Introduced in 2019, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback provides reliable transportation with little fanfare. However, Toyota has upped the ante for 2023 with a mid-model refresh of the exterior styling, infotainment touchscreen, and driver assistance technology. So, what’s the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s downside?

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback provides plenty to like

Toyota gave the 2023 Corolla Hatchback a mid-model refresh. That includes revamped bumpers and headlights, a new center-mounted 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, voice control improvements, and the automaker’s latest version of its safety suite, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The 2023 Corolla Hatchback offers two trims: the standard SE and the plusher XSE.

Both pack a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, a continuously variable transmission, and front-wheel drive. That powertrain gets exceptional fuel economy for a non-hybrid, with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city/highway combined. 

The standard 2023 Corolla Hatchback SE includes these upscale features:

• LED headlights and taillights
• Heated power side mirrors
• Automatic climate control
• Two USB ports
• Wi-Fi hotspot

The XSE adds the following:

• Larger alloy wheels
• LED foglights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Larger driver information display
• Simulated leather seats with fabric inserts
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Wireless charging pad
• Upgraded sound system
• Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert (optional for the SE)

Every 2023 Corolla Hatchback includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The latest iteration of the brand’s advanced driver-assistance system provides the following:

• Adaptive cruise control that monitors traffic ahead and speed-limit signs
• Forward collision warning with automatic braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keeping system
• Automatic high beams

However, one downside to the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is limited cargo space. 

How much cargo space does the Corolla Hatchback have compared to rivals?

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s exterior dimensions are smaller than its rivals. With its overall length of 172 inches, width of 70.5 inches excluding side mirrors, and height of 57.1 inches, this compact hatchback has 102.4 cubic feet of interior volume and 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all seats in place. That limited cargo space hinders the Corolla Hatchback’s functionality, according to Edmunds.

For comparison, Mazda lists the Mazda3 hatchback’s cargo volume at 20.1 cubic feet. Additionally, Honda reports the Civic hatchback provides 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up. But both competitors offer less passenger space than the Corolla Hatchback. 

Do hatchbacks have more cargo space?

U.S. News reports that the 2023 Toyota Corolla sedan has 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space. That’s over four cubic feet less than the hatchback’s 17.8 cubic feet. It’s also true that other hatchbacks enjoy greater cargo volume than their sedan counterparts.

However, a hatchback’s cargo volume advantage often results from its taller cargo area. So, unless the items you plan to carry can stack atop one another, you might not be able to take full advantage of that extra space.