Hatchback: No changes of note for 2025 for the mainstream Corolla hatchback.

GR: The previous Circuit trim has been abandoned. Torque output has increased from 272 to 295 lb.ft. The base trim gains additional brake cooling and a heated steering wheel. A new Premium trim, with a larger air intake, has been introduced. The GR is now offered with an automatic transmission.

The hatchback is an important model for Toyota and competes strongly with cars like the Mazda 3, Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Toyota builds the hatchback is built on a four inch shorter wheelbase than the sedan which makes for a tidy, urban-friendly footprint but results in tight rear seat legroom.

Except for the ultra-exclusive and expensive GR Corolla, the Corolla hatchback is powered by a 2L four producing 169 horsepower and sending power to the front wheels via a CVT. All-wheel drive and hybrid power, available on the sedan, are not offered on the hatch.

Though horsepower is substantial, the Corolla does not feel quick and the 2L four lacks refinement except for when cruising. This engine was a revvy delight when hooked with the previously available six-speed manual but disappoints when hooked to its CVT. Despite the low-profile tires on some trims, the Corolla hatch delivers a supple ride. Steering is quick, precise and holds its line well on the highway. Braking is strong, with good pedal feel.

The Corolla’s cabin is very dramatic and stylized. Materials look and feel good and there are soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and upper front doors. The infotainment screen is straightforward and easy to use. Most functions are controlled by physical buttons. There is no way to turn off the headlights, which is irritating. If the Corolla hatch dash can be faulted, it is for underwhelming graphics. Very comfortable front seats. The rear seat is supportive but legroom is tight. The hatchback body style adds a good measure of utility but the actual cargo space is unimpressive.

The GR Corolla is powered by a 1.6L three-cylinder turbo that cranks out 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Power flows to all wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The “frenzied bumble bee” idle of the GR morphs into a rabid wail as the car moves from a stop in first gear, smoothing out to an engaging howl as the engine races for the redline. The GR’s clutch engages in a linear fashion; the gearchange is precise, but it doesn’t have the ultimate precision of the shifter on the Honda Civic Type R. The new eight-speed automatic transmission offers Normal (more traction sent to the front wheels), Gravel (distributes power between the four wheels while accounting for load transfer during acceleration) and Track (varies the traction between the front and rear depending driving and vehicle conditions). Acceleration is vivid with the automatic and the transmission downshifts pro-actively on deceleration.

The higher seating position and tidier dimensions of the GR Corolla compared to the Honda Civic Type R make it feel more fun to drive. Except for the very supportive front sport seats and premium faux-suede seat inserts, the cabin is essentially the same as a regular Corolla. Room up front is good, but the shorter wheelbase of the hatchback compared to the Corolla sedan results in tight rear seat legroom.

2L: The base Corolla hatchback, with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0+ and a wireless version of the iOS-Android cellphone interface, is nicely equipped. Moving up to the SE trim adds alloy wheels, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings. The SE Upgrade package includes a heated steering wheel and wireless cellphone charging. The XSE trim ups the luxury factor with a power driver’s seat, a JBL-branded audio system, a digital gauge package and vinyl and cloth upholstery.

GR: The base GT, with a comprehensive active safety suite and a heated steering wheel, is reasonably well equipped. The Premium trim includes a carbon fibre roof panel, wireless cellphone charging, a JBL-branded audio system and from and rear parking sensors.

2L: The engine and transmission powering the Corolla hatchback are durable. The rest of the car should exhibit better than average reliability and durability.

GR: Like the Turbo V6 in the Tundra and the 2.4L turbo engine in many newer Toyotas, the GR hyper-sports model has suffered from early engine failures.