Auto123 test drove the manual-equipped 2021 Toyota Corolla L . Here's what you need to know.
The Toyota Corolla hasn’t needed an introduction in our market for many, many moons. The world's best-selling vehicle (no less), the Corolla has been snapped up 1.6 million times by buyers in Canada. Launched in 1966, it arrived in Canada in 1969; fifty-two years later, it's still sold here, and surviving in a generally car-hostile world. We drove the base L version with a manual transmission, which comes in at a very attractive low price for a Japanese car.
What's new for 2021?
There are a few equipment additions mostly in the hatchback models, and there's really nothing new for Corolla sedans in 2021.
See also: First Drive of the 2020 Toyota Corolla: En Route to 50 Million Sold
Although the L version is a base model, that doesn't stop it from going all out when it comes to safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite is standard, and it includes features like collision avoidance and/or mitigation and vehicle/pedestrian/cyclist detection.
Android Auto and Apple Carplay are also available on the first trim level. Plus there are automatic high beams, four windows with automatic up/down and adaptive cruise control.
But one thing that surprised us at the beginning of our week-long test drive was being handed a real ignition key, just like they used to do. Where’s the push button?
The versions
There are five models for the 2021 Corolla and 13 different combinations when you include the option packages.
The Toyota Corolla L ($21,539) includes:
- New 7-inch screen audio system with 6 speakers including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers
- 4.2-inch multi-function display in front of the driver
- Cloth seats
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 and dynamic cruise control with radar (at high-speed only)
Toyota Corolla LE ($24,279) adds:
- Electronic parking brake
- 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers
- Heated front seats and premium cloth seats
- 8-inch screen audio system
- Toyota blind spot monitor for added safety
- Automatic climate control
- Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Suite augmented with full-range dynamic radar cruise control (high speed on manual transmission) and lane keeping assist (automatic transmission only)
Toyota Corolla LE with Upgrade Package ($26,279) adds:
- New heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
- New Toyota Smart Key system with push-button start
- Sunroof
- Wireless charging
Toyota Corolla SE ($24,779 with manual or $25,779 with CVT) adds:
- New 2.0Lr TNGA 4-cylinder engine with 169 peak hp
- New sport-tuned suspension
- Premium cloth sport seats
- Exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels
- New 8-inch screen audio system with 6 speakers
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Suite
With the SE, there are also three option packages to choose from:
- SE Upgrade for an additional $2,980, includes
o Sunroof
o Wireless charging
o 18-inch wheels
o Audio Plus with Remote - includes Remote Connect (one year trial), Safety Connect (one year trial), Service Connect (up to 8 year trial)
- Nightshade Edition for an additional $3,760, you'll find the SE Enhanced features plus :
o Black front spoiler
o Lower body moldings
o Darkened components here and there
- Apex for $4,310 you'll get in addition to what's present in the SE Enhanced some:
o 18-inch black fluoformed wheels
o Sport exhaust
o Performance calibrated front and rear sway bars
o Black rear spoiler
o Distinctive bronze-colored Apex elements on the front and rear of the vehicle.
The Toyota Corolla XLE ($29,639) adds:
- Heated front and rear seats
- 8-way power adjustable driver's seat
- Toyota Premium Audio connected services with integrated navigation, destination assist and safety connect
- Leather-wrapped, power-adjustable, heated steering wheel
- Power sliding/tilting sunroof
- 7-inch digital speedometer
- SofTex-covered seats
The $31,139 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE adds:
- SofTex-covered seats
- New ambient lighting
- Heated front and rear seats
- Toyota Premium Audio connected services with integrated navigation, Destination Assist and Safety Connect
- 7-inch digital speedometer
The powertrain
In our entry-level version, a “budget” engine is bolted under the hood. The 1.8L, twin-cam 4-cylinder generating 139 hp at 6,100 RPM and 126 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 RPM was sufficient for the task, but no more than sufficient. Acceleration is far from dazzling, the sound is nothing to write home about, and fuel consumption during our week-long test wasn’t even that frugal. We ended our week with an average of 7.0L/100 km, and honestly we would have expected a little more. The manual gearbox is precise despite its long throw.
The interior
The interior exudes plastic. Everything you might come into with other than the seats is made of hard plastic. The seats are a bit short in length and become uncomfortable before long. Fortunately, the fabric upholstery is of good quality and you can tell right away that it will last as long as the vehicle.
The ride
Let's face it, there's nothing exciting about driving a Toyota Corolla. This is not news of course - automotive journalists have been coming to that same conclusion for years and years. But let's take a step back and ask the right questions. Are customers who want a Toyota Corolla looking for excitement behind the wheel? No. They want a reliable vehicle that can get them from point A to point B safely and won’t cost them a fortune in gas and other expenses. The Corolla excels at this. When you drive it, you know that this car is built to last. It will do the job for many years to come. It will transport the family safely and if you give it a little love, the Corolla can be your children's first car once they get their license.
The competition
Mazda 3
Honda Civic
Kia Forte
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Impreza
Volkswagen Jetta
Hyundai Elantra
Specifications sheet of 2021 Toyota Corolla L Manual
Specifications
| .. | 2021 Corolla L manual | |
| Transmission | 6-sp manual | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | |
| Fuel consumption (city) | 8.0L/100 km | |
| Fuel consumption (highway) | 6.0L/100 km | |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7,.1L/100 km | |
| Engine | ||
| Type | Gas | |
| Output | 139 hp | |
| Torque | 126 lb-ft | |
| Cylindres | 4 | |
| Cylindrée | 1,8 litre | |
| Capacities | ||
| Cargo space | 371 litres | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4630 mm | |
| Width | 1780 mm | |
| Height | 1435 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm | |
| Warranty | 3 yrs/60,000 km | |
| Pricing | $21,539 to $31,139 CAD |