Updated Corolla Hatch gains safety tech and sporty FX Edition
A month after announcing updates for the 2026 Corolla Sedan, it’s now the 2026 Corolla Hatchback’s turn to receive its annual update. Toyota already revealed that the 2026 version of the hatch will be available with a sporty new FX Edition trim, but now we have full details of all the changes, along with the pricing structure for 2026. We’ll also take a look at how the updated hatch compares to its closest rival, the Honda Civic Hatchback.
Related: Toyota Updates Corolla For 2026, Still $2,000 Cheaper Than Civic
New Features And Nightshade Trim Falls Away
2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX Toyota
For 2026, Toyota has bolstered the Corolla Hatchback’s already impressive safety specification. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard, an option that costs $605 on the 2025 base SE model. Toyota has also added wireless phone charging as a standard feature, something that was only standard on the top XSE for 2025.
In place of the 2025 Nightshade Edition, the 2026 Corolla Hatchback gets a new FX Edition trim. Inspired by the FX16 Corolla from the 1980s, the modern iteration gets 18-inch gloss white wheels and black Sport Touring seats with orange stitching.
The FX Edition looks great, which is why it’s especially disappointing that it uses the same 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT combination as other trims. At least the CVT has 10 pre-set ratios and paddle shifters to deliver a slightly sportier driving experience.
Still Cheaper Than Honda Civic
The 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback starts at $24,180 for the SE, increasing to $26,780 for the FX Edition and $27,175 for the XSE. The FX Edition is limited to 1,600 units, by the way, and all prices exclude a destination charge of $1,195.
Honda only sells one non-hybrid Civic, and that’s the Sport for $27,795. With 150 hp, it’s down on power next to the Corolla, but the Honda does have a superior ride/handling balance. However, it’s noticeable that the cheapest Civic Hatchback is now more expensive than the priciest Corolla Hatch.
The Corolla XSE gets smart SofTex upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable and heated driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, and an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Honda Civic Hatchback Sport has single-zone climate control, manual adjustment for the driver’s seat, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a smaller seven-inch touchscreen, while lacking heated seats. Clearly, the Toyota is better value.
Honda does offer two 200-hp Civic Hatchback Hybrids with more features, but both of these cost over $30,000. If you want an affordable hatchback and can live without the Honda’s bigger back seat, we’d recommend going for the Toyota, which is set to arrive at dealers this fall.
