2021 Toyota Corolla review
Toyota Corolla highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Attractive design inside and out
- Both transmissions deliver smooth drive
- Standard driver assistance features
Cons
- Coarse engine noise under power
- Hatchback has smaller rear seating
- Driving feel doesn't match the fun exterior
Mileage (EPA estimate)
29 city, 36 highway, 32 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $19,998 - $20,998*
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A small sedan with a big feature list
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that's tailor-made for those seeking a comfortable, practical runabout. Part of the 12th generation introduced in 2019, the 2021 Corolla offers a lengthy feature list and plenty of tech to make driving as effortless as possible. If you're looking for a car to tackle everyday driving duties — from the school run and office commute to grocery shopping and other errands — the 2021 Toyota Corolla is an ideal choice.
All Toyota Corolla years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota Corolla generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 Toyota Corolla?
- The Corolla is available in a variety of new trims, including the SE Apex and XSE Apex.
- The Nightshade trim has been discontinued for 2021.
- Corolla trims have been upgraded with Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- The XLE trim now comes with Leatherette & Cloth and Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The XSE trim now comes with Leatherette Seats and Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The L trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The LE trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The SE Night Shade trim now comes with Rear View Camera, Power Seat(s), and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2021 Toyota Corolla trims
Curious how Toyota Corolla trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesL:
Includes LED headlights, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, seven-inch touchscreen, and more.
LE:
Adds heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, rear-seat USB port, and an eight-inch touchscreen.
XLE:
Adds blind-spot monitoring, a sunroof, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver seat, remote keyless entry with push-button start, and more.
SE:
Includes all the LE features, and adds an optional 2.0L four-cylinder engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, and sporty front seats and exterior trim accents.
SE Nightshade:
Includes all the SE features, plus blackout exterior trim and special 18-inch wheels.
XSE:
Includes all the features of both the SE and XLE trims combined.
Apex Edition:
Available on both SE and XSE trims, this edition includes upgraded suspension components, lower ride height, and black and bronze exterior trim elements.
Toyota Corolla photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota Corolla
1. Driver convenience features
For peace of mind and ease of use, the 2021 Toyota Corolla has you covered. Standard driver convenience features include forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights designed for excellent visibility in all conditions. The XLE trim adds blind-spot monitoring as standard, and adaptive headlights that swivel as you turn the steering wheel are available on XLE and XSE trims, designed to improve visibility around corners. These features make the 2021 Corolla a great choice for stress-free convenience in your daily driving.
2. Efficient engine options
The 2021 Toyota Corolla offers a choice of two engines, both of which can help you minimize trips to the pump. The standard engine is a 1.8L four-cylinder, which gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined (automatic and manual transmissions).
Choose a model with automatic transmission for an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city, or the six-speed manual for an EPA-estimated 39 mpg on the highway. On the SE trim and higher, you can shop for a model with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine, which gets an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined (automatic transmission).3. Lots of trims and features
The 2021 Toyota Corolla offers a great variety of trims, as well as a packed feature list across the entire lineup. Starting with the base L model, you'll get standard features like LED headlights and a seven-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. On the LE trim, you'll get automatic climate control, an enhanced eight-inch touchscreen, and a rear-seat USB port. The XLE features blind spot monitoring and heated seats with simulated leather upholstery. With so many options to choose from, it's easy to find a 2021 Toyota Corolla that's tailored to your needs.
4. Sharp styling
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is a practical vehicle, but it doesn't skimp on style. Sharp lines and curves around the front create an aggressive and eye-catching look, especially when paired with the sporty exterior trim options. The Corolla boasts a selection of eight available colors, ranging from sleek and subtle silvers and whites to more bold and striking tones. All of this makes the 2021 Toyota Corolla a stylish and sophisticated sedan that looks great in any setting.
5. Plenty of space for passengers and cargo
The 2021 Toyota Corolla can seat five passengers comfortably, with room to spare. A total passenger volume of 88.6 cubic feet (84.6 cubic feet on hatchback models) is matched with 42.0 inches of legroom for the front seats and 34.8 inches for the rear seats (29.9 inches on hatchback models). Not only that, but sedan models also offer 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and hatchback models offer 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. With the 2021 Corolla, you'll have plenty of space for your crew, your groceries, and your day-to-day cargo.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Toyota Corolla, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you're looking for engaging driving dynamics, check out the sport-styled 2017-2019 Honda Civic. Choose from three body types: sedan, two-door coupe, or hatchback. Stay in control with an available six-speed manual transmission, or enjoy the smooth ride of the continuously variable transmission. When equipped with the optional turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine, the 2017-2019 Honda Civic gets an impressive EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.
The Touring trim on the 2017-2019 Honda Civic adds heated rear seats, leather seating, a 450-watt sound system, and the Honda Sensing™ suite of driver aids.You'll get many in-demand features standard on a 2017-2019 Honda Civic, including:
LED daytime running lights
Four-speaker audio system
Multi-angle rearview camera
Automatic climate control
Bluetooth audio streaming
With three engine options available across all 2017–2019 models, you may find an Elantra to suit you. There's a punchy little 1.4L turbo available on the Elantra Eco (from 2017) but it has a trick up its sleeve with a drive mode selector; switch to Sport mode and you may be surprised how much fun you can have with this little engine. There's also a standard 2.0L engine and a 1.6L turbo that's available on the Sport model. Inside all 2017 models onwards, you get abundant tech features and a comfortable cabin.
Look out for these standard features on all 2017–2019 Hyundai Elantra Limited models:
17-inch alloy wheels
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Heated front seats
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
The Kia Forte sedan is a great choice if you're looking for something compact enough for city life but with enough space inside for you and your passengers. 2017–2019 Fortes come in three trim levels: LX, S, and EX. From 2017, the mid-range S model gives you a slightly sportier ride with a little more tech inside but shares the same standard 147 hp 2.0L engine as the base LX model. Jump up to the EX for a more powerful 2.0L engine with 167 hp and even more tech—including driver-assist features.
Here's what you'll find on all 2017–2019 Kia Forte S models:
Sport-tuned suspension
Rearview camera
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Cruise control
Air conditioning
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Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota Corolla an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Corolla 1st out of 46 among Compact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota CorollaToyota Corolla features and specs
Curious how Toyota Corolla trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
L 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.8L
Horsepower
139
Torque (ft-lbs)
126
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
106.3"
Overall length
182.3"
Width
70.1"
Height
56.5"
Leg room
F 42"/R 34.8"
Head room
F 38.3"/R 37.1"
Front tires
P195/65SR15
Rear tires
P195/65SR15
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Toyota Corolla FAQ
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- L: 30 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- LE: 30 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- SE: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- XLE: 29 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway
- XSE: 31 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
- SE Night Shade: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- SE Apex: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- XSE Apex: 31 MPG City and 38 MPG Highway
The Toyota Corolla received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Toyota Corolla as 0 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2021 Toyota Corolla has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Toyota Corolla, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Toyota Corolla Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Toyota Corolla:
- SE Apex
- XSE Apex
- Android Auto
- Navigation System
- Satellite Radio Ready
More about the 2021 Toyota Corolla
Color options
Exterior colors:
Barcelona Red Metallic
Black Sand Pearl
Blizzard Pearl
Blue Crush Metallic
Blueprint
Celestite
Classic Silver Metallic
Super White
Interior details
Seating for up to five people
88.6 cubic feet of passenger volume (84.6 cubic feet on hatchback models)
13.1 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats (17.8 cubic feet on hatchback models)
Standard seven-inch touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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