This Modest 2022 Corolla Defied Depreciation | Carscoops

      A three-year-old XSE hatchback with 19,000 miles sold for only $3,280 less than its initial MSRP.

      A Toyota Corolla has notably defied depreciation trends at auction.

      The 2022 XSE hatch was originally priced at $26,780 and sold for $23,500 on Cars&Bids.

      This unmodified manual model features a 169-hp 2.0-liter engine with 19,000 miles on the clock.

      In a time when depreciation usually represents the biggest expense of car ownership, one 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE has stood out. It recently sold for $23,500, which is only $3,280 less than its starting MSRP of around $26,780. Such a return positions the modest Corolla as one of the most impressive value-retaining vehicles in the used market currently.

      The Magnetic Gray Metallic model was equipped with a black interior and just over 19,000 miles (31,000 km) recorded. According to the auction details, it came with desirable features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and a variety of Toyota driver assistance technologies, including blind-spot monitoring.

      In addition, it’s the sporty XSE variant, boasting 18-inch wheels, sport seats, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 169 hp (171 PS). This specific vehicle also had a rear spoiler (a $600 option), providing it with added presence and potentially a negligible increase in downforce that would be virtually imperceptible.

      Nonetheless, the standout feature—and likely the primary reason this vehicle maintained its value so well—is that it came with a manual transmission, a feature no longer available unless one opts for the GR Corolla.

      While we wouldn’t necessarily claim that the Corolla XSE is a budget alternative to the GR Corolla, it serves as a suitable option for those enamored with the hot hatch’s aesthetic but unable to afford the additional $15k and higher insurance costs required to own the genuine hot hatch. The 8-second acceleration from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) is respectable when coupled with its 38 mpg highway fuel efficiency.

      Bidding on the Cars&Bids auction peaked at $22,000, which fell short of the seller’s reserve, but a subsequent agreement was reached, resulting in the Corolla being sold for $23,500.

      Interestingly, this instance is not unique. A quick search on Auto Tempest reveals numerous other used 2022 Corolla XSE hatchbacks with similar or even higher mileage being listed for around $24,000 to $25,000. This is despite Toyota’s retail site enticing new-car shoppers with the prospect of a brand-new 2025 XSE hatch for as low as $28,215, including destination fees. However, the catch is that it is now only offered with a CVT.