The 2021 Toyota Corolla, a name synonymous with reliability and affordability, continues to impress with its refined design, efficient performance, and advanced technology. This compact car has long been a favorite among drivers seeking a balance of practicality and style, and the 2021 model builds upon this legacy with several notable updates.
From its sleek exterior and spacious interior to its fuel-efficient engine options and comprehensive safety features, the 2021 Corolla caters to a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re commuting daily, embarking on weekend adventures, or simply looking for a reliable companion on the road, the 2021 Corolla offers a compelling package that’s hard to resist.
Overview of the 2021 Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has been a mainstay in the compact car segment for decades, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The 2021 model year brought a refresh to the Corolla, introducing a new design, advanced technology features, and improved performance.
History of the Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla first debuted in 1966, quickly gaining popularity for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It has since become one of the best-selling cars in the world, consistently ranking among the top-selling vehicles in the United States.
Over the years, the Corolla has undergone numerous updates and redesigns, evolving to meet changing consumer preferences and market demands.
Key Features and Design Elements
The 2021 Toyota Corolla features a bold and modern design, with a sleek profile and sharp lines. It boasts a redesigned front fascia with a larger grille, slimmer headlights, and a more aggressive stance. The rear end also receives a refresh, featuring redesigned taillights and a more sculpted bumper.
The interior is equally impressive, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with high-quality materials and an intuitive layout.
Trim Levels and Specifications
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is available in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, SE, Apex, and XSE. Each trim level offers a unique set of features and specifications, catering to different needs and preferences.
- The base L trim provides a solid foundation, offering standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of safety features.
- The LE trim adds comfort and convenience features, including a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a premium sound system.
- The XLE trim focuses on luxury, featuring leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a heated steering wheel.
- The SE trim emphasizes sporty performance, with a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and a more aggressive exterior styling.
- The Apex trim builds upon the SE trim, adding performance-oriented features like a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and a unique suspension tuning.
- The XSE trim combines the luxury features of the XLE trim with the sporty performance of the SE trim, offering a well-rounded package.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2021 Toyota Corolla offers a choice of two engine options, providing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine Options and Performance
- The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth acceleration and fuel efficiency.
- The optional engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT, offering a more engaging driving experience.
Fuel Economy Ratings, 2021 toyota corolla
The 2021 Toyota Corolla achieves impressive fuel economy ratings, particularly with the base engine.
- The 1.8-liter engine with the CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined.
- The 2.0-liter engine with the CVT achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined.
- The 2.0-liter engine with the manual transmission achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Comparison to Competitors
In terms of performance and fuel efficiency, the 2021 Toyota Corolla compares favorably to its competitors in the compact car segment. The Honda Civic, Mazda3, and Hyundai Elantra all offer similar powertrains and fuel economy ratings. However, the Corolla’s reputation for reliability and resale value gives it an edge in the long run.
Interior and Technology
The 2021 Toyota Corolla boasts a spacious and comfortable interior, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly design.
Interior Design and Materials
The interior of the 2021 Toyota Corolla features a modern and stylish design, with soft-touch materials and a focus on ergonomics. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear instrument displays and intuitive controls. The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
Technology Features
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a range of advanced technology features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, safety features, and driver assistance systems.
- The standard infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Higher trim levels offer a larger 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation and a premium sound system.
- The 2021 Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a suite of driver assistance features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.
- Optional features include a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, and a premium sound system.
Trim Level Feature Comparison
| Feature | L | LE | XLE | SE | Apex | XSE ||—|—|—|—|—|—|—|| Engine | 1.8L 4-cylinder | 1.8L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 2.0L 4-cylinder || Transmission | CVT | CVT | CVT | CVT | CVT | CVT || Infotainment System | 7-inch touchscreen | 7-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen | 8-inch touchscreen || Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard || Heated Front Seats | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard || Leather Upholstery | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A | N/A | Standard || Sunroof | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A | N/A | Standard || Heated Steering Wheel | N/A | N/A | Standard | N/A | N/A | Standard || Sport-Tuned Suspension | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard || Paddle Shifters | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard | Standard || Limited-Slip Differential | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard || Larger Brakes | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Standard | Standard |
Safety and Reliability
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is renowned for its safety features and reliability, making it a top choice for families and individuals looking for a dependable and secure vehicle.
Key Safety Features
The 2021 Toyota Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features that includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Optional safety features include:
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Parking Assist
- Driver Attention Monitor
Safety Ratings and Awards
The 2021 Toyota Corolla has received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
Reliability History
The Toyota Corolla has a long and well-established reputation for reliability. It consistently ranks high in reliability surveys, such as those conducted by J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. This reputation for durability and dependability is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to quality and engineering excellence.
Ownership Costs and Value
The 2021 Toyota Corolla offers a compelling value proposition, with a competitive price point, low maintenance costs, and strong resale value.
Estimated Price Range
The 2021 Toyota Corolla has a starting MSRP of around $20,000 for the base L trim. Higher trim levels, such as the XLE and XSE, can range up to $25,000 or more depending on options.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs
The Toyota Corolla is known for its low maintenance costs, thanks to its reliable engine and durable components. Estimated annual maintenance costs for a 2021 Corolla are around $400-$500, depending on driving habits and local service prices.
Resale Value
The Toyota Corolla consistently ranks high in resale value, making it a wise investment for both individuals and families. Its reputation for reliability and longevity contributes to its strong resale value, ensuring that owners can recoup a significant portion of their initial investment when it comes time to sell.
Target Audience and Competition
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is a versatile compact car that caters to a wide range of drivers, from young professionals to families.
Target Audience
The 2021 Toyota Corolla appeals to a diverse audience, including:
- Young professionals seeking a reliable and fuel-efficient car for commuting and everyday driving.
- Families looking for a spacious and safe vehicle that offers a good value for money.
- Individuals who prioritize reliability and durability in their vehicle.
Key Competitors
The 2021 Toyota Corolla faces stiff competition in the compact car segment, with several popular models vying for market share. Its key competitors include:
- Honda Civic
- Mazda3
- Hyundai Elantra
- Kia Forte
- Nissan Sentra
Comparison to Competitors
The 2021 Toyota Corolla stands out from its competitors by offering a combination of reliability, fuel efficiency, and value. While other models may offer slightly better performance or technology features, the Corolla’s reputation for longevity and resale value makes it a compelling choice for those looking for a long-term investment.
User Reviews and Opinions: 2021 Toyota Corolla
User reviews and opinions provide valuable insights into the real-world experience of owning and driving the 2021 Toyota Corolla.
Summary of User Reviews
User reviews of the 2021 Toyota Corolla generally praise its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interior. Many owners highlight the car’s smooth ride, responsive handling, and user-friendly technology features.
- Performance:Users appreciate the Corolla’s fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration, especially with the base engine. The optional 2.0-liter engine is praised for its added power and responsiveness.
- Fuel Efficiency:Owners consistently rave about the Corolla’s impressive fuel economy, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and longer road trips.
- Interior Comfort:The Corolla’s interior is praised for its spaciousness, comfortable seats, and high-quality materials. The user-friendly design and intuitive controls make it a pleasant car to drive.
- Technology:Users appreciate the Corolla’s standard technology features, including the touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assistance features.
Overall Sentiment
The overall sentiment towards the 2021 Toyota Corolla is overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate its reliability, fuel efficiency, comfortable interior, and advanced technology features. It is consistently praised as a well-rounded compact car that offers a good value for money.
Design and Styling
The 2021 Toyota Corolla features a bold and modern design that reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and style.
Design Philosophy
The 2021 Toyota Corolla’s design philosophy focuses on creating a sleek and sporty appearance while maintaining a sense of practicality and functionality. The designers aimed to capture a youthful and dynamic feel while ensuring that the car remains a comfortable and reliable daily driver.
Exterior Styling
The 2021 Toyota Corolla boasts a redesigned front fascia with a larger grille, slimmer headlights, and a more aggressive stance. The rear end also receives a refresh, featuring redesigned taillights and a more sculpted bumper. The overall design is more sculpted and athletic compared to previous generations, giving the Corolla a more modern and contemporary look.
Design Elements
The design elements of the 2021 Toyota Corolla contribute to its overall appeal and functionality.
- The larger grille and slimmer headlights create a more assertive and confident front end.
- The sculpted lines and sharp angles give the Corolla a dynamic and athletic profile.
- The redesigned taillights and bumper enhance the car’s rear end, giving it a more modern and sophisticated look.
- The interior design prioritizes functionality and comfort, with a user-friendly layout and high-quality materials.
Summary
The 2021 Toyota Corolla stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering quality and value. With its blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern features, the Corolla remains a top contender in the compact car segment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned driver seeking a reliable and enjoyable ride, the 2021 Corolla is a worthy consideration.