The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is available in three trim levels. All offer good value and quality, so which one is right for you?
When you think of the popular Toyota Corolla, you probably think family sedan—but the 2022 Corolla is available in a sassy hatchback
model as well! If you’ve got your eye on a new Corolla hatchback, you might be wondering about the differences between the trim levels. That’s why Jerry
, the car insurance
quote shopping app, has put together a comparison of the SE and XSE trim levels on this popular hatchback. And before we’re done, we’ll also give you the inside info on how you can optimize your Toyota Corolla insurance costs
. Let’s get to shopping! Pricing
The Toyota Corolla SE
is the base level trim out of three on the Corolla hatchback. The Toyota Corolla XSE
is the highest. And, if you’re wondering, the SE Nightshade Edition
is in the middle and is pretty much just an SE with all kinds of fancy black exterior accents. | |
|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE | |
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE | |
Both the Corolla SE and XSE trims come with a manual transmission standard. Getting an automatic transmission on either will add about $1,000 to the starting price.
Either way, the XSE trim level is about $3,000 more than the SE. So, what do you get for that, and is it worth the money? To help figure out where the differences lie, let’s take a look at some of the details.
But before we do, you should know that whenever you buy a new car, it’s always good to consider what your long-term costs will look like. According to Edmunds, the five-year cost to own a Corolla SE is $30,972, while the XSE is $33,154.
As you can see, just like with the sticker price, there’s about a $3,000 difference between the two.
MORE: Sedan vs coupe: Which to choose for cheap car insurance
Performance
An identical 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine comes in both the SE and XSE trims, with 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
If you’re hoping for more options under the hood, you’re going to be a tad disappointed, as this is the only choice available. The sedan version of the Corolla has several different powertrains to choose from, but the hatchback? Just one.
Both trims are front-wheel drive only, but you will have a choice of transmission. Toyota’s six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission comes standard, or you can upgrade to a Dynamic-Shift CVT automatic transmission.
So, how does it drive? According to most reviewers, it’s engaging enough, but not overly powerful or exciting. The handling is responsive, but it was reported that the acceleration can be a little on the sluggish side. It’s not the peppiest hatchback out there, but it’ll get the job done.
MORE: What’s the difference between horsepower and torque?
Fuel efficiency
Since they have the same powertrain, the SE and XSE will also have the same fuel economy. Take a look at the EPA’s numbers:
| | Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) |
|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback | | |
These are respectable numbers for a gasoline-only vehicle. If you want a hybrid Corolla, you’ll have to go for the sedan, as a hybrid powertrain isn’t offered in the hatchback.
Bear in mind that if you get a manual transmission, you can expect to see a small dip in your fuel economy.
Technology
Both the SE and XSE come standard with a nice amount of driver-assistance tech, with features like forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane-keeping warning and assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard with the XSE trim but need to be added on as part of a package for the SE trim.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both trims, as is an 8-inch touchscreen. Automatic air conditioning is standard, but if you want dual-zone climate control, that’s only available on the XSE trim.
If you want to maximize your tech, then you’ll definitely want to spring for the XSE trim, as it’s the only one that is compatible with the XSE Preferred Package. This will get you extra goodies like wireless streaming and charging, a premium eight-speaker JBL sound system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition.
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Reliability
Toyota has an impressive reliability rating as a maker, and there shouldn’t be any difference expected in reliability ratings between the SE and XSE trim levels.
J.D. Power gave the 2022 Corolla an 85/100 predicted reliability score, and the Corolla was also rated highly by Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book. RepairPal gave the Corolla an excellent 4.5/5 rating for reliability and ranked it number one among compact cars. Good news all around!
MORE: Vehicle trim level, options, and packages explained
Interior
As far as dimensions go, the interior of the SE and XSE are the same. Take a look at the numbers below:
| Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE or XSE |
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But where you will notice the difference is in the materials. In the SE trim, you’ll get fabric seats, while the XSE will have leather-trimmed and heated sport seats. The XSE trim will also bring power adjustability to the driver’s side.
The dashboard design is streamlined, the materials are good quality, and the visibility is excellent. The backseat will be a little snug for taller passengers, and the cargo space in the trunk is decidedly less than some rivals. The latter can be increased by choosing the Enhanced Cargo Space option, but be aware—you’ll gain 6 cubic feet, but you’ll lose the spare tire.
MORE: How to protect, clean, and organize your car trunk
The final word
As to whether the SE or the XSE trim level is the best one, it’s really up to you! Toyota has a good reputation for quality and value, so whichever one you choose it’ll be a solid investment.
If you’re simply looking for the lowest upfront cost, then the SE will be the way to go. Even though it’s the base trim, it still comes with a good amount of standard features for the price.
But if you want a little bit more tech, comfort, and safety features, then it might be well worth the money to upgrade the XSE.
How to find cheap car insurance for a Toyota Corolla
So, now that you’ve decided on the trim level for your hatchback Corolla, let’s figure out how to get the best deal out there on your car insurance
. The good news is that the insurance super app Jerry
has all the info you need to do that, too! Simply download the app, enter a bit of information, and in a matter of minutes, you’ll be browsing through a selection of customized car insurance quotes selected from more than 50 of the best insurance providers in the business. All you’ll need to do is pick the one that works best for you.
The best part? On average, Jerry shoppers save more than $800 a year on their car insurance!
“Super practical! It’s my first time getting car insurance and I’m forever grateful that I found Jerry
. So simple and so easy!” —Deyja H.
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