The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is a sportier take on the regular Corolla sedan, a model with a strong reputation for reliability and value. What sets the Corolla Hatchback apart is a swept-back shape and road-hugging stance, not to mention the standard fitment of the Corolla’s more powerful 4-cylinder engine across all three trim levels. For the 2022 model year, these include the base SE, SE Nightshade, and XSE.
To be clear, the differences across the Corolla Hatchback trim levels are relatively few and mostly related to cosmetic and tech upgrades. This explains the relatively narrow price gap between an entry-level Corolla SE Hatchback, starting at $20,815 (excluding $1,025 destination fee), and a range-topping XSE, which rings in at $23,765.
Since all three trim levels have the same engine, and two of the three trims offer a choice of 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), a Corolla Hatchback shopper doesn’t face a gauntlet of engine upgrades or pricey option packages.
In fact, for economy car buyers with an aversion to arms-length options sheets, the 2022 Corolla Hatchback is an automotive breath of fresh air.
Let’s examine all three Corolla Hatchback trim levels and see what each offers small-car shoppers who want a vehicle easy on their budget but also doesn’t fade into the background.
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE (Starting at $20,815)
The 5-door body style of the 2022 Corolla Hatchback gives it a sharp-looking exterior. The hunkered-down shape, especially when combined with optional colors like “Blue Flame” or “Finish Line Red,” gives the Corolla Hatchback a far more aggressive look than what you get with the Corolla sedan.
Starting at just over $20,000, the SE trim level is motivated by a 168-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or the optional CVT, which adds $1,100 to the price. All engine power is routed to the front wheels; there is no option to add all-wheel drive to any Corolla Hatchback.
Enthusiast drivers will prefer the manual gearbox. It enlivens the driving experience and lets you keep the revs of the 4-cylinder exactly where you want them. On the other hand, the CVT performs nicely and provides better fuel economy of the two transmissions.
The EPA-estimated fuel economy of the SE trim equipped with the manual is 28 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway, versus 32/41 mpg city/highway when equipped with the CVT.
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Every 2022 Corolla Hatchback comes with a strong roster of standard active safety features. These are lumped into a suite of features called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. It includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, rearview camera, and automatic high-beam headlights.
You can also fit the Corolla Hatchback SE with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, though only when fitted with the CVT and ordered with the optional SE Preferred Package. This $1,350 option group includes an upgraded audio system, trial periods of features like onboard Wi-Fi and Toyota’s Connected Services app, plus that added safety equipment.
For no extra charge, a cargo enhancement option substitutes the spare tire (mounted beneath the trunk floor) for an emergency tire repair kit. This frees up an additional 6 cubic feet of room — a not-inconsiderable amount since the sharp slope of the hatchback is a limiting factor when hauling bulky and boxy objects.
Minus the added cargo room, the trunk of the 2022 Corolla Hatchback measures in at roughly 17 cubic feet. That’s about 4 cubic feet more than what’s offered in the sedan.
Tech fans on a budget should keep in mind every Corolla Hatchback comes with an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and three USB ports. While it’s not the most cutting-edge system, the infotainment controls are simple and easy to use.
When it comes to accessories, plenty are offered on the Corolla Hatchback SE. These range from a rear spoiler to mudguards, removable roof rack, all-weather floor liners, and blacked-out exterior emblems, to name a few.
Using the base price of the 2022 Corolla Hatchback SE as our guide, with the destination fee included, a car shopper financing for 60 months at a 3% interest rate with zero money down would pay around $375 per month. See 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE models for sale
2022 Corolla Hatchback SE Includes:
Economy – Of the two available transmissions, the CVT returns better MPG.
Safety – Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Technology – An 8-inch touchscreen is standard and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE Nightshade (Starting at $22,815)
The Corolla SE Nightshade is a cosmetic upgrade that adds blacked-out exterior trim, black-painted alloy wheels, black-colored heated and power-operated side mirrors, and a black rear roof spoiler. What the SE Nightshade doesn’t offer is the exterior color spectrum of the SE and XSE.
While those trims have more than 12 different color combinations, including contrasting body color with black roof options, you can only have the SE Nightshade in white, silver, and black.
Like the XSE, the SE Nightshade rolls on larger 18-inch alloy wheels versus the 16-inch alloys found on the SE. These certainly look sportier but — if your driving routinely means traversing rough pavement and treacherous potholes — the smaller wheels (and less-expensive SE trim) could be worth serious consideration.
In terms of comfort and safety features, the SE Nightshade is a near-twin of the SE. The Nightshade is the only trim where the CVT is the sole transmission choice. If you want to shift for yourself, you’ll need to move to the SE or XSE with their available 6-speed manual.
No notable option packages are offered on the SE Nightshade. Extras include small-ticket items like all-weather carpet liners, roof racks, and alloy wheel locks.
Starting at $23,840, including destination, a Corolla SE Nightshade buyer looking to finance for 60 months at 3% interest with nothing down can expect to pay about $409 monthly. See 2022 Corolla Hatchback SE Nightshade models for sale
2022 Corolla Hatchback SE Nightshade Includes:
Street presence – Black exterior trim and black-painted wheels provide a stylish twist.
Fewer color choices – Only three exterior colors are available: white, silver, and black.
Automatic only – Unlike the SE and XSE, the SE Nightshade comes only with the CVT.
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE (Starting at $23,765)
The Corolla Hatchback XSE trim comes standard with 18-inch wheels, LED foglights, a 6-speed manual or CVT transmission, dual-zone climate control, 7-inch TFT digital information display in front of the driver, leather seating, and a power-operated driver’s seat.
The XSE is the only trim that includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, too.
Options on the XSE include an upgraded JBL audio system, wireless smartphone charging, dynamic navigation, and adaptive headlights. Even when loaded with nearly every available option, the Corolla Hatchback XSE remains a solid value at approximately $28,000.
If we stick with the base XSE price with destination included, a Corolla Hatchback shopper financing for 60 months at 3% interest with zero down will pay around $426 per month. See 2022 Corolla Hatchback XSE models for sale
2022 Corolla Hatchback XSE Includes:
Wheels – The XSE rides on 18-inch alloys as standard.
Safety features – Both rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring are standard.
Available extras – The XSE offers two color choices of interior leather trim (black or Moonstone), along with optional wireless charging, JBL audio system, and dynamic navigation.
