Many people prefer hatchbacks over sedans because they provide increased cargo space and easier access to that cargo. However, in recent years shopping for an economical Toyota hatchback limited your options to a Prius or a Toyota Corolla Hatchback. While the Toyota Prius hybrid is available for 2023, what’s the status of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback? 

Will there be a 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback? 

Yes, there is a 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. And, while Edmunds calls it “a solid, if somewhat uninspiring, compact hatchback,” it did benefit from a mid-cycle makeover. A new headlight design and revised bumpers top the list of exterior improvements, while an improved infotainment touchscreen and advanced driver assist features add to passenger enjoyment and safety. 

While the Toyota Corolla sedan offers six variants, including hybrid options, the Corolla Hatchback only comes in two trim options; SE and XSE. Edmunds says the Corolla SE is the most popular hatchback option and starts at $24,060, including Toyota’s delivery fee. The Corolla XSE hatchback trim starts at $27,525, including delivery, and offers additional features that are either optional or unavailable on the lower SE grade. 

Which Corolla Hatchback trim is best?

Autotrader calls the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE trim “well-equipped with standard features.” The Corolla Hatchback SE exterior includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights. Inside, the SE trim includes the new 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and automatic climate control. The SE also has Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with a suite of driver-assist features such as:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Lane-keeping assist
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Full-speed adaptive cruise control with traffic sign assist and Proactive Driving Assist.

The SE Premium package adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated power side mirrors, and a power moonroof. 

The 2023 Corolla Hatchback XSE trim includes everything the SE model has, including the SE Premium package equipment. However, the XSE version features a sportier look thanks to the LED foglights integrated into the front facia and the “18-inch graphite-colored alloy wheels.” The XSE also includes features such as:

• SofTex sport seats with heat
• Power adjustable driver’s seat
• 7-inch digital gauge cluster
• Wireless charging pad
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• JBL eight-speaker audio system

While both trim levels include the same 169-horsepower four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission powertrain, the SE variant gets better fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined compared to the XSE’s 33 mpg combined. 

As a result, Autotrader recommends the SE trim due to its “lower price tag, higher fuel economy, and a generous list of standard features.” However, opting for the SE Premium package or the XSE results in a safer vehicle thanks to upgrades like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and the XSE exclusive LED foglights. 

Is the 2023 Corolla Hatchback worth buying?

Whichever trim you like for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is worth buying. Although the Corolla Hatchback offers less cargo room than some competitors, it makes up for it in passenger space. Add in the updated styling, new touchscreen, and enhanced safety features, and the 2023 Corolla Hatchback remains a solid, compact hatchback, but now it provides some inspiration.