Brian Makse

The Corolla FX Proves You Don't Need Performance To Have Fun

Toyota built exactly 1,600 units of the 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition for the US market. It wears the aggressive 18-inch gloss white wheels, black vented sport wing, and heavily bolstered sport touring seats of a genuine hot hatch. But underneath the heritage badges, it runs the standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a CVT. We evaluate whether this limited-run package is a cynical cosmetic exercise or if the underlying SE chassis genuinely supports the aesthetic. In this dynamic review, we diagnose the limit handling, examine the surprisingly late ABS intervention, and test the chassis balance under trail braking. We also break down the specific shift logic Toyota engineered into the CVT's manual mode, and evaluate the very real ride-quality penalty that comes with the low-profile tires mandated by the FX appearance package. If you are expecting the compliant ride of a standard Corolla SE, the FX Edition's firm damping and aggressive seat bolstering will be a shock. We cover the mechanical realities you need to understand before buying a car based purely on its stance. Did Toyota Just Make the Premium GR Corolla Irrelevant? https://youtu.be/xoyrcM9HxK0 // THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY GOCLEAN I’ve been using GoClean Waterless Car Wash in my cleaning kit for the last 2 months to get cars camera ready before shoots. Use code MAKSE15 for 15% off. Free shipping on orders over $100. Available in the US & Canada at https://www.goclean.ca/ and tell 'em I sent ya! ——————————————————————— // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link) /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ /// SUBSCRIBE Subscribe NOW to Brian Makse's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=brianmakse /// SOCIAL Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack Spotify: https://sptfy.com/brianmakse Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/ /// MORE About Brian: http://makse.com/about /// WHAT I'M LISTENING TO Real AF With Andy Frisella https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast Be sure to let us know what you think about this video and smash the subscribe button if you haven’t already! Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own. Music © 2026 Russell Soares (russellsoares.com), used with permission, all rights reserved. #toyota #toyotacorollafx #corollafx #brianmakse