Pros: Peppy, efficient drivetrain with 2.0-liter engine; sporty driving personality; available hybrid model
Cons: Limited back seat room in hatchback; infotainment screen looks tacked on; XSE’s upsized wheels and tires compromise ride quality somewhat[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][vc_column_text]CG Says: The 2021 Toyota Corolla gains standard rear side airbags. Sedans get a new Apex Edition with uprated suspension and unique trim, while there is a Special Edition for hatchbacks with rear spoiler and special trim.
Toyota introduced a redesigned Corolla 4-door hatchback for 2019 and a new Corolla sedan joined the hatchback on the latest platform for 2020. However, the sedan has a wheelbase that is 2.4-inchs longer than the hatchback for better rear-seat room.
All Corolla hatchbacks are powered by a 168-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. That same engine is rated at 169 hp in SE and XSE sedans. L, LE, XLE sedans have a 139-hp 1.8-liter four. Plus, a hybrid powertrain is available in the Corolla sedan. The Hybrid combines a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with two electric motors for a total of 121 horsepower. Transmission choices for gas-powered cars are a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The hybrid is CVT only.
Available features include forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning and mitigation, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, road-sign identification, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Amazon Alexa Connectivity, and keyless access and starting.
The current Toyota Corolla’s chassis has far better driving dynamics than either the previous Corolla iM or Corolla sedan, plus the 2.0-liter engine is more powerful and is mated to much-improved transmissions. These new sporty attributes, combined with Toyota’s traditional value equation, make the Corolla an especially strong competitor in the compact-car class.[/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”padding_space” margin_top=”10″ margin_bottom=”10″][mk_content_box heading=”The Facts”][mk_table el_class=”new-review-specs”]
| Class | Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 4-door hatchback |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Nation of Manufacture | Canada |
| Base Prices | L sedan: $20,780 LE sedan: $21,230 SE sedan: $23,230 Nightshade sedan: $23,930 XLE sedan: $25,210 XSE sedan: $26,680 Apex Edition sedan: NA SE hatchback: $21,245 Nightshade hatchback: $24,195 XSE hatchback: $24,195 Special Edition hatchback: NA Hybrid LE sedan: $24,355 |
| Base Engine 1.8-liter 4-cylinder (L/LE/XLE sedan) |
| Horsepower 139 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission CVT |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 29-30 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 37-39 |
| Optional Engine 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (hatchback, SE/XSE sedan) |
| Horsepower 168 (169 sedan) |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission CVT |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 28-31 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 36-41 |
| Optional Engine 1.8-liter 4-cylinder/electric motors (Hybrid) |
| Horsepower 121 |
| Std. Transmission CVT |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 53 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 52 |
Quick Spin: 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback XSE (Manual)
Quick Spin: 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Test Drive: 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE
Test Drive: 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
First Spin: 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan
2021 Toyota Corolla Best Buy Review
2021 Nissan Versa Best Buy Review
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Nissan Versa[/vc_column_text][/mk_content_box][mk_content_box heading=”NHTSA Ratings” icon=”moon-signup” el_class=”ratings-box”][mk_skill_meter title=”Overall – 5″ percent=”100″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][mk_divider style=”thin_solid”][mk_skill_meter title=”Front Crash – 5″ percent=”100″][mk_skill_meter title=”Side Crash – 5″ percent=”100″][mk_skill_meter title=”Rollover – 4″ percent=”80″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/mk_content_box][/vc_column][/vc_row]
