Corolla LE CVT 2021 Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that’s all about offering a blend of practicality, reliability, and some modern touches, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, daily-driver car.

Under the hood, you have two engine options. The base models, like the L, LE, and XLE, come with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 139 horsepower. If you’re after something a bit peppier, the SE and XSE trims offer a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that bumps up the power to 169 horsepower. Both engines come with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), but if you go for the SE, you can opt for a 6-speed manual transmission for a sportier feel.

Fuel efficiency is one of the Corolla’s strong points. The 1.8-liter engine offers around 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine in the sportier trims offers even better fuel economy, with 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. So, whether you're commuting or taking a longer road trip, it’ll keep your gas costs in check.

Inside, the Corolla feels modern and comfortable. The base models come with a 7-inch touchscreen, which goes up to 8 inches on higher trims, and you get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility, so you can easily connect your smartphone. The sound system is a decent 6-speaker setup, but if you’re an audiophile, the XLE and XSE trims come with an upgraded 9-speaker JBL system. Seating is comfortable for five people, with cloth upholstery standard, and more premium trims offer SofTex synthetic leather.

When it comes to safety, Toyota packs a lot of tech into the Corolla. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard across all trims, which includes features like pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. There are also available options like a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, which add extra peace of mind.

On the road, the Corolla isn’t the sportiest car in its class, but it’s definitely smooth and easy to drive. The ride is comfortable, and the steering is precise, making it a solid choice for daily commutes. The SE and XSE trims add a bit more flair with sportier suspension tuning and aggressive styling elements like a rear spoiler.