This week I'm behind the wheel of the stylish and sporty 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Nightshade Edition. The Corolla was last redesigned in 2020, and I'm really looking forward to a redesign, possibly in 2026. We already know 2025 will be a carryover model year.
Exterior
My Nightshade Edition features fantastic two-toned looks, but they'll cost you extra, as the Wind Chill Pearl hue and Midnight Black Metallic Roof add to the bottom line.(It's available in 2 two-tone combos as well as Midnight Black Metallic.)
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The Nightshade Edition rides on 18-inch bronze-finish alloy wheels and features blacked-out elements including a sport mesh gloss-black front grille with blacked-out Toyota badges, gloss-black front upper grille surround, black lower front grille surround, and black mirror caps. The profile sports black side rocker panels and black capped heated power outside mirrors.
The lineup is equipped with LED headlights and LED daytime running lights up front and LED taillights in the rear and a single exhaust. The Nightshade Edition adds a black rear lip spoiler and lower diffuser.
Powertrain
Like the Corolla sedan on which it's based, the Hatchback is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a CVT transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. I do feel like the engine has to try a bit too hard, but acceleration is ok.
Interior
In the cabin, a black interior features fabric, patterned, Sport seats that I found both cushioned and comfortable. No power seats adjustments in this particular trim - instead you have a 6-way manual driver's seats, a four-way adjustable manually adjustable passenger's seat. (For SofTex-trimmed seats you'll need the XSE trim.)
A soft-touch dash features contrast white stitching that you'll also find on the seats, center console and center console bin. But overall I think the interior could use some added interest - perhaps bringing in some elements to complement the Bronze wheels. Perhaps as trim on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, for one.
The Nightshade Edition features automatic climate control on the center stack-but it's not dual-zone.
A slim center console is a mix of textures including glossy-black and silver trim. It's where you find a traditional leather-wrapped gear shifter, two cupholders, and controls for the Sport, Eco and Normal drive modes, Automatic Brake Hold and Electric Parking Brake. An optional wireless charger is directly behind it. The center console bin hides a USB-C port and 12-volt.
Technology-wise, the Nightshade Edition hasn't updated to an all-digital display yet. It instead features a 4.2-inch digital display surrounded by analog dials. (An all-digital display is only available on the XSE.)
An 8-inch multimedia screen with a rearview camera displays nice functionality, graphics and responsiveness, but there is a lot of wasted glossy-black space on all sides which reduces screen real estate. The 6-speaker audio multimedia system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You'll need a subscription to access Navigation. ( You'll need the XSE for an 8-speaker sound system.)
The 60/40 split rear seat offers more fabric seating, along with a drop-down armrest with two-cupholders. There are no A/C vents in the back, but passengers do get two USB-C ports. You do lose some headroom in the back. But cargo space is great, a benefit of the hatchback design.
Ride and Drive
The Corolla Hatchback delivers a solid ride and drive. It handles well, delivers a comfortable, fun-to-drive ride thanks to its low center of gravity. It also makes a great commuter car.
If you are looking for a hot-hatch - you'll want the Corolla GR Core, which is more powerful and performance-oriented. (I called it a hot-hatch to love in my review.)
Safety
The Corolla Hatchback benefits from Toyota's latest TSS 3.0 safety suite which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. A backup camera is also standard.
An SE Package adds Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Options and What You'llPay
Options on my test vehicle include: Special Color ($425), SE Option Package ($605), Black Roof ($500) Carpet Mat PKG ($289), frameless homelink mirror ($175) and TRD Air Filter ($79).
As equipped you're still looking at vehicle under $30K, which makes this hatchback not just fun, but affordable, too.
Verdict
The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Nightshade Edition is a stylish on-the-outside, fun to drive ride. But you give up a few of the top-trim comfort features for it. I'd love to see it offer more amenities and style enhancements in the cabin.
- What I Liked Most: Two-tone paint, Nightshade Edition blacked-out exterior elements.
- What I would change: Would love to sees some Nightshade elements carried through to the cabin.
- MSRP: Base: $24,505; As equipped: $27,673.
- Official Color: Wind Chill Pearl w/Black Roof.
- Fuel Economy: 32 city/41 highway/35 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,170 miles.
- Curb Weight: 3,060 pounds.
- Spare tire: Temporary Spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 172.0" long/70.5" wide/57.1” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons with filler on the driver's side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2024 Corolla Hatchback Nightshade in a few words: A stylish, sporty ride that's bound to make any commute more exciting.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain, 60 months/unlimited miles corrosion perforation.
- Final Assembly Location: Toyota, Aichi, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
