All-New 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch - Specs and Details

Toyota's 2019 Corolla Hatchback is an all-new car. This is not an update of an existing trim. The prior Corolla hatch, called the Corolla iM, was on a different platform, originally marketed as a Scion. Toyota's new Corolla Hatchback rides on an all-new platform and has a completely new drivetrain and interior.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Drivetrains
First the biggest news; Power is up substantially. The prior Corolla iM made due with the Corolla's 137 hp engine and CVT. The new Corolla Hatchback now has 168 hp. This will make it more than competitive with the Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra Hatchback.

Toyota will offer a manual 6-speed or a Dynamic Shift CVT with Sport Mode and paddle shifters. The CVT actually uses a launch gear. This makes it more powerful feeling and helps to expand the CVT's total ratio spread for fuel efficiency.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Size
The new Corolla Hatchback has a longer wheelbase by about an inch and a half and the track is slightly wider front and rear. Externally, the dimensions are all changed for the new car vs the old iM, but the cars are almost identical in size overall. The biggest change is the addition of about two inches in height to the new car up to 57.1 inches form 55.3 inches. The hood sits two inches lower than in the outgoing car, which Toyota says improves visibility.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Interior
Toyota has made the center console longer and wider and the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback has an 8-inch infotainment screen. Apple Car offering and Alexa are now part of the offering.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Safety
Toyota's newest generation of active safety technology is standard on all new 2019 Corolla Hatchbacks. These include:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD):

Capability to detect a preceding vehicle or pedestrian in daytime or nighttime (nighttime is new), or daytime bicyclist (new), and alert the driver (audible and visual warnings) and/or apply brakes to help mitigate or avoid the collision in certain cases (using Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Brake Assist (BA), and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)).

Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (Full-Speed DRCC):

For highways/freeways only. Full-Speed Range DRCC is standard on all Corolla Hatchback models, except those equipped with a manual transmission. Those having a manual transmission are equipped with DRCC. Full-Speed Range DRCC is an adaptive cruise control that is designed to function at speeds between 0 to 110 mph and enables low-speed speed matching, stopping, and acceleration/deceleration relative to a preceding vehicle traveling at a slower speed. Speed, cut-in, and distance control enhanced, as well as Turn Signal Linked control added, for a more natural response.

Newly added to LDA w/SA is the capability, under some circumstances, to detect the road’s edge, in addition to the pre-existing capability to detect visible lane markers and the vehicle’s position in the lane. If unintentional lane deviation is detected, the system alerts the driver with audible and visual warnings. Steering Assist provides small corrective steering inputs momentarily to help the driver prevent the vehicle from unintentionally leaving its lane.

Automatic High Beam (AHB):

Capability to automatically activate and deactivate high beams based on driving environment and preceding vehicle’s lights.

(NEW) Lane Tracing Assist (LTA):

For highways/freeways only and can be enabled when using DRCC – Capability to recognize white or yellow lane markings or the path of a preceding vehicle if lane markers are temporarily not available; to identify and actively track the center of the lane by providing steering assistance to the driver (hands-on, driver-assist system). Reduces driver burden and supports safe driving, especially in traffic congestion or long highway trips. The LTA system can be turned on/off.

(NEW) Road Sign Assist (RSA):

Capability to identify certain Stop, Yield, Do Not Enter and Speed Limit signs and display a warning (visual and audible alerts). Alerts vary based on sign type and are displayed on the Multi-Information Display.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback - Features to Note
Looking over the specifications, the addition of adaptive lighting on the top trim, and Apple Car Play and Alexa are the most noteworthy features Toyota adds to this new Corolla Hatch.

For a story on how well the new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatch drives, please see our drive report.