2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback review
Toyota Corolla Hatchback highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Nimble handling
- Impressive list of standard driver aids
- Comfortable ride quality
- Good fuel economy
Cons
- Competitors offer more cargo and cabin space
- Not much rear legroom
Mileage (EPA estimate)
28 city, 37 highway, 31 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The Toyota Corolla Hatchback has long been a practical choice for a compact car. It is affordable, comfortable, durable, and efficient. But it hasn't always had the most personality. That's where the stylish 2021 Corolla Hatchback comes in—it adds some visual appeal that's absent in the Corolla sedan. Not only that, but the five-door Corolla hatch offers more utility than its four-door sedan counterpart thanks to its larger cargo area and folding rear seats. However, that utility comes up a bit short among its competitors such as the Mazda 3 hatchback and the Honda Civic hatchback, which offer greater storage space.
The most notable change for the 2021 Toyota Corolla is the addition of standard rear seat-mounted side airbags. In addition, the rear cross-traffic alert with blind-spot monitoring feature became standard on the XSE trim and can be found on SE trims with the Preferred package. There was also a Special Edition package available for the SE trim, which added 18-inch wheels, unique red paint, and sporty-looking exterior styling tweaks.
All Toyota Corolla Hatchback years
What is new for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?
- The Corolla Hatchback is available in a new trim called the Special Edition.
- Corolla Hatchback trims have been upgraded with Leatherette Seats as standard equipment this year.
- The SE trim now comes with Leatherette & Cloth, Power Seat(s), and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
- The SE Night Shade trim now comes with Power Seat(s) and Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback trims
SE:
- 169-hp, 151-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Power Mirrors
- Cloth Seats
- Traction Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Smart Key
- Side Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- Rear Defroster
- View our Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE inventory
SE Night Shade:
- Includes all features available on the SE
- No significant upgrades found on the SE Night Shade
- View our Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE Night Shade inventory
XSE:
- Includes all features available on the SE Night Shade
- Leather Seats
- Sunroofs
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- View our Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE inventory
Special Edition:
- Includes all features available on the XSE
- 2.0L
Toyota Corolla Hatchback photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
What We Like
Plenty of driver-assistance features: The Corolla hatch comes standard with automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between vehicles), auto high-beam control, lane-keeping assistance (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered), and more.
Balanced ride quality: The Corolla Hatchback strikes a great balance between comfort and composure. It delivers a soft ride on the freeway, but in a way that still feels composed. The SE trim and its smaller 16-inch wheels offer maximum comfort. The XSE rides a bit rougher due to its bigger wheels and skinnier sidewall tires. On the open road, you'll appreciate the fairly quiet interior. The front seats should appeal to a variety of drivers and are relatively comfortable over long journeys.
Good visibility: There is great visibility in every direction. A low hood aids forward visibility, while plenty of side glass makes lane changes stress-free. The rear headrests can block the already small-ish rear window, but they are removable when not in use.
What Needs Improvement
Limited cargo space: Hatchbacks are versatile cars, but the Corolla's high floor hinders its cargo space. Behind the rear seats, you get 17.8 cubic feet of storage. For reference, competitors like the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic hatchback offer 20.1 cubic feet and 25.7 cubic feet, respectively. That said, there is a way to increase storage space. Corolla models equipped with the Enhanced Cargo Space option add 6 cubic feet of space by lowering the cargo floor. However, these models will have a tire repair kit instead of a proper spare tire.
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Ratings & reliability
Toyota Corolla Hatchback features and specs
SE Night Shade 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- JBL Sound System
- Navigation System
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
169
Torque (ft-lbs)
151
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
103.9"
Overall length
172"
Width
70.5"
Height
57.1"
Leg room
F 42"/R 29.9"
Head room
F 38.4"/R 37.6"
Front tires
P225/40VR18
Rear tires
P225/40VR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FAQ
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SE Night Shade: 32 MPG City and 42 MPG Highway
- SE: 32 MPG City and 41 MPG Highway
- XSE: 30 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
Here is what's new for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback:
- Special Edition
- Automatic Transmission
- Smart Key
- Power Windows
- Traction Control
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