What's New
The 2021 Toyota Corolla was redesigned last year and carries forward mostly unchanged with a few exemptions. The Corolla finally adds Android Auto smartphone integration as standard equipment. Additionally, two new packages are available: a blacked-out Nightshade Edition is available on SE models, while a sporty Apex package is optional on SE and XSE trims.
Choosing Your Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is available in five trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. Pricing starts at $20,780 including destination for the L and tops out at $26,680 for the XSE.
Engine Choices
The standard engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which is what's found in the L, LE, and XLE. The SE and XSE come equipped with a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which also happens to get better fuel economy.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
1.8L 4-Cylinder | 139 hp | 126 lb-ft | 33 mpg |
2.0L 4-Cylinder | 169 hp | 151 lb-ft | 34 mpg |
Power is routed to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A six-speed manual is available on the SE for an extra $275 over the CVT.
The CVT features a fixed “first” gear for a natural acceleration feel and sound before the belt-and-pully system takes over.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Corolla sedan can seat five passengers. Its 106.3-inch wheelbase affords 42 inches of front leg room and 34.8 inches of rear leg room. The trunk offers 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is noticeably less than the rival Honda Civic.
Safety Features
Toyota equips the Corolla with its latest safety suite that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, and automatic high beams.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on the LE and SE and standard on the XLE and XSE.
Connectivity
A 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa integration is standard. A six-speaker audio system, two USB ports, Bluetooth, and satellite radio are also included.
The LE and above get an 8-inch touchscreen as standard. A nine-speaker JBL audio system is available on the SE, XLE, and XSE, while navigation is an option on just the XLE and XSE.
The base L trim features LED headlights and taillights, 15-inch steel wheels, and body-colored exterior mirrors and door handles. Inside, fabric seating, a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster display, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a split-folding rear seat are all standard.
Next up, the Corolla LE adds more available exterior colors as well as 16-inch steel wheels and heated side mirrors. Premium fabric seats, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and the 8-inch touchscreen are also standard additions.
The LE Convenience Package $1,150 is a worthwhile selection as it includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, push-button start, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The LE Premium Package ($2,000) includes the same plus a sunroof.
The SE trim takes the Corolla in a sportier direction with the 2.0-liter engine, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a dark gray rear spoiler, sport mesh grille, and 18-inch alloy wheels. It also gets higher grade LED headlights and turn signal indicators.
New for 2021, the SE Nightshade Edition package ($700) is available in black, white, and silver, and wears a black on the grille surround, 18-inch wheels, mirror housings, door handles, side rocker panels, rear spoiler, and badging.
The Apex sport package is available for the first time here. It adds summer performance tires, a more aggressive look, and other performance tweaks.
The Corolla XLE builds on the LE – meaning it's back to the 1.8-liter engine – and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a sunroof. Inside, it adds leatherette seating, heated front seats, a six-way power driver's seat, push-button start, and a 7-inch gauge cluster.
The XLE Connectivity Package adds the nine-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, and wireless charging for $1,715. A $2,165 version of this package also includes adaptive headlights and ambient interior lighting.
The top-of-the-line XSE combines the sporty appearance of the SE with the features of the XLE. Standard dark gray painted ride rocker panels and a rear spoiler are visual differentiators from the SE trim. The 2.0-liter engine and an eight-way power driver's seat are standard.
The same packages from the XLE are available here, as is the Apex package.
Compare Corolla Trims Side-By-Side
This newest generation of the Corolla is more adept at providing an enthusiastic driving experience than ever before. The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE with the Premium Package provides the performance, athletic appearance, and safety features that make it the best selection in the lineup.