Toyota answers the call for driving enthusiasts seeking an affordable sport sedan with the introduction of the 2021 Corolla Apex Edition. This limited-edition model, available on the SE and XSE grades, injects aggressive styling and enhanced handling into the popular Corolla, promising a more engaging driving experience. Taking its name from the racing term for the optimal point of a turn, the Toyota Apex Edition is designed to help drivers “clip the apex” of driving enjoyment in their daily commutes and weekend adventures.
This special edition maximizes the inherent sporty potential of the Corolla sedan. Built upon Toyota’s robust TNGA-C platform, known for its rigidity and refined multi-link rear suspension, the Apex Edition is further enhanced with track-tuned chassis upgrades and a bolder exhaust note. Paired with the responsive 169-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, the Toyota Corolla Apex Edition delivers a thrilling combination of performance and value. A distinctive factory-custom body kit amplifies the Corolla’s already sharp aesthetics, ensuring this sport sedan turns heads as sharply as it corners.
Toyota is releasing just 6,000 units of the Corolla Apex Edition for the 2021 model year. While most will feature the Dynamic Shift CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), performance enthusiasts will be excited to know that a select 120 models based on the SE grade will be offered with a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6 iMT). The Dynamic Shift CVT provides a responsive feel with simulated 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic steps, Sport Mode, and paddle shifters, utilizing a physical first gear for enhanced off-the-line acceleration before seamlessly transitioning to the CVT mechanism. For those who prefer a more hands-on driving experience, the 6-speed iMT offers downshift rev-matching, ensuring smooth gear changes and putting drivers in confident control.
Standout Style and Corner-Carving Capability of the Toyota Apex
The Toyota Corolla Apex Edition commands attention even before it hits the road. Its lowered stance and assertive presence are immediately noticeable. The aerodynamic black body kit, accented with striking bronze elements, includes a front spoiler, fog light covers, side moldings, and a rear diffuser, all contributing to enhanced stability at higher speeds. For an even more aggressive look, an optional rear trunk aero spoiler is available.
However, the Toyota Apex Edition is more than just visual enhancements; it’s engineered for dynamic performance. Toyota engineers meticulously developed the track-tuned suspension through rigorous testing at various locations, including the TMC Higashi-Fuji Proving Ground in Japan, the Toyota Arizona Proving Ground, and MotorSport Ranch in Texas. The unique coil springs lower the Corolla Apex by 0.6 inches, reducing body roll and sharpening steering response. Specially tuned shocks with internal rebound springs and unique solid stabilizer bars further enhance handling by controlling vertical and roll movement and increasing rigidity. New jounce bumpers ensure ride quality remains comfortable despite the lowered ride height. These comprehensive suspension upgrades result in a significant increase in roll stiffness – 47% in the front and 33% in the rear.
The 18-inch flow-formed cast aluminum wheels are not only gloss black and visually striking, but also contribute to performance. Their design aids in brake cooling and reduces unsprung weight by 2.2 lbs per wheel, improving handling and responsiveness. These wheels can be paired with all-season tires or optional summer tires for maximum grip and enhanced steering precision. The electronic power steering (EPS) has been specifically tuned for the Apex Edition, providing a sportier feel with a distinctive, V-shaped response build-up. Rounding out the performance enhancements is a specially developed catback exhaust, delivering a more aggressive and throatier sound profile, especially at start-up and wide-open throttle, finished with a unique 3.5-inch stainless steel tip.
The Toyota Apex Edition’s bronze and black accents complement its available exterior colors: the exclusive Cement with Black Sand Pearl roof, Super White with Black Sand Pearl roof, and Black Sand Pearl. Regardless of color choice, black mirror caps are standard. The front fascia features distinctive triple J-shaped LED clearance lamps and LED turn signals, while smoked outer lenses on the LED taillamps create a unique rear lighting signature.
Inside, the Corolla SE Apex Edition features premium fabric upholstery, while the XSE Apex Edition upgrades to black SofTex®-trimmed fabric. The XSE Apex Edition also includes heated front seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support for enhanced comfort.
Dynamic Force Engine: Power and Efficiency in the Toyota Apex
Powering the Toyota Corolla Apex Edition is the 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, standard on all Corolla SE and XSE grades. This engine balances performance and efficiency through advanced technologies like the high-compression Toyota D4-S fuel injection system, combining direct and port injection, and intelligent variable valve-timing (VVT-iE and VVT-i). A two-discharge-port oil pump and a variable cooling system further optimize engine performance and efficiency. These innovations contribute to a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent, placing it among the top in passenger vehicle engines.
The result is a responsive 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Corolla Apex Edition is 30 city / 38 highway / 33 combined MPG with the CVT and 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined MPG with the 6-speed iMT.
2021 Corolla Enhancements and Apex Edition Tech
Beyond the Apex Edition, the entire 2021 Corolla lineup receives upgrades, including standard Android Auto compatibility, joining existing Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration. SiriusXM with a 3-month All Access trial is also newly available across all Corolla grades. Safety is enhanced with the addition of rear side airbags, bringing the total airbag count to 10. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitor is standard on XLE and XSE grades and optional on other trims. Automatic Engine Shut-Off is a new standard feature across all 2021 Corollas.
The Toyota Corolla Apex Edition comes standard with Smart Key with Push Button Start. The XSE Apex Edition includes standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which is optional for the SE Apex Edition with CVT. Both SE and XSE grades feature a standard audio multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and smartphone integration. The XSE grade further adds Audio Plus, optional on the SE CVT, which includes Service Connect and Remote Connect. An available Premium Audio package upgrades to a JBL 9-speaker, 800-watt system with Dynamic Voice Recognition and Navigation.
Corolla Nightshade Edition Returns
The popular Corolla Nightshade Edition also returns for 2021, offering blacked-out styling on the SE grade with a choice of Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, or Black Sand Pearl exteriors. It features blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels and black exterior accents for a custom look.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Standard
All 2021 Corolla models, including the Toyota Apex Edition, come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a suite of driver-assist technologies, including Pre-Collision System, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (CVT only), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.
Affordable Sporty Styling and Performance
The Toyota Corolla Apex Edition delivers enhanced styling and driving dynamics at an accessible price point. Starting MSRP for the Corolla Apex SE with CVT is $25,070. The Corolla Apex SE with 6-speed manual transmission starts at $25,460, and the Corolla Apex XSE starts at $28,210. The optional black rear aero spoiler is available for $375, and performance summer tires are a no-cost option, allowing drivers to further personalize their Toyota Apex to their preferences.
