Trims and Powertrain

The front-wheel-drive 2021 Toyota Corolla is available in L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE trim levels, plus a darkness-themed variant of the SE trim called the Nightshade Edition. The first three trims are driven by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 139 hp. Meanwhile, the SE, SE Nightshade, and XSE get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 hp. All receive a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard, but the SE can be ordered with a six-speed manual tranny.

According to EPA estimates, the L and LE both get 30 mpg around town and 38 mpg on the open road, while the XLE returns 29 city/37 highway. The SE and SE Nightshade Edition achieve 31 city/40 highway, and the XSE gets 31 city/38 highway. The SE with the six-speed manual transmission is good for 29 city/36 highway.

Amenities

The L trim is issued 15-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cloth-upholstered seats, and a rearview camera system. The LE adds heated side mirrors and automatic climate control, while the XLE’s upgrades include high-grade LED headlights, 16-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition, a moonroof, simulated-leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats. The SE starts with the LE’s features but subs in 18-inch wheels, sporty exterior elements, and sport-bolstered front seats. The SE Nightshade Edition gets a black exterior and blacked-out 18-inch wheels. At the top of the range, the XSE blends the sporty elements of the SE with the more upscale features of the XLE.

Driver-Assist Features

All five trims (including the SE Nightshade Edition) of the 2021 Toyota Corolla get the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle of active safety features. This includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, road edge detection, road sign assist, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control (not available with manual-transmission SE), and automatic high beams. The SE qualifies for blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which the XLE gets as standard. Adaptive headlights are available for both the XLE and XSE.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Technology The L is stocked with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability, a six-speaker audio system, and a USB port. The LE accommodates an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a USB port for rear passengers. The XLE, SE, and XSE are eligible for a premium nine-speaker JBL audio system, and a wireless smartphone charger and navigation are optional for the XLE and XSE.