7 Reasons Why the Toyota iM is the Perfect Hatchback Choice

The Toyota iM is one of those cars that you can’t help but like even if it’s not your first pick when window shopping for hatchbacks. It’s compact it’s practical and it has that Toyota reliability that’s hard to beat. It’s the car that fills the gap between wanting a fun daily driver and needing a sensible commuter. Whether you’re cruising around town or heading out on a road trip the Toyota iM has a lot to offer. Below we’ll dig into the nitty-gritty of why the Toyota iM deserves a spot on your shortlist with some cheeky highlights of its shortcomings because let’s face it no car is perfect.

The Origin of the Toyota iM: A Hatchback with Swagger

Originally launched under the Scion brand the Toyota iM made its debut in 2016. When Scion folded into Toyota the iM found a new home and a slightly new name becoming the Corolla iM. While it kept much of its original look and feel it became part of the Corolla family which only helped it gain credibility and attract a broader audience.

A Quirky Hatchback That's More than Meets the Eye

This isn’t just another car; it’s a statement. The iM has the heart of a reliable Toyota but with a little extra style and fun. Designed with younger drivers in mind it has modern tech a sporty design and an affordable price tag. But don’t let its playful personality fool you—underneath that stylish exterior is a dependable ride that's as easy to maintain as any Corolla.

Exterior Design: Bold Looks with a Sporty Edge

• Distinctive Front Grille: The Toyota iM stands out with its bold front grille and sleek LED daytime running lights. The sporty design hints at performance while the angular lines add a touch of aggression to its overall look.
• Aerodynamic Shape: The body shape isn’t just for show—it’s designed to cut through the air efficiently giving you better fuel economy and a quieter ride.
• Sporty Alloy Wheels: The 17-inch alloy wheels add a touch of flair making it look more upscale than its price would suggest.

Potential Drawback: The iM’s design might make you feel like a teenager who just bought their first car. But hey maybe that’s exactly what you’re going for!

Performance and Handling: Smooth Efficient and Fun (Mostly)

The Toyota iM is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 137 horsepower. It’s not going to win any drag races but it gets the job done with a smile. It’s perfect for daily commuting and offers decent acceleration for merging onto highways.

Acceleration: Not Exactly Lightning Fast

• The 1.8L engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) means the iM is all about smoothness rather than raw power.
• 0-60 mph comes in around 9 seconds so don’t expect to be blowing anyone off the line.

Potential Drawback: It’s like your friend who’s always late but they bring snacks so you can’t be too mad. It’s not the fastest but it’s reliable.

Handling: Sharp and Precise (For the Most Part)

• Independent Rear Suspension: Unlike some competitors the iM comes with an independent rear suspension which gives it a surprisingly composed ride even on rough roads.
• Tight Steering: The steering feels direct and light making the iM a joy to toss around corners. You get a sense of control that’s usually reserved for more expensive cars.

Potential Drawback: The suspension does a great job but if you hit a pothole you’ll know it—your morning coffee might just end up on your lap!

Fuel Efficiency: Saving Gas and Saving Cash

• The iM delivers an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. With these numbers you’ll spend less time at the pump and more time on the road.
• Eco Mode helps to further squeeze out every last mile from a gallon of gas by adjusting throttle response and air conditioning to be more fuel-conscious.

Potential Drawback: Eco Mode feels like the car is perpetually having a lazy Sunday morning. Great for fuel savings but you’ll feel it when you’re trying to overtake someone on the highway.

Interior and Comfort: Where Practicality Meets Playfulness

Step inside the Toyota iM and you’ll find an interior that’s more upscale than you’d expect for a car in this class. It’s comfortable packed with tech and there’s a decent amount of space for passengers and cargo.

Cabin Quality: Nice Materials with a Sporty Touch

• Soft-Touch Dash and Panels: The interior features soft-touch materials in all the right places giving it a more premium feel.
• Sport Seats: The supportive sport seats are wrapped in fabric with a unique pattern that adds to the youthful vibe of the car.

Potential Drawback: The seats are comfortable but on long drives your backside might start to question your life choices. They’re sporty but not cushy.

Technology and Infotainment: Keeping You Connected

• 7-Inch Touchscreen Display: The iM comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. It’s easy to use and responsive though it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Pioneer Audio System: The standard audio system is surprisingly good offering clear sound and a decent bass punch which makes those morning commutes a bit more bearable.

Potential Drawback: The audio system is great but if you’re the type who needs CarPlay to function in life you’ll be left swiping at your phone like it’s 2010.

Space and Practicality: More Room than You’d Think

• The iM’s hatchback design allows for a roomy 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space which can be expanded by folding the rear seats flat. Perfect for weekend getaways or hauling IKEA flat-packs.
• 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seats: This feature makes it easy to adjust the seating and cargo area to your needs offering a practical solution for everyday life.

Potential Drawback: The back seats are fine for kids or short adults but anyone over 6 feet might start to feel like they’ve been stuffed into the overhead bin of a budget airline.

Safety Features: Keeping You Secure on the Road

Safety has always been a priority for Toyota and the iM is no different. It comes with a robust suite of safety features even in the base model.

Standard Safety Tech: Covering the Basics and More

• Pre-Collision System: Helps detect vehicles in front of you and reduces the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Lane Departure Alert: Keeps you in your lane even when your mind is drifting to that Netflix show you were binge-watching last night.
• Eight Airbags: From side curtain to knee airbags Toyota has you well covered in case of an unfortunate event.

Potential Drawback: The pre-collision system can be a bit overzealous at times like that one friend who freaks out when you’re only 5 minutes late.

Reliability: Built to Last

One of the main reasons why the Toyota iM stands out is its reputation for reliability. Built with the same quality as the rest of Toyota’s lineup this hatchback is designed to keep you on the road and out of the repair shop.

• Minimal Maintenance Costs: Thanks to its Toyota DNA the iM is relatively cheap to maintain. Oil changes and routine checkups won’t break the bank.
• Proven Engine: The 1.8L engine is a workhorse known for its durability and low cost of ownership.

Potential Drawback: It’s reliable but like any dependable thing it can start to feel a bit predictable. It’s like eating oatmeal for breakfast every day—good for you but not exactly thrilling.

The Verdict: A Fun Dependable Hatchback That Makes Sense

The Toyota iM isn’t going to set your heart on fire with its speed or luxury but it’s going to get you where you need to go with minimal fuss and a smile on your face. It’s the kind of car that just works—no drama no headaches just a solid reliable ride. If you’re in the market for a hatchback that balances practicality with a bit of fun the iM should definitely be on your radar.

What Alex Collantes from Avenue Motors Has to Say

According to Alex Collantes the owner of Avenue Motors car dealership “The Toyota iM offers a lot of value especially for those looking for a reliable and stylish hatchback. Its performance and safety features make it a great daily driver and you can’t beat the Toyota reliability.” If you’re considering a new vehicle and want to explore more options Alex recommends checking out the most reliable Toyota cars here.

Pros of the Toyota iM

1. Reliable Engine: Proven track record of durability
2. Affordable Maintenance: Low cost of ownership compared to many competitors
3. Decent Fuel Economy: Saves you money at the pump
4. Good Safety Features: Plenty of standard safety tech
5. Stylish Design: Looks good without trying too hard
6. Spacious Interior: Practical for everyday use
7. Fun to Drive: Sharp handling makes it enjoyable around town

Cons of the Toyota iM

1. Lacks Power: Acceleration is not its strong suit
2. Firm Ride: Suspension can be a bit harsh on rough roads
3. Limited Tech Features: No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
4. Small Back Seat: Tight for taller passengers
5. Overprotective Safety System: Sometimes too eager to intervene

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking at the Toyota iM it’s clear why this hatchback continues to be a popular choice. It’s not the flashiest car on the market but it doesn’t need to be. With a mix of style reliability and practicality it’s hard to go wrong. And hey if you can deal with a few quirks you’ll have a dependable little car that keeps you smiling mile after mile.