What is the difference between Corolla SE and iM?

The Corolla SE is a sport-oriented trim within Toyota’s Corolla lineup, while the Corolla iM was the hatchback variant (originally launched as Scion iM) that has since been rebranded as the Corolla Hatchback in newer model years.

What the names mean

Understanding the history behind the names helps explain why buyers sometimes mix up the two. The SE designation refers to a particular trim level known for a sportier look and handling cues, whereas iM was the model name used for the hatchback version of the Corolla until the lineup was rebranded as Corolla Hatchback in recent years.

Corolla SE

SE stands for Sport Edition (or Sport Edition/SE in various years) and is a trim within the Corolla family. It typically adds sport-inspired styling cues, a more aggressive ride feel, and enhancements over base trims. The SE designation has appeared on both sedan and hatchback bodies in different markets and model years, with features that aim to appeal to buyers seeking a perceptibly sportier character without moving to a high-performance version.

Corolla iM

iM was the hatchback variant name used in the US market for the Corolla hatchback lineup after Scion was dissolved. The model emphasized practicality and cargo versatility offered by a five-door hatch. Starting around 2019, Toyota phased out the iM name in favor of Corolla Hatchback, aligning the hatchback with the broader Corolla branding.

Performance and engineering

Both the SE trim and the hatchback variant share core Toyota engineering, but there have been shifts across model years in powertrains and tuning. Here are the broad points you’ll encounter when comparing the two across their respective eras.

Before listing, note: powertrain details vary by year and market. What follows are common patterns from the era when both names were active in the US market and in early Corolla Hatchback releases.



• Engine family: Most iterations of both the Corolla SE and the hatchback variants used a standard four-cylinder engine (commonly a 1.8-liter in earlier years), with horsepower typically in the low-to-mid 100s depending on the year.


• Transmission options: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was commonly available, with some years offering a traditional six-speed manual on certain trims or markets. Availability of a manual option varied by year and drivetrain.


• Performance tuning: The SE trims are generally tuned for a sportier feel—stiffer suspension tuning, larger wheels, and sportier styling cues—compared with more standard-suspension configurations found on base trims or non-SE hatchbacks.


• Hatchback performance variants: In the hatchback lineage, some later Corolla Hatchback trims (which superseded the iM naming) offered a more powerful 2.0-liter engine in certain markets or model years, delivering higher horsepower and a more responsive driving experience than earlier 1.8-liter configurations.

In practice, you’ll find that the SE trim emphasizes a sportier driving character and updated styling cues, while the hatchback/iM lineage emphasizes practicality and cargo versatility. Exact specs depend on model year and region, so checking the spec sheet for a given car is essential.

Design, features, and practicality

Exterior and interior design cues, along with available features, distinguish the SE from the iM/Corolla Hatchback in notable ways. Here’s how these aspects typically compare.

Before listing, here is a high-level guide to what you might expect in terms of design and equipment.



• Exterior styling: SE models often wear sportier front fascias, unique wheels, and sometimes dark interior accents or trim pieces to convey a more performance-oriented vibe. The hatchback variants (iM/Corolla Hatchback) emphasize practicality with a more utilitarian overall silhouette and larger rear cargo opening.


• Interior and seating: SE trims tend to offer upgraded seats and trim accents aimed at a sportier feel, while hatchback variants prioritize flexible cargo space and rear-seat versatility. The overall cabin layout remains similar across trims, with differences mainly in materials and accents.


• Cargo and practicality: The hatchback (iM/Corolla Hatchback) delivers more versatile cargo space thanks to the rear hatch and folding rear seats. The sedan-focused SE configurations will generally offer less cargo room than a hatchback counterpart, though seating and cabin space remain competitive within the segment.


• Technology and features: Feature availability shifts by year. SE trims often include sport-oriented upgrades (like larger wheels or enhanced infotainment options) and can bundle navigation or higher-end audio in some years, while hatchback trims focus on practicality and may include convenient storage solutions and flexible seating configurations.

As with performance, the exact equipment and design details depend on the model year and region. If you’re evaluating a specific car, verify the exact features list and options package for that model year.

What to consider when shopping

Choosing between a Corolla SE and a hatchback variant formerly known as the iM (now Corolla Hatchback) depends on your priorities: sportiness and styling vs. cargo space and everyday practicality. Here are the key questions to ask during a showroom or pre-purchase check.

Before listing, consider these practical questions to guide your decision-making.



1. Do you prioritize a sportier driving feel and look, or maximum cargo flexibility and hatch utility?


2. Is a manual transmission important to you, or are you comfortable with a CVT (which is common across many trims)?


3. How important are interior features and trim quality versus rear-seat and cargo practicality?


4. Are you shopping for a current model year (where “iM” name has been phased out) or a used model from earlier years (where iM was still used in branding?

Bottom line: for a sportier character and potentially more aggressive styling, favor the SE. For hatchback practicality and a lineage that emphasizes cargo versatility, look at the hatchback variant (now branded as Corolla Hatchback). Always check the specific year’s brochure or build sheet for exact features, powertrains, and options.

Summary

In short, the SE is a sport-focused trim within the Corolla lineup, while the iM was the hatchback version of the Corolla family, historically branded as Scion iM and later renamed Corolla iM before the lineup settled on Corolla Hatchback. Today, Toyota’s hatchback is sold as the Corolla Hatchback, and SE remains one of the sport-oriented trim choices. Your decision should hinge on whether you want sportier styling and handling (SE) or hatchback practicality and cargo versatility (Corolla Hatchback).

What does the iM mean in Toyota Corolla?

The Corolla iM was a 5-door compact hatchback model from Toyota that was produced from 2016 to 2018 and was replaced by the Corolla Hatchback for the 2019 model year. It was based on the Auris hatchback sold in other countries and featured a sporty design with a 1.8-liter engine, standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, and either a 6-speed manual or an automatic continuously variable (CVT) transmission.
 
You can watch this video to see a walkaround and features of the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM: 59sToyota USAYouTube · Jun 13, 2017
Key features

• Body style: 5-door hatchback 
• Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 137 horsepower 
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) 
• Safety: Standard features included the Toyota Safety Sense-C package, which added pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also had a backup camera and the Star Safety System. 
• Exterior: Featured a honeycomb grille, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a spoiler on some models. 
• Interior: Came with standard tech features like a touchscreen infotainment system and Bluetooth, with some models offering dual-zone climate control and heated front seats. 
• Space: Offered ample passenger and cargo space for a compact hatchback. 

What happened to it?
The Corolla iM was replaced in the United States for the 2019 model year by the entirely new Toyota Corolla Hatchback, which was redesigned and based on the TNGA platform, notes MotorTrend.

What does SE mean on a Corolla?

For example, “SE” stands for Sport Edition, like the 2024 Toyota Camry SE. It's known for its lively performance, thanks to its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine and direct shift 8-speed ECT-I transmission. Once you understand what each trim means, choosing the right one for your daily needs is a breeze.

What does the M stand for in a Toyota Corolla?

The "M" or Manual shift lever position can be used to step the transmission up or down through 7 pre-programmed gears manually. When you shift from "D" (Drive) to "M" (Manual), the shift indicator in the instrument panel will indicate the current gear.

What is the Corolla iM called now?

One of the last vehicles to be released under the Scion brand before it was discontinued last year was the 2016 Scion iM hatchback, known to the rest of the world as the Toyota Auris. If you're sad to see the iM go, don't worry – Toyota has saved the car and rebranded it as the Toyota Corolla iM for 2017.