While the popularity of some sedans has faded, some of them are still going strong. The Honda Civic, now almost 50 years old, just won a Best Buy award from Kelley Blue Book. The Toyota Camry is also a consumer favorite thanks to its great price and fuel efficiency. Many sedan shoppers also have their eyes on the 2020 Toyota Corolla.

For this model year, the sedan body style was fully redesigned. However, a new hatchback body style was also introduced last year. Hatchbacks usually give drivers more cargo room, but is it really the better buy? Here’s what you need to know about the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s engine options

The hatchback comes standard with a 2.0-liter engine capable of 169 hp. It’s paired with either a CVT or a six-speed manual. The sedan has another 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, but it only makes 139 hp. With the CVT option, both the hatchback and the sedan have excellent fuel economy scores.

Many critics have expressed that the standard 1.8-liter engine is terribly slow and doesn’t provide a fun driving experience. The engine in the hatchback gets better acceleration, although it still produces some noticeable engine noise. However, both models good suspensions, so you can expect a smooth ride in either car.

Interior space

Both the hatchback and the sedan versions of the Toyota Corolla can seat up to five. Even though the hatchback is wider, the sedan version offers more legroom in the second row. However, the hatchback provides more headroom for the rear seat. In the cargo department, the hatchback is the clear winner with 17.8 cubic feet of storage.

This is nearly five feet more than the sedan’s trunk space. However, when compared to similarly priced hatchbacks, this number is not as impressive. With the second row folded down, drivers get an additional 5.5 cubic feet of space. The sedan’s second row can also be folded down, but it doesn’t lay as flat as the hatchback’s.

Technology options

Both the regular Toyota Corolla and the hatchback model include most of the same infotainment features. Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all included. However, the Corolla sedan is only compatible with Apple CarPlay. Both Apple and Android users can pair their devices with the hatchback’s infotainment system.

Each model also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features. These include lane assistance, traffic sign recognition, and cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback also comes with standard blind-spot monitoring, which is only available as an upgrade in the sedan.

The redesigned sedan

In last year’s model, the sedan was filled with many unattractive hard plastics that cheapened its appearance. The Toyota Corolla sedan has been spruced up significantly for 2020 to mirror the interior of the hatchback. The seating position is also more comfortable, complete with new headrests.

The 2020 sedan has more defined body lines, new LED headlights, and more tire options. Desirable features like Apple CarPlay are standard for this year. The sedan is also available as a hybrid car, but this model costs a little extra.

Is the Toyota Corolla Hatchback right for you?

If you want more storage space and happen to be an Android Auto user, the decision seems to be a no-brainer. The hatchback model also comes standard with the best engine. However, the sedan has more trim options, including the sporty XLE. 

If you have some tall passengers, the sedan may be better suited for them. In terms of value, the Toyota Corolla hatchback is better. It has more features onboard and only costs around $700 more than the standard Corolla sedan.