A Sporty & Affordable Daily Driver

In Our Opinion:

We’ve got pushed and evaluated the Toyota Corolla numerous occasions over time, however this most up-to-date redesign is our favourite. Styling-wise, the XSE is tough to beat, however there are six different trim ranges (plus a hybrid mannequin) to select from. Throughout the lineup, trip high quality improves with new suspension and chassis modifications, and there are many connectivity and security options. In terms of an environment friendly day by day commuter, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is a stable alternative.

Security & Tech Options

84

Execs

Journey High quality

Trendy & Sporty

Fashionable Inside

Cons

CVT Really feel

Trunk Area

Some Highway Noise

The 2021 Toyota Corolla advantages from a much-needed redesign, making it extra aggressive within the already robust compact sedan class. The Corolla has loads of rivals, just like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and the Mazda 3 simply to call a number of. Every one is inexpensive for customers who wish to stick with their price range. So how does the brand new Corolla measure up?

This week, we drove the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE to seek out out.

Toyota Corolla: What’s New For 2021?

Now in its twelfth technology, the Corolla gained new styling upgrades final yr and a brand new Apex Version this yr. The Apex Version is obtainable with an upgraded suspension, decrease trip peak, and summer season efficiency tires for driving lovers. The 2021 Toyota Corolla can be supplied as a hatchback and as a hybrid.

The Toyota Corolla will get commonplace Android Auto compatibility, new rear-seat facet airbags for the sedan, and an automated engine stop-start function.

2021 Toyota Corolla XSE: Options & Choices

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE comes commonplace with LED headlights, automated excessive beams, a rearview digital camera, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The XSE features a Wi-Fi hotspot, seven-inch touchscreen (our tester had an upgraded eight-inch display with navigation), a USB port, and a six-speaker sound system. Becoming a member of the usual Android Auto is Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity. The newly-redesigned Corolla additionally has Toyota’s Security Join emergency communications suite. 

The highest-trim XSE additionally comes with upgraded headlights, sporty exterior remedies, power-adjustable and heated entrance seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Our tester additionally had satellite tv for pc radio and the optionally available blind-spot monitor. Different superior security options included ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help, adaptive cruise management, and a site visitors signal reader.

What Does The 2021 Toyota Corolla Value?

Complete MSRP, together with vacation spot, for our check Corolla XSE: $29,269. By comparability, the 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan begins at $19,825. The Hybrid sedan begins at $23,400. As for the Corolla Hatchback, that begins at $20,465 (it’s not out there as a hybrid).

Inside Highlights: Smooth & Sounds Good

The primary we observed was the eight-inch infotainment touchscreen that sits prominently on the sprint for simple entry. The highest-trim XSE will get a extra luxurious inside with Sport Softex seats that function distinction stitching. Materials high quality contained in the Corolla was upgraded with the 2020 mannequin yr redesign. There are extra soft-touch surfaces and fewer laborious plastics all through the cabin. The cabin seems to be trendy, particularly within the XSE, with a clear layered sprint in darkish and light-weight contrasting colours.

You’ll be capable of keep linked with Apple CarPlay and new commonplace Android Auto compatibility that’s simply been added for 2021. The upgraded JBL premium system will get 9 audio system, together with a subwoofer and an amplifier. It sounded excellent and was one of many upgraded options we loved most concerning the Corolla XSE this week.

Inside Highlights: Cargo Area

The XSE’s entrance seats are snug and can maintain you safe for extra spirited driving. You’ll just like the sensible key system with push-button begin and the ability/tilt moonroof. The again seat is sufficiently big to hold your mates, and if you’ll want to carry additional cargo, the again seats fold down. The 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan comes with 13 cubic ft of trunk area, which is a bit under common on this phase.

Engine & Gas Mileage Specs

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE is powered by a 2.0-liter engine producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft. of torque. Toyota says the engine is smaller and lighter, serving to to decrease the Corolla’s heart of gravity whereas enhancing gas economic system. It comes mated to a specialised CVT automated (Dynamic-Shift CVT) with steering wheel paddle shifters and a Sport mode. Toyota describes the CVT as having “10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic steps.”

Some fashions are eligible for a six-speed guide transmission with downshift rev-matching management however you’ll sacrifice about two mpg in gas mileage. EPA gas mileage estimates are available in at 31/38 metropolis/freeway and 34 mixed mpg with the automated transmission.

Useful Information

On The Highway With The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE

In December of 2018, Toyota introduced a revised suspension setup for the brand new Corolla. On our drive this week, we might inform the distinction between this new Corolla and prior generations. The brand new MacPherson strut entrance suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhance the Corolla’s trip high quality, regardless of some highway noise. Though it’s not a sports activities automobile, the brand new Corolla is enjoyable to drive, and it’s a reliable city commuter.

We additionally just like the CVT over the six-speed guide. Though we’re driving lovers and would go for a guide in some other case, a CVT is best for a automobile just like the Corolla. If you happen to dwell in a congested city space, it’s no enjoyable to drive a guide in stop-and-go site visitors. The Corolla makes use of a bodily first gear to get transferring, then shifts to the CVT to take care of the automobile’s momentum.

We did use the paddle shifters that permit the choice of the aforementioned 10 simulated speeds. Total, the transmission reacts shortly, however there’s a definite pause with every flip of the paddle shifters. We would like to easily go away it alone and let the CVT “shift” itself.

Conclusion: A Good Alternative All-Round

On the top-of-the-lineup, the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE affords loads of extras for the cash. If you happen to don’t want the extras, a well-equipped however nonetheless sporty SE will be had for a number of thousand much less ($22,275 beginning MSRP). The Corolla nonetheless comes with Toyota’s fame for reliability, and for the typical shopper, that’s a tough trait to beat. It comes with an extended checklist of security and tech options, improved styling, and even affords a snug trip.

Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years within the automotive business in quite a lot of roles. All of his firsthand opinions are archived on our check drives web page. Observe Denis on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy

2021 Toyota Corolla XSE Gallery