2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE Review: Rev Up Your Style
When did a Corolla actually become cool? Back in the day, there was the Toyota Corolla AE86 of Initial D fame but there hasn’t been anything special until the recent launch of the Hatchback, GR Corolla and special editions of late.
The XSE isn’t exactly a GR Corolla but it also didn’t look or feel like your average hatchback. It’s a fun, sporty ride that’s got some practical tricks up its sleeve.
The Corolla Hatchback made its debut in 2019, and it was a breath of fresh air in Toyota’s lineup. There is the Corolla (sedan), Corolla Hybrid and the GR Corolla for all of your wannabe racecar drivers. Right now, for the Corolla Hatchback, you can pick from three trims: the SE, the SE Nightshade edition and the top-of-the-line XSE.
I got to test drive the Corolla Hatchback XSE and it immediately caught my eye with its cool two-tone exterior. The Finish Line Red with a Midnight Black Metallic Roof. Plus, those sporty 18-inch wheels with dark gray metallic accents and LED fog lights give it extra flare. The front grille is all black, and it’s flanked by slim J-shaped headlights. If you’re up for it, there’s an Adaptive Front Lighting system you can add. And, at the back, the XSE lets you go bold with an optional black roof and spoiler, along with a single exhaust boasting dual chrome diffusers.
When it comes to power, the Corolla Hatchback rocks a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that dishes out 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. It’s not going to push your head back or anything but it’s got enough pep to make the drive enjoyable. Good news is that a 6-speed manual gearbox is also offered. The automatic version I tested out has the Intelligent Manual (iMT) mode with downshift rev-matching control, which makes gear changes smoother with the push of a button.
The XSE’s interior follows the two-toned theme, and you’ll be sitting pretty in black combo leather seats. The heated sport seats are comfy, and the driver gets an 8-way power-adjustable seat. The XSE adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, along with some unique stitching in the cabin, accented by gloss black and silver trim. In the center stack, you’ll find dual-zone climate controls, while the narrow center console houses the gear shift knob, buttons for the automatic parking brake and auto brake hold, and two cup holders.
In the tech department, the XSE doesn’t disappoint. There’s a 7-inch digital driver display above the steering wheel. The multimedia system is centered around Toyota’s trusty 8-inch touchscreen, surrounded by glossy black. It’s got all the connectivity you need, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The XSE goes the extra mile with Toyota Audio Plus, adding features like 2 USB ports, HD Radio, and Weather/Traffic info. And, there’s a handy backup camera, too.
Accessing the cargo area is a breeze, thanks to the lightweight hatch, even if it’s not powered.
When it comes to the ride and drive, the Corolla Hatchback offers a smooth and comfortable experience. It’s easy to handle and boy is it easy to park! Handling is confident, but don’t expect it to be a corner-carving beast.
Now, let’s talk safety. The Corolla Hatchback comes with Toyota’s standard Safety Sense 2.0 system, featuring Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Daytime Cyclist Detection, and Road Sign Assist. The XSE also adds a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert for extra peace of mind. Basically it comes pretty much with everything Toyota has to offer at this price point.
I was most impressed with the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). When it’s enabled, the system detects lane markers and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) comes into play. LTA utilizes road lines and/or the presence of vehicles ahead to actively assist with driving, helping to keep your vehicle centered within its lane. While LTA is active, the Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) is on standby, closely monitoring your steering input and attention level.
Here’s how it works. You turn on Dynamic Radar Cruise Control as you would any cruise control system but it assists in your ability to detect cars around you and if you are staying in your lane. Funny enough, I tested it out first when I was stuck in LA traffic on the 405 by setting the cruise control on at 30mph! It kept the car at a nice distance when we were bumper to bumper inching away under 30mph. But it also gives you a warning if you stop steering. So not exactly self driving but should definitely make things safer and easier for driving long distances and give you a warning if there is a need to stop and take a rest before its too late.
With all of that said, if you want to spruce up your ride, there are options to consider, like Adaptive Front Headlights, the black roof, spoiler, side mirrors, a carpet mat package, a rear bumper protector, a rear window spoiler, and a TRD air filter.
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. The Corolla Hatchback XSE, is at just under $27,000. I really couldn’t believe how reasonable it is considering how well the car is.
In a nutshell, the two-toned Corolla Hatchback is a fantastic addition to the Corolla lineup, bringing style, sporty vibes, and just enough cargo space. It might not be the most powerful in its class, but it’s the perfect choice if you’re after an affordable and exciting ride.
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