The five-door Corolla Hatchback receives a refresh for the 2023 model year, and it certainly is refreshing. This compact car competes against rivals like the Honda Civic Hatchback, Subaru Impreza Hatchback, Mazda3 5-Door, and, to a lesser extent, the Kia Rio 5-Door and Chevy Spark. The 2023 Toyota Corolla brings a few new features and a freshened face, and the hatchback model benefits from all of it.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback specs, changes, and updates

The biggest changes to the Corolla lineup came in the new 2023 Corolla Hybrid, but the hatchback got a few nice additions for the new model year. There are two new Corolla hatchback colors for 2023, Inferno and Blue Crush Metallic. Previously, only the four-door sedan offered Blue Crush.

Other than some minor changes to the front end and updated lighting, the 2023 Corolla Hatchback carries over mostly unchanged. All models come standard with a 168-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a Dynamic-Shift CVT, and front-wheel drive. Toyota has quietly killed the manual transmission once available on the Corolla.

Will there be a 2023 Corolla Hatchback Hybrid model next year?

At this time, there are no reports of a Corolla Hatchback Hybrid for 2023. However, the inclusion of all-wheel drive on the Corolla Hybrid sedan hints that Toyota may be thinking of expanding the lineup. The fuel-sipping Corolla is now the only compact hybrid car with AWD. It may not be a big stretch to apply that powertrain to the Corolla five-door hatchback.

We may see a Corolla Hybrid Hatchback model in 2024 or 2025. If you’re looking for a spacious compact hybrid now, consider the upcoming 2023 Toyota Prius.

When does the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback come out?

Toyota hasn’t yet set an official 2023 Corolla Hatchback release date. However, based on the release schedule of other models and average timing, we’d guess that the new hatchback will go on sale in late fall or winter in 2022 or early 2023. This sets the compact five-door to be released slightly after the 2023 Camry sedan.

Two grades will be available for the new lineup: the 2023 Corolla SE Hatchback and XSE Hatchback. These two trim levels will mirror features and accessories found in the sedan variants of the same name.

How much does the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback cost?

How much is the 2023 Corolla Hatchback? According to Toyota:

• 2023 Corolla SE Hatchback: $22,965
• 2023 Corolla XSE Hatchback: $26,430

At this time, we’re unsure of whether there will be a Nightshade Special Edition package available for the Corolla Hatchback for 2023. Toyota dropped the Apex Special Edition from the Corolla lineup, and there hasn’t been a specific mention of a Nightshade edition for the coming year.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback vs. GR Corolla Hatchback

Last month, MotorBiscuit compared the 2022 Corolla to the 2023 GR Corolla, but has the rivalry changed with updates made to the new 2023 Corolla? 

• The new 2023 GR Corolla is significantly more powerful than the 2023 Corolla hatchback
• The 2023 Corolla hatchback is cheaper than the GR Corolla
• The new 2023 Corolla hatchback is more fuel-efficient than the GR Corolla
• The 2023 GR Corolla is styled more aggressively than the classic Corolla hatchback

While the updated Corolla hatch is slightly more powerful at its base trim level, brings some new colors, and offers improved safety features, it’s still less powerful and milder than the bold new GR Corolla. 

However, they’re models that are meant for very different audiences. Those looking for an affordable and convenient five-door hatch will still likely choose the standard, classic Corolla Hatchback.