2018 Toyota Corolla iM

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$18,850

starting MSRP

2018 Toyota Corolla iM
2018 Toyota Corolla iM

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Overall value
  • Decent cabin materials
  • Ride comfort
  • CVT operation
  • Gas mileage

The bad:

  • Handling
  • Acceleration
  • Sloppy manual transmission
  • Snug backseat
  • Multimedia system usability

1 trim

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2018 Toyota Corolla iM trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Five-seat, four-door hatchback
  • Manual or CVT
  • Dual-zone climate control standard
  • Backup camera standard
  • Heated, power-folding side mirrors standard

2018 Toyota Corolla iM review: Our expert's take

By Brian Wong

The reason that we can say that the all-new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback is “all-new” is because it really doesn’t share anything in common with the Corolla sedan that’s currently on sale here in the U.S. The Corolla Hatchback is based on the European version of the car, which Toyota calls the Auris. It rides on a brand-new platform — Toyota’s global architecture — and it’s an improvement in pretty much every single way over the current Corolla sedan.

Related: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback First Drive: the Changes It Needed

Under the hood of the Corolla Hatchback is a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 168 horsepower. That’s a 31-hp improvement over the outgoing Corolla iM. That car felt a bit sluggish, but this car doesn’t. The bigger changes to the powertrain — for me — actually come with the transmissions.

There will be two available transmissions on the hatchback: a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual. Both get changes that make them a bit more drivable and a bit easier to live with. Starting with the CVT: It is a CVT, but at the bottom of it is what we call a “fixed gear.” Essentially what it has is a 1st gear that behaves like 1st gear in a traditional automatic transmission, which gives it better off-the-line acceleration. One of the big complaints about CVTs is that they have a rubber-band feel that makes them really bad from a stop. In the Corolla Hatchback, acceleration from a stop feels much more linear and the car feels much more responsive.

The bigger change comes with the six-speed manual transmission. The Corolla iM also offered a six-speed manual, but it wasn’t a good one. The clutch action was sloppy, the throws were long and the gates weren’t very good. It was so bad that it actually made me prefer the automatic version. In the hatchback, it’s been cleaned up; the clutch action is more linear and the gates are more well-defined. It’s an easier manual to drive.

It also comes with two features that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a Toyota manual. The first is downshift rev-matching. When you shift down, the engine will rev up to match the new gear, which smooths out downshifts. The second feature is an anti-stall feature; if the car detects a potential stall in 1st gear, it will increase the revs automatically to prevent one from occurring.

For the rest of my thoughts on the all-new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, check out the video above.

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

 

 

Photo of Brian Wong
Former L.A. Bureau Chief Brian Wong is a California native with a soft spot for convertibles and free parking. Email Brian Wong

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior design 4.7
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value for the money 4.8
  • Exterior styling 4.8
  • Reliability 4.9

Most recent consumer reviews

4.6

Nice car with reservations

This car has a lot of bells and whistles, some of which I don't need. The radio is a disappointment. It can't pick up a radio station 35 miles away.

4.3

Laugh if you want...

However, with a simple TRD air filter and a low noise Magnaflow muffler. I beat up Mustangs and Camaros all day with my 6 speed manual.

4.9

Very Good MPG

Great vehicle for the money. Very Good MPG. Performance- I give it 4 stars. 2019-2020 had added hp fog lights n/a I like fog lights

See all 45 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Toyota
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Maintenance
24 months/25,000 miles
Roadside assistance
24 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
7 years/less than 85,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12, 000 miles
Powertrain
7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
160- or 174-point inspections
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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