The already sporty Toyota Corolla Hatchback is kicking things up a notch in the looks department with the new 2026 FX Special Edition. And by that I mean check out those wheels! They're as far as you can get from the blend-in commuter looks you think of when you think of the Corolla.
Toyota launched a Corolla FX sedan for model year 2025, and my review vehicle this week is the first FX Special Edition for the hatchback variant. The FX designation pays tribute to the legendary FX16 from the mid-'80s. Toyota says only 1,600 will be assembled for the U.S. They arrived last fall and you can still build one on Toyota's website, at least in my North Texas zip code.
They aren't for the faint of heart - that is, the wow-factor 18-inch Gloss White-Finished Alloy Wheels with black lug nuts. You'll need to like them as they're the only wheel available on the FX and do they ever pop set against the bright Inferno paint job - one of three colors available on the FX.
The FX treatment also includes a sport mesh black front grille, black heated power outside mirrors, a black rear badge overlay, a black vented sport wing and heritage styled rear badging that harken back to the original FX16.
The Corolla Hatchback doesn't deliver hot-hatch performance in term of power specs, but acceleration doesn't let you down for the every day. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers 169-horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated to a CVT with paddle shifters with 10 pre-set ratios.
Interior
Ok, so the FX interior rocks. Taking center stage, new black Sport Touring Seats with synthetic suede inserts, great-looking hardware and orange stitching. They look just awesome. They feel awesome, too. The driver's seat is impressively 10-way power and both front seats are heated. Orange stitching looks fantastic too on the door panels, steering wheel and shifter boot.
Tech includes a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen that runs Toyota's multimedia system. (A next-gen system launches in the all-new 2026 RAV4.) The multimedia system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, WiFi and Bluetooth. You need a Drive Connect subscription to access touch and voice activation including the "Hey Toyota" Intelligent Assistant.
A 6-speaker sound is all that's available, and I sure would love the premium JBL 8- speaker system.
A nice second row with more of the synthetic suede inserts is good on legroom, but headroom is a bit dicey due to stadium seating. It's really great to see soft-touch seat-backs back there as well as a drop-down center armrest with two cupholders.
Other standard FX features include wireless charging, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and 2 USB-C ports.
Cargo space is great thanks to the hatchback design and there's a tonneau cover plus an optional cargo net and cargo carpet mat.
The Hatchback FX is a blast to drive with its fun, sporty driving dynamics and enhanced Sport mode tuning. With its low center of gravity, steering responsiveness and sharp handling, the hatchback really has an almost GR86 feel to it. All this to say, its driving dynamics are a big selling point - even minus hot-hatch status.
The 2026 Corolla Hatchback lineup is equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which includes Advanced Driver Assistance Features which includes Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist:Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist and Proactive Driving Assist.
For 2026, Blind Spot monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is now standard across the lineup as well.
Options include the Preferred Accessory Package w/carpet mats, cargo net, carpet cargo mat, door sill protectors, a first aid kit and a rear bumper protector ($670), TRD Air Filter ($79), and trunk LED light ($25).
If you are looking for a performance hot-hatch this isn't it - even though it looks like one. But if you're not, it's a fun, engaging hatchback to drive every day with a sporty interior to love. All for less than $30K!
Manufacturer's website: Toyota