2021 Toyota Corolla

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

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.