2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
The newest generation of the huge-selling Toyota Corolla continues to lead everyone in its class. We already sampled the Hatchback and the Hybrid sedan. We concluded that it was a compact sedan worth considering, no matter the niche.
However, we really wanted to know was about the most popular model in the Corolla lineup – the LE sedan.
We could review other Corolla sedans, including sportier and more luxurious models. However, the one trim level you will most likely choose is the LE sedan. It is the highest volume trim level for both commercial customers and everyday consumers, like you.
We wanted to know if this Corolla is truly the best value for your money.
When this current generation arrived two years ago, its design was praised for being sharp and handsome. The front end opens up with narrow headlamp units that bridge a narrow upper grille with the Toyota logo, a larger lower grille works to rush air into the engine compartment. The sedan continues with a more handsome roofline and glass area.
The rear end of our LE tester was more three-dimensional with larger taillight units and a black strip bridging them above the license plate indent. In all the Corolla sedan is more handsome and edgier than any generation before this one.
Our LE tester wore a handsome cloth interior that welcomed its occupants. The front seats are supportive with plenty of bolstering, while providing comfort for the driver. Manual adjustments for height, rake, and recline are precise and work for many bodies for the right position behind the wheel. Rear seat room is fine, though anyone over 6’2” may find headroom to be limited thanks to the slope of the roofline.
Cargo space looks like it would carry more than just its 13.1 cubic feet as stated on the specification sheet. The rear seatbacks do fold down for longer cargo.
The instrument panel is handsome and very functional. We love the analog dials, along with a color information screen off to the right of the binnacle. Climate controls are simple and reside below the big tablet-like infotainment screen. Also simplified is the center console with the electronic parking brake and related transmission controls around the shifter.
Powering this Corolla LE is a 139-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a continuously variable transmission. It offers solid performance when you need it. In turn, we also observed an average of 33.1 MPG for fuel economy.
On smooth surfaces, the Corolla’s ride quality is fantastic. The suspension also does a great job absorbing rougher surfaces. We also like how well the Corolla handles, even with standard 16-inch wheels. It maneuvers very well and manages curves competently.
The steering has a solid on-center feel, which manages the lane well. We also liked the tight turning radius and wheel response. The brakes offer solid stops in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel is good and modulates well.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla lineup starts with a base price of $20,025 or a basic L model sedan. Our LE tester came with a sticker price of $21,470. The 2021 Corolla lineup includes a total of nine sedans, including three special edition sedans and a Hybrid sedan. You also have the choice of three Corolla Hatchback models, one of which is a special edition.
The hugely popular Toyota Corolla still attracts a crowd of equally competitive compact sedans. These competitors include the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Mazda3, and Volkswagen Jetta.
Because it remains one of the most vehicles on this planet, one cannot go wrong with a Toyota Corolla. The newest ones offer more standard features, upgrade opportunities, along with great practicality and superb reliability. This may be the compact sedan you need the most.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
