Does Toyota still make the Corolla iM?
No. Toyota no longer produces the Corolla iM; the hatchback variant was replaced by the Corolla Hatchback in the United States starting with the 2019 model year, and the iM name is no longer used on new Toyota hatchbacks. In other markets, the car is integrated into the Corolla lineup rather than remaining as a separate iM badge.
History and transition
To understand what happened, it helps to trace the iM’s evolution from its Scion days to its replacement in the Corolla family.
Here are the major milestones in the Corolla iM's lifecycle:
- 2015: Scion unveils the iM for the 2016 model year at the Los Angeles Auto Show, designed as a compact hatchback built on the Corolla platform.
- 2017: Scion is discontinued as a brand; the iM is rebadged as the Corolla iM for the U.S. market, aligning it with Toyota's Corolla lineup while retaining its hatchback character.
- 2019: Toyota introduces the Corolla Hatchback for the U.S. market, effectively replacing the Corolla iM; production of the iM ends with the 2018 model year, and the hatchback carries forward the same core underpinnings with updated styling and features.
- 2020s: The Corolla Hatchback remains in Toyota’s lineup, with mid‑cycle updates and feature enhancements across model years; the iM badge is retired and not used on new vehicles.
In short, the Corolla iM name is no longer used for new Toyotas; buyers looking for a modern hatchback should consider the Corolla Hatchback, not an iM.
Current lineup and regional notes
The naming and availability of Toyota hatchbacks vary by market. In the United States, the hatchback is marketed as the Corolla Hatchback, not the Corolla iM. In Europe and other regions, hatchback variants have evolved from the Auris lineage and are sold as Corolla hatchbacks. The Scion brand is defunct, and the iM badge has not reappeared on new Toyota vehicles.
Summary
The Corolla iM is no longer in production. It began as the Scion iM, was rebranded as the Corolla iM, and was ultimately replaced by the Corolla Hatchback for the U.S. market in 2019. For a current Toyota hatchback, shoppers should look for the Corolla Hatchback rather than any iM designation. The iM name lives on only in used-car references and historical coverage.
What year is the Toyota Corolla iM?
In 2016, for the 2017 model year, the iM was rebranded as the Toyota Corolla iM when the Scion brand was discontinued.
Is the Toyota Corolla iM a good car?
The Toyota Corolla iM is considered a good car for those prioritizing reliability, practicality, and a low price, but it's not ideal for drivers seeking performance or a spacious interior. Its main advantages are its excellent reliability, good fuel economy, and standard features, while its downsides include a cramped back seat, underpowered engine, and slow acceleration.
Pros
- Reliability: Like other Corollas, the iM has a reputation for being very reliable and long-lasting, with many owners reporting high satisfaction with its dependability.
- Practicality: It is a practical hatchback with a decent amount of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Corolla iM is fuel-efficient, making it a good option for daily driving.
- Value: It often comes with a lot of standard features for its price, making it a good value proposition.
- Ride Comfort: It offers a comfortable ride that handles bumps well, though it can feel busy on rougher roads.
Cons
- Performance: The 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is underpowered, leading to slow acceleration and a lack of driving excitement.
- Rear Seat: The back seat can feel cramped, especially for taller passengers, and is not as roomy as some competitors.
- Driving Dynamics: It is not considered a fun car to drive, despite a decent handling setup.
- Visibility: Some drivers find the rear visibility to be limited.
Who is it for?
The Corolla iM is a good choice if you are on a budget and prioritize dependability over performance. It's a sensible car for daily commutes, with good fuel economy and a practical hatchback design that's great for hauling cargo.
Who should consider alternatives?
If you need a car that is more engaging to drive, has a more spacious back seat, or offers stronger performance, you may want to look at other options. Some say you would be happier paying a little extra for a more well-rounded small hatchback.
What is special about the Corolla iM?
The Corolla iM's long list of standard equipment include premium features like a 7” Display Audio system with voice recognition, Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted controls, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a 4.2” multi-function display, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and more.
Is the Toyota Corolla iM discontinued?
Yes, the Toyota Corolla iM was discontinued and replaced by the Toyota Corolla Hatchback starting with the 2019 model year. The Corolla iM, which was sold for the 2017 and 2018 model years, was a rebadged version of the Scion iM after Toyota discontinued the Scion brand.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Corolla iM and its replacement by the Corolla Hatchback: 18sCNET CarsYouTube · Mar 28, 2018
- The Corolla iM was produced for the 2017 and 2018 model years.
- It was replaced by the all-new Corolla Hatchback for the 2019 model year.
- The Corolla iM was originally the Scion iM, but the Scion brand was discontinued in 2016, and the model was rebranded under the Toyota Corolla nameplate.
This video compares the Corolla iM and the new Corolla Hatchback: 58sFamily WheelsYouTube · Jun 24, 2018
