History/Overview
Toyota's Corolla is a solid and dependable entry in the compact sedan class. One of the brand's longest-running nameplates, the car has gone from sporty to sedate and has now made the turn back to sporty. The current generation of the car was introduced for the 2020 model year.
What's New
Just a year old, the biggest change for Corolla for 2021 was the addition of a new hybrid model. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were also added to the infotainment system of both models.
Available Trims
15 total versions of the Toyota Corolla are offered, including manual transmission options, CVT automatics, and the hybrid driveline. Non-hybrids have a 1.8L four-cylinder engine in L-badged grades or a 2.0L in S-grades.
Standard Features
Corolla L comes with a six-speaker 7.0-inch display audio system with CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-inch wheels, keyless entry, a 4.2-inch dash display, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, high-speed adaptive cruise, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. It's offered with a six-speed or CVT. LE is CVT only (all other trims CVT unless mentioned) has 16-inch steel wheels, blind spot and cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, and automatic climate control. LE Upgrade adds a power moonroof, wireless charging, heated wheel, 16-inch alloys, and heated wheel.
SE has upgraded high-beams, 16-inch alloys, sport fabric seats, keyless entry and push start, leather wheel and heated front seats, and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. SE Upgrade adds power sunroof, wireless charging, heated wheel, 18-inch alloys, satellite radio, and remote connect. Apex Edition adds sport-tuned exhaust, performance-tuned springs, and a special body kit. SE, Upgrade, and Apex are all offered with CVT or MT. SE Nightshade adds black wheels, badges, and trim to CVT.
2021 Corolla XLE adds to LE Upgrade Softex leather seats with heated rears, power driver seat, digital speedometer, and premium audio with navigation. XSE adds the same to SE Upgrade trim.
Corolla Hybrid has a 7.0-inch digital speedometer, automatic climate control, heated front seats, proximity key, and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Hybrid Premium adds power driver seat, wireless charging, heated wheel and rear seats, and Softex faux leather.
Key Options
the only thing to pick on Corolla is which trim you want, and which colour you want it painted.
Fuel Economy
2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid estimates are for 4.4 L/100 km city, 4.5 highway. LE MT is estimated at 8.0/6.0 with 7.9/6.1 for CVT. SE MT estimate is 8.2/6.5 with SE CVT 7.6/5.8. XLE's estimated economy is 8.1/6.3 with XSE's 7.7/6.1.
Competition
Toyota Corolla competes with the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3 in a tight segment.
