Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Toyota Corolla hatchback review

“The Toyota Corolla hatchback is great for low running costs, comfort and reliability”

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Diesel-beating efficiency
  • Stylish new design
  • Hassle-free motoring

Cons

  • Middling interior space
  • CVT automatic isn't for everyone
  • Limited towing ability

Verdict - Is the Toyota Corolla a good car?

It’s not as practical as some rival models from other car makers, but the Toyota Corolla is still one of the best family cars around if you can live with a little less boot space and rear legroom. It’s great to drive, impressively economical, cheap to tax, will be very reliable and it’s quiet and comfy inside. It even got a big update in 2023 that brought the interior and infotainment up to date, so it feels modern despite the fact the Corolla is an older design now.

Toyota Corolla models, specs and alternatives

The Toyota Corolla is a well-established name and the current model is a rival for family hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus, Peugeot 308 and Volkswagen Golf. The current one is the best ever, and it’s even made in Britain at a factory in Burnston, near Derby. It’s also available as a more practical Touring Sports estate, though this review will focus on the hatchback model.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The only engines available in the Corolla are petrol hybrids – there are no pure combustion or electric options at all. Your only options here are a 1.8-litre and a 2.0-litre hybrid, but since both return over 60mpg according to  WLTP test figures, and have low CO2 emissions from 98 to 111g/km (keeping Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) low) both versions are really cheap to run. In a recent real-world test against the Honda Civic hybrid and Kia Ceed mild hybrid, the Corolla proved to be the most economical model and at 55mpg, it was over 10mpg more efficient than the Ceed.

A 2023 update improved the engines with a bit more power and also improved the Corolla’s interior and infotainment. The 1.8-litre hybrid model is a bit lighter now, and has 138bhp (up from 120bhp), so it can go from 0-62mph in a useful 9.2 seconds. The 2.0-litre hybrid model now has 193bhp (up from 178bhp) and does the same sprint in 7.5 seconds – matching that of the plug-in hybrid Vauxhall Astra GSe.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Every Corolla is front-wheel drive and comes equipped with a surprisingly smooth CVT automatic gearbox. With precise steering and a sophisticated multi-link suspension setup, all versions of the Corolla are good to drive, however keen drivers are likely better off opting for the more-powerful 2.0-litre model, or even choosing something like a Ford Focus instead which, unlike the Toyota, is offered with a manual gearbox.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Once you’ve selected an engine, there are four trim levels to choose from: Icon, Design, GR Sport and Excel. Even the base Icon model comes well-equipped with a 10.5-inch touchscreen, digital dials, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging and a full suite of driver aids including a reversing camera.

If you care at all for style, we’d recommend stepping up to the Design model which gets 17-inch alloy wheels and a more sophisticated set of LED headlights, with a sleek-looking daytime-running light design. GR Sport trim sets itself apart with a racier bodykit, figure-hugging sports seats, and model-specific alloy wheels and badging. Finally, there’s the range-topping Excel which boasts a two-tone roof, larger 18-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights and a head-up display. Sadly, we in the UK miss out on the 300bhp 1.6-litre engine and four-wheel drive of the rally-inspired GR Corolla hot hatch that’s sold in North America, instead getting its smaller sibling, the Toyota GR Yaris.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Corolla’s well-built, if a tad uninspiring interior also got a boost for 2023 in the form of a new 10.5-inch touchscreen taken from the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV. This is much slicker than the old system and incredibly easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility coming as standard. There’s also a set of digital dials that aren’t quite as configurable as rivals, although they’re still a welcome step up over the past-digital dials of the outgoing car.

Practicality is decent without tearing up the rule book, offering plenty of space and seat adjustment in the front, but only middling room for back seat passengers. Pick the 1.8-litre hybrid and there's a 361-litre boot, but this shrinks to 313 litres in the 2.0-litre, a figure that's bettered by even a Volkswagen Polo supermini. If the Corolla ticks a lot of boxes but you’d like it to be a bit bigger, you’ll be well served by the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estate, or by the Toyota RAV4 SUV.

Corolla owners are likely to be looking for hassle-free motoring and here the Toyota scores again, with its new 'Relax' warranty. This can last for up to 10 years/100,000 miles, but with Toyota's reliability record – especially for hybrid models – they probably won't need it. Plenty of standard safety kit has helped the car score five stars in Euro NCAP safety tests.

Trim levels

Power options

  • Icon
  • Design
  • GR Sport
  • Excel
  • 1.8 Hybrid (138bhp)
  • 2.0 Hybrid (193bhp)

Toyota Corolla alternatives

Hybrid family cars

Petrol family cars

Electric family cars

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback
Ford Focus - front 3/4 dynamic
In-depth reviews
3 Dec 2024

Ford Focus review – a great-to-drive family hatchback

Mercedes A-Class review – a comfort-focused premium hatchback
Mercedes A-Class
In-depth reviews
2 Dec 2024

Mercedes A-Class review – a comfort-focused premium hatchback

Volkswagen Golf review - the go-to family hatchback
Volkswagen Golf facelift
In-depth reviews
26 Nov 2024

Volkswagen Golf review - the go-to family hatchback

Mazda3 review – an economical and classy family hatchback
Mazda3 front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
25 Nov 2024

Mazda3 review – an economical and classy family hatchback

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you
Vauxhall Frontera front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2024

Vauxhall Frontera review – hybrid or electric, it’s up to you

New Kia EV6 GT pinches key performance feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
2025 Kia EV6 GT front quarter
News
5 Dec 2024

New Kia EV6 GT pinches key performance feature from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Top 10 best used hybrid cars 2024
Best used hybrid cars
Best cars
16 Oct 2024

Top 10 best used hybrid cars 2024

These used hybrid cars will help you take your first step into electrified motoring on a budget
Top 10 best small hybrid cars 2024
Best small hybrid cars
Best cars
28 Aug 2024

Top 10 best small hybrid cars 2024

Small hybrid cars are some of the most efficient cars on the market and are perfect for urban driving
Best estate cars – the top 10 to buy in 2024
Best estate cars 2024
Best cars
14 Aug 2024

Best estate cars – the top 10 to buy in 2024

Need space but don’t want the bulk of an SUV? Look no further than our top 10 estate cars…
The best Japanese cars you can buy in 2024
Best Japanese cars
Best cars
8 Aug 2024

The best Japanese cars you can buy in 2024

Japan builds some of the most hi-tech, reliable and fun cars in the world – here are 10 of the best
The 10 best hatchbacks to buy in 2024
Best hatchbacks
Best cars
3 Jul 2024

The 10 best hatchbacks to buy in 2024

Hatchbacks are the ideal car for many drivers, with plentiful interior and boot space packaged in a small footprint – these are the best
Hot car deal: Hybrid Toyota Corolla hatchback for £242 a month
Toyota Corolla front quarter
Deals
28 May 2024

Hot car deal: Hybrid Toyota Corolla hatchback for £242 a month

Our hot car deal for May 28th is a global best-seller; the Toyota Corolla for just £242 a month
Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2024
Best hybrid estate cars
Best cars
15 Feb 2024

Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2024

These hybrid estate cars could be the perfect choice for those wanting big space but small fuel bills
Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2024
Top 10 best hybrid family cars
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best hybrid family cars 2024

Need a practical car with very low running costs? Read our guide to the best hybrid family cars
Skip advert
Advertisement
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estate review
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estate rear 3/4
In-depth reviews
7 Nov 2023

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estate review

"The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is a family-friendly estate with economical, reliable hybrid powertrains"
Top 10 best cars for dog owners
Skoda superb header
Best cars
29 Dec 2022

Top 10 best cars for dog owners

Whether you’re already a dog owner or are looking for a vehicle before a puppy arrives, we’ve got you covered with the best options for motoring with …
2023 Toyota Corolla: Pricing, details and prototype drive
2023 Toyota Corolla hatchback front passenger side
News
24 Aug 2022

2023 Toyota Corolla: Pricing, details and prototype drive

The Japanese brand’s hybrid Corolla hatchback gets more power and an improved infotainment system
Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch gets 295bhp and a manual gearbox
Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition
News
1 Apr 2022

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch gets 295bhp and a manual gearbox

New range-topping sporty Corolla has finally been revealed, but it’s not coming to the UK
Hybrid Suzuki Swace estate on sale for £27,499
News
11 Nov 2020

Hybrid Suzuki Swace estate on sale for £27,499

New Suzuki Swace is a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
UK prices for Toyota Corolla Trek start at £29,225
2019 Toyota Corolla TREK - Front dynamic 3/4
News
29 Apr 2020

UK prices for Toyota Corolla Trek start at £29,225

Petrol Toyota Corolla no longer available but two special editions join the range
Toyota Corolla saloon review (2019-2021)
Toyota Corolla saloon
In-depth reviews
20 Feb 2019

Toyota Corolla saloon review (2019-2021)

"The Toyota Corolla saloon offers Prius-efficiency in a practical, stylish and cost-effective package"

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024