The 2019 Corolla Hatchback XSE offers an abundance of safety technology, which will undoubtedly enhance its resale value. - Photo by Mike Antich

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback XSE offers an abundance of safety technology, which will undoubtedly enhance its resale value.

Photo by Mike Antich

The new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE model proves that a compact car can be both safe and fun to drive. The front-wheel-drive hatchback is powered by a peppy 2.0-liter Dynamic Force naturally aspirated 16-valve four-cylinder dual overhead cam engine. It generates 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, providing zesty performance maneuvering in low-speed, congested urban fleet applications.

Its new continuously variable transmission (CVT) features an innovative launch gear. Compared to prior generation CVTs, the launch gear gives the Corolla Hatchback quick bursts of low-speed acceleration while significantly improving transmission efficiency and enhancing fuel economy.

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback is the latest model built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). The ubiquitous TNGA platform underpins practically all of Toyota’s new cars and crossovers, ranging from the Prius to the new Avalon and RAV4.

Available in either a SE trim or XSE trim, both models are equipped with a CVT. The MSRP price difference is about $3,000, but the XSE model offers more features than the SE such as dual zone automatic climate control, a larger 7-inch multi-information display, an enhanced audio system, and leather trimmed seating versus cloth. Also, standard blind spot monitoring is offered in the XSE model, which isn’t available in the SE trim, which will contribute to a stronger resale value.

Driving Impressions

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback has a 103.9-inch wheelbase with a 169.9-inch overall length. From a design perspective, it has an attractive sporty exterior sitting on 18-inch wheels. The hatchback also incorporates light-weighing design features to reduce overall curb weight to enhance fuel efficiency. For instance, the rear hatch is composed of a weight-saving polymer resin compound that allows for a more complex surface appearance that includes steel bracing inside the lid for crash protection.

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback XSE we tested offered excellent road handling with a lower center of gravity and 60% more torsional rigidity than its predecessor. It offers an independent MacPherson strut front suspension and Multi-Loin Rear Suspension. This sport-tuned suspension provides driving responsiveness and excellent road handling capabilities.

Behind the wheel, the car has a quiet ride with minimal road noise intruding into the interior compartment, which is minimized by an acoustic noise-reducing front windshield.

The Corolla Hatchback is equipped with an electrically assisted power steering that is sensitive, offering quick responsiveness to all driving circumstances or maneuvering into tight parking situations.

One deficiency is cramped legroom in the back seat, but the hatchback, in a fleet application, will most likely be used by a single driver with minimal circumstances to carry multiple passengers. It most likely will be used in urban applications to carry materials, such as merchandise samples or point of sale merchandise. The rear seat can be split to fold 60/40. With the rear seats folded down, it offers a respectable18.0 cubic feet of cargo space.

There is an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel that can ergonomically accommodate any size employee driver. Inside, drivers have good front and side visibility; or can improve the view out back by folding down the rear-seat outboard headrests. - Photo by Mike Antich

There is an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel that can ergonomically accommodate any size employee driver. Inside, drivers have good front and side visibility; or can improve the view out back by folding down the rear-seat outboard headrests.

Photo by Mike Antich

Abundance of Safety Equipment

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback XSE offers an abundance of safety technology, which will undoubtedly enhance its resale value. The Corolla Hatchback XSE is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which includes the Pre-Collision System with low-light Pedestrian Detection system. Blind-spot monitoring is standard on the XSE. A full package of active safety tech includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure mitigation, full-speed adaptive cruise control (or down to 15 mph on manuals), and a system that can read certain road signs such as speed limits and stop or yield signs.

The model also includes daytime cyclist detection, lane departure alert with a steering assist function. It also offers automatic high beams so as not to blind oncoming drivers and lane tracing assist.

LED lighting is used extensively in the 2019 Corolla Hatchback. The bi-LED combination headlights include an auto on/off feature for daytime running lights and an adaptive front lighting system. In addition, the Corolla Hatchback is equipped with LED fog lights and LED combination taillights.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE Specs:

  • Engine: 2.0L I-4 DOHC 16-valve (168 hp and 151 lb.-ft.)
  • Transmission: CVT with physical first launch gear
  • Front-wheel drive
  • Cargo Space: 18 cu.-ft., when rear seats folded flat

Related Photos: Toyota's 2019 Corolla Hatchback

About the author
Mike Antich

Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

Mike Antich covered fleet management and remarketing for more than 20 years and was inducted into the Fleet Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Global Fleet of Hal in 2022. He also won the Industry Icon Award, presented jointly by the IARA and NAAA industry associations.

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