With its sharply styled Corolla Hatchback, Toyota has created a car for budget-minded driving enthusiasts who appreciate excellent fuel economy. It stands out for its simple controls and standard advanced safety features at a competitive price, going against cars such as the Mazda3 and Subaru Impreza.
We were pleased with the Corolla Hatchback's tied-down handling. It's fun and predictable through turns, and its steering is precise. It enthusiastically took corners at our test track. The car's ride is stiff, however, with short and quick ride motions that make it feel nervous at times--although it's on a par with most of its peers. The ride is even stiffer in with the 18-inch tires that come on the XSE trim.
Our test car returned an impressive 36 mpg overall, several mpg better than its direct competitors, such as the Mazda3. But we had to push the 168-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine hard to find real power; when power came on, it was accompanied by a loud, raspy noise. The well-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) does a fine job keeping the revs low when the Corolla is driven at lower speeds, thanks to simulated shifts that make it feel more like a conventional automatic transmission.
The infotainment screen and controls are easy to use. It's sometimes slow to respond to inputs, and the small buttons flanking the screen tend to wash out in direct sunlight. Amazon Alexa assistant and Apple CarPlay come standard. The Alexa system allows owners to start the car remotely or control Alexa-connected devices from the car. Updates for 2020 include standard Android Auto compatibility.
The front seats are wide enough for most drivers, even with side bolsters that hug the driver nicely. Two-way power lumbar is standard on the top XSE trim, which is a nice touch for this class. The driving position is on the low side, but there's generous headroom and the door and center armrests are well-located. The angle of the windshield pillars hurts front visibility, and chunky roof pillars limit the rear view.
It's a chore for adults to get into the rear seat because of the small door and sloping roofline. Legroom is severely limited back there for adults, too. The hatchback is light and easy to operate, but the car's angled design hurts its cargo room. Fortunately, the ability to fold down the rear seats helps compensate for that.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, and lane departure warning with steering assist are standard, but blind spot warning is optional. Standard driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. Fans of the Corolla should take note: This sporty little hatchback previews the upcoming redesigned 2020 sedan.