Meet the 2021 Toyota Corolla. This sporty vehicle is fun to drive, loaded with the latest tech, and has all the comfortable amenities you want in a car. The Corolla has eight trim levels on the sedan model, including a hybrid powertrain and three hatchback versions, so there’s a model for any lifestyle. Here’s a rundown of the trim levels and their best features to help you decide which 2021 Toyota Corolla suits your style best.
Corolla L
Image via Flickr by RLGNZLZ
Exterior features on the Corolla include LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. The front fascia is highlighted by the black front grille with a sport mesh insert and it rolls on 15-inch styled steel wheels. It also features color-keyed power outside mirrors, color-keyed door handles, and a color-keyed shark fin antenna.
Inside you’ll find comfortable fabric-trimmed adjustable seating, a 60/40 split/fold rear seat, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and driver-assist controls. Power door locks and window controls are standard. A 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay keep you connected.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and 16 valves with Valvematic technology. Paired with a continuously variable transmission this powertrain gets 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard, which includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Corolla LE
The LE trim builds on the L features by adding heated outside mirrors. You can get blind-spot indicators on the outside mirrors as part of an option package. Standard wheels are 16-inch steel with side vents. Automatic climate control and premium fabric seating keep you comfortable. Keyless entry is standard and your touch screen is 8 inches.
Corolla Hybrid LE
The Hybrid LE has all the features of the LE plus a premium information cluster, push-button start, and high-grade LED headlights. The biggest difference is the powertrain, which uses a 1.8-liter aluminum four-cylinder engine with 16 valves with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) technology, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, and two electric motors.
Corolla SE
Next up is the SE, which builds off the LE line with LED accent lighting, smoked sport trim around the taillights, and a sport mesh dark gray metallic front grille. Other exterior upgrades include gray metallic sport side rocker panels, rear spoiler, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, heated power outside mirrors, and 18-inch machined alloy wheels.
Under the hood, you’ll find an upgraded 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, 16 valves with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. Toyota also upgrades to a Dynamic-Shift Continuously Variable Transmission. The result is 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. It also comes with a Sport drive mode for a more thrilling ride.
Corolla SE Nightshade Edition
This special edition trim features blacked-out trim, grille bezels, Corolla badging, and 18-inch black flow-formed aluminum wheels for a unique curb appeal. Inside you’ll find an upgraded leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Corolla SE Apex Edition
Another special edition from Toyota, the Apex features bronze and black side rocker panels and rear diffuser accents and the same 18-inch black flow-formed wheels as the Nightshade. A black roof, Apex badging, and sport-tuned exhaust with a conical shaped tip add style and performance.
Inside are signature touches like bronze trim and stitching, metal appliques, and chrome door handles. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control upgrades to a Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Under the hood, you have the same four-cylinder engine but the Apex features an optional six-speed intelligent manual transmission.
Corolla XLE
Building on the SE trim the XLE adds a power tilt and sliding moonroof with a sliding sunshade. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels return on the XLE and a color-keyed shark fin antenna is added. Inside the XLE features premium SofTex material and heated sport front seats. Additional optional packages include a Qi-compatible wireless charging station and ambient lighting.
A Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system is added to the driver-assist suite. The XLE uses the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT powertrain.
Corolla XSE
An Adaptive Front Lighting System is available on the XSE. Heated power outside mirrors with blind spot warning indicators are standard. The side rocker panels and rear spoiler come with gray metallic sport paint and it rolls on 18-inch machined alloy wheels with dark gray-painted accents. It also features a single exhaust with dual chrome tips.
You’ll also have access to several package options that can add features like Premium Audio with Navigation, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and ambient lighting. Under the hood you’ll find the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with the Dynamic-Shift continuously variable transmission.
Corolla XSE Apex Edition
Much like the SE Apex Edition, the EXE comes with bronze and black side rocker panels and rear diffuser accents, 18-inch black flow-formed aluminum wheels, black roof, Apex badging, and sport-tuned exhaust with a conical tips. The front fascia gets an upgrade with black grille and a bronze and black front spoiler with C-shaped accents. The outside mirrors are now black with heated and power folding function and all your indicators, plus a black rear spoiler.
Corolla Hatchback
The Corolla Hatchback gets mentioned here because of its fast-hatch heritage in the Corolla family. SE, SE Nightshade, and XSE are the three trims available. All feature the distinct style of its angular front fascia, wide and low stance, sculpted sides, and classic hatchback rear end. Signature LED lighting, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and 16-inch or 18-inch wheels add character.
Under the hood is a Dynamic Force 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder engine mated to either the Dynamic Shift CVT or the intelligent six-speed manual transmission. The result is 168 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
Test Drive A Corolla Today
Seeing is believing and at Panama City Toyota we have a huge inventory of Corolla models ready for you to test drive today. Our friendly, professional staff will help you find the perfect Corolla to match your lifestyle and fit in your budget. Contact us online today or come visit our showroom on West 15th Street in Panama City.
