Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE vs XSE: Which Is Better?
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE adds several convenience, interior, and safety improvements for an additional $2,950 compared to the SE trim.
Written by Amber Reed
Edited by Pat Roache
Table of Contents
- Pricing: The XSE costs $2,950 more
- Performance: Identical powertrains
- Fuel efficiency: The SE Automatic is the most economical
- Technology: The XSE offers more standard and available features
- Reliability: Shared Toyota excellence
- Interior: The XSE uses nicer materials
- The final word: The SE is good but the XSE is better
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The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE and XSE trims are nearly identical in space and powertrain, but the XSE adds some desirable convenience, safety, and interior features for an additional $2,950.
- Both hatchback trims come standard with FWD, a 168-hp 2.0-L four-cylinder engine, and manual transmission—though automatic CVT is available for $1,100.
- The 2022 Corolla SE Hatchback with automatic transmission is the most fuel-effienct configuration with 32 city/41 highway/38 combined mpg.
- The 2022 Corolla XSE adds heated leather sports seats, dual-zone climate control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Both hatchback trims come standard with FWD, a 168-hp 2.0-L four-cylinder engine, and manual transmission—though automatic CVT is available for $1,100.
- The 2022 Corolla SE Hatchback with automatic transmission is the most fuel-effienct configuration with 32 city/41 highway/38 combined mpg.
- The 2022 Corolla XSE adds heated leather sports seats, dual-zone climate control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Pricing: The XSE costs $2,950 more
The 2022 XSE trim starts at nearly $3,000 more than the SE, and more expensive MSRPs translate to more expensive
car insurance
and costs of ownership. Consider the following five-year true costs to own according to Edmunds:- 2022 Corolla SE Hatchback: $30,972
- 2022 Corolla XSE Hatchback: $33,154
Available upgrades: Automatic transmission (CVT) can be added to either trim for an additional $1,100. The SE can also be upgraded to the
SE Nightshade Edition
with black styling accents for an additional $2,000.Performance: Identical powertrains
The hatchback SE and XSE come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with the following specs:
- 168 horsepower
- 151 pound-feet of torque
There are no modification options for the Corolla Hatchback’s engine or drivetrain, but buyers can choose between the following transmissions:
How it drives: The 2.0-L four-cylinder is engaging enough with responsive handling according to most reviewers. However, its not the peppiest hatchback out there—drivers reportedly complain of sluggish acceleration.
Fuel efficiency: The SE Automatic is the most economical
Although they have the same powertrain, the SE and XSE see some slight variations in fuel economy when paired with the Automatic CVT transmission. Take a look at the EPA’s numbers:
Model | Transmission | Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) |
|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota Corolla SE Hatchback | Manual transmission | 28/36/31 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla XSE Hatchback | Manual transmission | 28/36/31 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla SE Hatchback | Automatic CVT | 32/41/35 mpg |
2022 Toyota Corolla XSE Hatchback | Automatic CVT | 30/38/33 mpg |
These are respectable numbers for a gasoline-only vehicle. Unfortunately, you’ll have to go for a Corolla sedan configuration if you want the improved fuel-efficiency of a
Hybrid Toyota
—a hybrid powertrain is not offered in the hatchback. Technology: The XSE offers more standard and available features
Both the SE and XSE share a nice amount of standard convenience and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver-assistance features :
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatability
- 8-inch touchscreen and multi-information display
- Available Wi-Fi integration
- Smart keyless entry with push-button start
- Automatic climate control
- LED headlights with automatic high beams
- Forward collision warning
- Emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Maximize your tech with the XSE trim: The Corolla XSE Hatchback adds the following standard features:
- Dual-zone climate control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Technology packages: Both the 2022 SE and XSE come with Preferred Package upgrades for additional tech, but the XSE already comes standard with many of the SE’s upgrades and adds more favorable tech features:
Corolla SE Preferred Package | Corolla XSE Preferred Package |
|---|---|
Audio Plus multimedia | Premium Audio with eight-speaker JBL audio system |
Blind-spot monitoring | Dynamic Navigation with three-year free trial |
Rear cross-traffic alert | Wireless charging |
Voice recognition |
Reliability: Shared Toyota excellence
Toyota has an
impressive reliability rating
as a maker, and there shouldn’t be any difference expected in reliability ratings between the 2022 Corolla SE and XSE trim levels:- J.D. Powers: 85/100 predicted reliability score
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.4/5.0
- RepairPal: 4.5/5.0; ranked #1 among all compact cars
Interior: The XSE uses nicer materials
The SE and XSE are identical in size and measurements, but there’s a stark difference in the quality of materials. The 2022 Corolla SE Hatchback is upholstered with simple fabric seats while the XSE trim adds the following finishing touches:
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Heated sport seats
- Power driver’s seat
Learn more about the shared interior dimensions for the SE and XSE hatchback trims below:
Measurement | Toyota Corolla Hatchback |
|---|---|
Cargo volume (seats up) | 17.8 cubic feet |
Headroom (front seats) | 38.4 inches |
Legroom (front seats) | 42 inches |
Headroom (rear seats) | 37.6 inches |
Legroom (rear seats) | 29.9 inches |
2022 Toyota Corolla interior review highlights:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Good quality materials | Snug backseat for taller passengers |
Excellent visibility | Less cargo space than some rivals |
Streamlined dashboard design | |
Excellent driver visibility |
The Corolla Hatchback’s cargo space can be increased by 6 cubic feet on either trim by choosing the Enhanced Cargo Space option, but be aware—you’ll lose the spare tire.
The final word: The SE is good but the XSE is better
Both the 2022 Toyota Corollla SE and XSE Hatchbacks check off identical marks for performance and convenience:
- Capable enough engines
- Comparable fuel economies (With the SE Automatic leading the pack)
- Standard safety features including forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane-keeping warning and assist, and adaptive cruise control.
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Androir Auto with 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreens
- Phenomenal reputations for reliability and value
The deciding factor: At the end of the day, the best 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback trim will depend on your personal preferences:
- Low upfront costs: The SE model is the way to go as a fairly well-equipped base trims considering its price.
- Tech, comfort, and safety features: The XSE is well worth the additional $2,950 for the interior and technology improvements you’ll get.
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