2021 Toyota Corolla: Model overview, pricing, tech and specs

After undergoing a major makeover for the 2020 model year, Toyota is pursuing the “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” approach for the 2021 Corolla sedan. The popular four-door is largely unchanged and only adds a price increase of USD 225 to the window sticker. A Corolla hatchback variant is also available, but for this overview, we’ll focus on the sedan.

Powertrain and technical data

Three engine and two transmission options remain on the order form for the 2021 Toyota Corolla Limousine. Start a Corolla L, LE, or XLE and you’ll wake up a 1.8-liter in-line four that delivers 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. This combination achieved EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon city, 37 MPG freeway and 32 MPG combined.

If you choose the LE Hybrid, you get two motor generators that clap on the same engine / transmission combination, but you lose 18 horsepower and 19 lb-ft of torque with final horsepower values ​​of 121 hp and 105 lb-ft. The advantage, however, is fuel efficiency: the Corolla LE Hybrid rakes in a Prius-like (and in some cases Prius-Spanking) 53 mpg city and 52 mpg highway and combined ratings.

Choose a Corolla SE or XSE and you’ll get the sedan’s sharpest engine option: a 2.0-liter I4 with lively 169 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque. An entertaining six-speed manual transmission with automatic speed adjustment can also be combined with SE models for a premium of $ 275. 2.0-liter models equipped with CVT are somewhat more economical on the fuel pump, but deliver nominal values ​​of 31 MPG City, 38 MPG Highway and 34 MPG together. Manual models coincide with 29 mpg city, 36 mpg freeway and 32 mph.

Inner

According to Toyota, the Corolla cabin uses the theme of “sensual minimalism”. Black, beige or gray fabric seats are standard on L, LE and LE hybrid models. If you throw in extra money on an XLE or XSE model, you’ll get “SofTex” seats made of synthetic leather for added luxury. In the SE and XSE classes, the front seats have additional shoulder and side bolsters that match the sportier aesthetics.

The available ambient lighting gives the front door trim, console shelf and front cup holder a touch of color. The rear passengers will also appreciate the 34.8-inch legroom of the sedan – that’s almost 5 more than the Corolla hatchback. The Corolla sedan offers an EPA-rated load of 13.1 cubic feet in its trunk, which is less than the more functional tailgate (17.8 cubic feet), but at least a standard 60/40 split foldable rear seat for longer items.

technology

All Corollas – with the exception of the base L – have a high-resolution 8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa functions as well as an audio system with six speakers. With the available JBL audio system in the versions SE (only CVT), XSE and XLE, this can be upgraded to nine speakers and 800 watts of power.

The Corolla comes standard with a range of safety technologies thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beam, lane departure warning, a pre-collision alarm and pedestrian detection systems.

The available charging of mobile phones and the embedded navigation round off the list of technical extras.

Pricing

A base 2021 Corolla L sedan starts at $ 20,780. For a full breakdown of trim prices, see below. All prices include a target fee of $ 955.

• Corolla LE: $ 21,230
• Corolla SE: $ 23,230
• Corolla SE Nightshade Edition: $ 23,930
• Corolla Hybrid LE: $ 24,355
• Corolla XLE: $ 25,180
• Corolla XSE: $ 26,680

Availability

The 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan is now on sale.