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# 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Roadblazing DHS Budget Subcompact Car Review
- URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2019-toyota-corolla-hatchback-roadblazing-dhs-budget-subcompact-car-review/
- Published: 2018-11-26T15:55:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-04-14T15:42:00.000Z
- Author: George Straton
- Tags: Hatchbacks

(Contributing Editor: Susan Frissell)

#### Versatile compact hatchbacks are something crossover utes can only pretend to be: FUN!

#### The latest message from Toyota Global in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan to Toyota Motor North America HQ \[now\] in Plano, Texas :

#### 「アメリカ人が最後に5ドアの小型ハッチバックを楽しんだので、この最新モデルを受け入れることを願っています。

#### ("Since you Americans recognized the fun versatility of the last 5-door compact hatchback we sent you, we hope you will accept this latest improved model.")

#### 

#### Hence a redesigned Mk. 3 Toyota Auris トヨタ・オーリス (E210) compact hatchback has now arrived the Port of Los Angeles, this time the **2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback**, all as part of a concerted conspiracy to impose European style versatile 5-door fun on more Yanks.

#### 

#### \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

#### *Must Haves:*

**√** Low M.S.R.P:

*from* **$20,910** (incl. destination) for a 6-speed manual **2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback**, a $1295 increase over preceding equivalent 2018 Corolla iM. Add $1100 for the automatic CVT transaxle.

**√** Low transaction price:

Check Toyota.com & Toyota dealers for their extensive purchase, finance incentives.

*Buyers are only competing with a select few Americans of discriminating Euro practical taste.*  

**√** Sufficient capacity, Versatile use of space:

Front buckets suit wide range of body types, though cushions are on short side; Low front cowl, door, rather than sail panel mounted side mirrors and thin B-pillars enhance outward view; ; Cargo parcel shelf partially impedes rear visibility; Brilliantly bright LCD white on variable blue or red gauges include TFT trip data display; Elegant chrome tipped switches, large primary control buttons, pleasing to wind rotary dials; Front door / Rear door pocket storage = improved at Good / Good.

![2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Leather, heated front and power driver's seating unexpected and a boon to support and long term comfort](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/11/RB-2019-Toyota-Corolla-Hatchback-XSE-seats-driver-P1390996-bd.jpg)

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Leather, heated front and power driver's seating unexpected and a boon to support and long term comfort

*For Comparison's Sake*: **2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback** vs. **Volkswagen Golf Mk. VII 5-door** \= \-5.7"\-inches rear legroom, \-21% nominal cargo space = verging on sub-compact.

![2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: 60/40% split folding rear seat backs for cargo expansion](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/11/RB-2019-Toyota-Corolla-Hatchback-XSE-cargo003d.jpg)

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: 60/40% split folding rear seat backs for cargo expansion

**√** Above average fuel economy, without hybrid or diesel power:

**33** miles per gallon, combined; 500 mile highway range, 87 octane unleaded fuel

**√** Adequate highway long-ramp, challenging short-ramp merge acceleration

Long throttle travel; Much improved low speed launch with +31 hp = **168 hp** and single planetary gear to Continuously Variable band pulley transaxle; Rubber band wind-out still slightly noticeable despite 10 shift steps.

**√** Acceptable ride/ handling

Now sits on modular TNGA-C platform; Rear double wishbone swapped for space saving four links on full independent chassis; Center of gravity lowered by 0.5"-inch for reduced body roll; Despite upsize to XSE's 18"-inch alloy wheels bound in 45-ratio rubber, body body dip is minimized; Less aggressive rebound damping ably filters out most road crevice impacts; More rapid and precise, but hardly straining steering beckons driver engagement; Linear brake pedal response fitted to standard 4-wheel disc brakes scrubs speed expeditiously.

**√** Fitting & Finished:

Contrasting light grey soft leatherette dash padding; Tight grained pliable panels abound; Contrast seat accent stitching; Convincing metallic accents, bezels & switch tips; Solid door close thuds; Cabin insulated from excessive powertrain noise; Tight grained dark plastics below waist height; **\-1** Excessive tire roar.

![2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Minimally cluttered, more unified instrument panel w/ bright variable color TFT gauge cluster and 8"-inch LCD pod infotainment display](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/11/RB-2019-Toyota-Corolla-Hatchback-XSE-cockpit-P1400122-bd.jpg)

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Minimally cluttered, more unified instrument panel w/ bright variable color TFT gauge cluster and 8"-inch LCD pod infotainment display

**√** High reliability, O.K. warranty, **+1** Initial maintenance

Corolla name synonymous with "bullet proof"

5 year / 60,000 miles powertrain; 3 year / 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranties; 2 yr. / 25k mi included maintenance.

**√** Styling = Aspiring hot hatch ambitions builds on previous [**Mk. 2 E180 Corolla iM** / **Auris** 5-door liftbacks](https://www.roadblazing.com/2018-toyota-corolla-im-roadblazing-dhs-budget-subcompact-car-review/).

![2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Now with a 0.5"-inch lower stance and more forward leaning profile](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/11/RB-2019-Toyota-Corolla-Hatchback-XSE-ext-profile-P1390767-bd.jpg)

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Now with a 0.5"-inch lower stance and more forward leaning profile

Sharp raked hood, rising beltline profile retained; Former V-grille traded for hexagonal mid & lower front fascia, Black lattice inserts on XSE; Body-color matching side-spats; Wider C-pillars better blends into rear quarters; Liftgate goes convex, Tetrahedral chrome dual corner exhaust tip ports.

**√** Generous standard equipment list:

*Standard:* Power windows (express x 4), door locks, heated mirrors; Keyless entry; Dual illuminated vanity sun-visors, Leather tilt + telescoping steering wheel, Front and rear overhead map lights; Front & 2nd Row center armrests; 60/40 split folding 2nd row seatbacks; Cargo bay parcel shelf cover;

**√** Good safety feature set & ratings:

8 airbags (incl. driver's knee), Rear view camera w/ park guidance grid, Automatic lights.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0: Lane keep & trace assist, pre-collision braking, pedestrian avoidance, automatic high beam headlights.

![2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Blind spot monitor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/11/RB-2019-Toyota-Corolla-Hatchback-XSE-drive-assist-BSW-002d.jpg)

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE: Blind spot monitor

IIHS: NOT TESTED (2018 MY Corolla iM = Front/ Side/ Small Frontal Overlap Impact resistance: Good/ Good/ Not Rated),

#### *Standard & Making Life Easier Behind the Wheel:*

**√** Bluetooth handsfree phone & audio connectivity

**√** Adaptive cruise control (CVT full adaptive)

**√** 1-Zone automatic climate control (XSE 2-Zone)

**√** Touch infotainment display: 8"-inch touch LCD display HD FM/AM Audio with USB, Aux, I-pod, streaming inputs, 6-speaker Pioneer 160W audio w/ voice commands; Entune 3.0 Apps; weather & traffic, Scout GPS Link voice command, direction wireless navigation; Apple Car Play integration.

**√** USB x 2 ports, 12V x 1 power ports

**√** Front center stack wireless device shelf (OPT.: Qi wireless charging pad)

#### *Standard & Nice To Have:*

**√** Sport mode

**√** Steering wheel shift paddles (CVT models)

**√** LED headlamps (XSE active bend)

**√** Rear disc brakes

**√** Fully independent suspension

**√** 16"-inch alloy wheels (XSE 17" darkened)

**√** Driver assist technology: Lane departure warning, keep & trace assist steering; Pre-collision braking w/ cyclist detection low light pedestrian detection avoidance.

#### *Available Niceties:*

**√** Leather seats, heated front, driver's 8-way power (XSE)

#### *Wish It Had But Doesn't:*

**\-1**: **2018 Toyota Corolla Hatchback** *trails* competitors' roominess; lacks Android Auto (for now) & rear cross traffic warning.

#### *Which to Skip, Which to Pick:*

XSE's leather upholstery and power driver's seat is slightly pretentious in this segment. Take a stunning Blue Flame SE model, brave it out with the silken manual gearbox, and enjoy the same mechanicals, safety & driver's assist set as the XSE - minus Blind Spot Warning. Pocket $3000 savings.

#### Buying Tips:

**1)** When possible, locate an outgoing model year vehicle. They come with greater manufacturer sale and lease incentives.

**2)** Do Your Homework." Scour manufacturer websites for "Rebates", "Incentives" or "Special Offers."

**3)** Be flexible on options and colors. Be willing to consider what other consumers might readily pass on.

**4)** Reputable new car dealers may allow prospective purchasers to rent a similar model service loaner vehicle for extended test drive purposes.