2021
Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Starts at:
$23,665
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New 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Notable features

New Special Edition model
Five-seat compact hatchback
168-hp four-cylinder engine standard
Manual or automatic transmission
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay standard
Automatic emergency braking standard

The good & the bad

The good

Long list of standard safety features
Nimble handling
Hatchback versatility
Gas mileage

The bad

Peppy, but not fast
Engine noise
Small backseat
Few cabin storage areas
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

The five-seat, four-door Toyota Corolla hatchback is a sporty, front-wheel-drive compact car that competes with the Mazda3 hatchback and Volkswagen Golf. It’s powered by a 168-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. 

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

All 2021 Corolla hatchbacks get rear-seat side-impact airbags, and the XSE trim level gains blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. A new no-cost Enhanced Cargo Space option swaps out the spare tire for a tire repair kit, which adds 6 cubic feet to the cargo area. 

A new Special Edition version includes unique red paint and trim as well as blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels. Production will be limited to 1,500 units.  

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Are Most Important?

  • Adaptive cruise control on CVT-equipped models
  • Lane departure warning with steering assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Good fuel economy
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

With a starting price a bit more than $21,000, the Corolla hatchback is an affordable compact car that also offers some driving fun. The engine is noisy, however, and there isn’t a lot of storage space in the cabin for odds and ends. 

2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

The five-seat, four-door Toyota Corolla hatchback is a sporty, front-wheel-drive compact car that competes with the Mazda3 hatchback and Volkswagen Golf. It’s powered by a 168-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. 

What’s New on the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

All 2021 Corolla hatchbacks get rear-seat side-impact airbags, and the XSE trim level gains blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. A new no-cost Enhanced Cargo Space option swaps out the spare tire for a tire repair kit, which adds 6 cubic feet to the cargo area. 

A new Special Edition version includes unique red paint and trim as well as blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels. Production will be limited to 1,500 units.  

What Features in the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Are Most Important?

  • Adaptive cruise control on CVT-equipped models
  • Lane departure warning with steering assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Good fuel economy
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity

Should I Buy the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

With a starting price a bit more than $21,000, the Corolla hatchback is an affordable compact car that also offers some driving fun. The engine is noisy, however, and there isn’t a lot of storage space in the cabin for odds and ends. 

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Safety review

Based on the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.5%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
10.5%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 25,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
2 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
4.9 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.8
Performance 4.8
Value 4.9
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • By Lifescool from Dallas, TX
    Owns this car
    February 9, 2023

    Small fun comfortable efficient and reliable

    Bought a used 2021 as I was getting bored of driving a Toyota minivan for work after a lot of research. I got the SE with auto. It’s small fun and surprisingly comfortable. I needed a compromise between comfort reliability efficiency and performance and this was it. Not the fastest to 60 but power available with no hesitation. 10 air bags and safety features are welcome as well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By ComatoseLlama from Michigan
    Owns this car
    June 7, 2021

    It’s not slow! One of the last true hatchbacks

    Lots of reviews saying this car is too slow. Anyone saying that doesn’t know how to drive a NA 4 cylinder. Between 4,000 and 7,000 rpm this thing MOVES. I’ve gone up to 110 and backed off, but it could’ve kept going. Of course it’s slow next to a charger or STI, but it’s a perfect “drivers car” Car is a great time. Toyota actually lets you turn off all the traction control and stuff so it’s an awesome time if you know how to drive. It drives like the hatchbacks of yesteryear, reminiscent of GC imprezas, Civic EX or a (non-GTI) golf. Steering is a little light as it’s electric but what you miss in the corners is more than made up for when trying to navigate a parking lot. Traction control is a 10/10, when it starts slipping it doesn’t cut power like some cars do. It just send the power where it needs to go an almost never slips even on dirt roads. If you turn the system off it’s a true open diff which is a lot of fun. Auto cruise is awesome, it’s not as food as subarus system but you’ve gotta spend at least $10k more to get a similarly equipped Impreza. I have an NB Miata and 78 midget and this is considerably more fun than either of them. My only complaint is that there is no handbrake so I can’t do skids, but that’s the way the world is now :( Can’t speak to reliability at 1600 miles but hey, at the end of the day it’s a manual transmission 4 cylinder Toyota Corolla, I can’t think of anything known to be more reliable.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    21 people out of 21 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Lpdjr1955 from Westland, Michigan
    Owns this car
    May 30, 2021

    Best performance on a car in its class

    I was amazed at how good the handling of this car considering it’s size. I enjoy cruising on the highway with its agility . I was not surprised though with the overall experience I have in this car, it’s a Toyota.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Shelby K from Joplin, Missouri
    Owns this car
    April 30, 2021

    Smoothest Ride I’ve Owned!

    We are beyond happy with our 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. The ride is incredibly smooth, you can’t even feel railroad tracks. It handles really well and is very comfortable. Perfect amount of room for us. Feels like luxury, but is affordable!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By KGM from Ipswich, MA
    Owns this car
    April 17, 2021

    First new car in ages!

    I love my new car. It has been a pleasure to drive. My last car went 312,810 miles. Obviously a Toyota too. I hope to keep this one 11 years as well!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By MDO from St. Louis, MO
    Owns this car
    April 2, 2021

    Just bought 1 & I'm in love!!!

    I only have just over 100 miles, but i love the looks, both inside and out. Toyota has really upped their game on the interior of the Corolla. I love the handling & firm suspension. The excellent gas mileage is a big bonus. The features on the SE model I got are outstanding for the price paid & Toyota is currently offering $1,500 customer cash. What more could you ask for.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Toyota Owner from Houston, TX
    Owns this car
    March 12, 2021

    Nice Car

    I bought a Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE and it’s a nice little car—small and sporty. It rides smoothly and it looks good. The trunk and backseat are small as mentioned everywhere the car is reviewed, but it works for me.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Lauren from Saint Louis
    Owns this car
    February 8, 2021

    Smart Car with Style

    great interior, exterior. great bargain & a whole lot more bells & whistles than my last car. I'm adapting pretty easy. Some of them I don't know how I did without them. Lots of options even with it being a near base model. USB's galore for all your plug in needs...
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Wens new car from Louisville KY
    Owns this car
    January 30, 2021

    Great car for the money

    It’s what I was looking for , smaller car but with some larger car look for the price I wanted to pay so it worked out very good.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Gilly from Charleston
    Owns this car
    December 29, 2020

    Couldn’t have asked for anything better

    It’s incredibly comfort table and efficient. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and the quality of the car. I cannot believe the deal I got on this car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Appalachian Trail Hiker from ROGERSVILLE, TENNESSEE
    Owns this car
    November 20, 2020

    This car fits me in every way.

    I've only owned this car for 29 hours and I'm very happy with it. I got my last Toyota Corolla new in 2004 and drove it until November 2020.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is available in 1 trim level:

  • XSE (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback offers up to 28 MPG in city driving and 37 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback?

The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback reliable?

The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback owners.

Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.8
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.9
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 5.0

Toyota Corolla Hatchback history

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