selling compact sedan in the world.

[@paranromallover4543]

@@sammyt3514 Don't get your hopes up these new corolla cvt's with launch gears are very sophisticated and i already heard of some failing. You might actually be better off getting a honda because it still uses a simpler cvt that was proven over the years.

[@mikemayers8672]

They make very few of these hatches and sell very few as well. People don't want ugly small cars.