Toyota Unveils Vintage-Inspired Corolla Hatchback FX

Back in the late 1980s, Toyota dropped the Toyota Corolla FX16: a small hatchback powered by the legendary 4A-GE engine with a 7500 rpm redline and a five-speed transmission. It wasn’t quick by any means, only making 108 hp, but its stature and 2,440 lb curb weight made it a blast in corners. The 1980s are gone, but thankfully, the FX16 is now back in the form of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback FX Edition.

The FX sports some sporty touches

Based on the Corolla Hatchback SE, the FX embodies its rowdy older sibling with a black vented rear wing, 18-inch gloss white-finished alloy wheels with black lug nuts, and a vintage-looking “Corolla Special Edition” badge on the hatch. To match the special edition flair, the Corolla Hatchback FX will be available in Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic. Under the hood is the regular 2.0-liter Dynamic-Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine making 169 horsepower, 151 lb-ft. of torque, and a combined 33 MPG rating.

The cabin doesn’t quite relay the same level of fun colors, but it does feature black Sport Touring Seats with suede inserts and orange stitching that continues on the door panels, steering wheel, and shifter boot. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, as is a wireless charger, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. Your standard smartphone connectivity makes a welcome return, with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi Connect trial/subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices.

Vintage touches don’t mean a lack of safety

Toyota’s latest Safety Sense 3.0 suite gives the Corolla modern amenities without compromising its vintage looks, including 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. Warranty-wise, the Corolla Hatchback FX comes with the standard 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty and a 60-month warranty that covers the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. ToyotaCare comes included at no additional cost, and covers factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years with unlimited mileage.

Final thoughts

Toyota didn’t mention a price tag for the 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX, only stating that it will produce only 1,600 examples by this fall. Everyone likes it when a manufacturer shows respect towards their heritage with a special, limited edition model like the Corolla FX, and while the interior doesn’t quite do the exterior justice, this is still a welcome sight that is sure to sell out quick. If you know you definitely want one, get in touch with your local dealer and see if you can strike before someone else does.