Toyota introduces the 2021 Corolla Apex Edition, a limited-edition sport sedan designed to deliver enhanced handling and aggressive aesthetics for driving enthusiasts. This special edition model, available on the SE and XSE grades, elevates the Corolla’s sporty appeal, offering a unique driving experience that’s sure to turn heads both on the road and track. The Apex Toyota Corolla maximizes the inherent capabilities of the Corolla’s robust TNGA-C platform and potent 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, creating a compelling package for those seeking an affordable yet thrilling sport sedan.
Track-Tuned Performance Upgrades
The Apex Edition lives up to its name with significant enhancements to its chassis and handling. Toyota engineers meticulously tuned the suspension through rigorous testing at various tracks globally, including facilities in Japan, Arizona, and Texas. The result is a Corolla that delivers sharper cornering and more responsive steering.
Key suspension upgrades include unique coil springs that lower the vehicle by 0.6 inches, reducing body roll and enhancing cornering agility. The increased spring rate contributes to a flatter stance during turns, providing drivers with greater confidence and control. Specially tuned shocks with internal rebound springs further refine the handling dynamics by increasing damping force, effectively managing vertical and roll movements. Solid stabilizer bars with increased rigidity also play a crucial role in minimizing body roll and improving overall agility. To ensure ride quality isn’t compromised by the lowered ride height, new jounce bumpers are incorporated. These comprehensive suspension modifications result in a remarkable 47% increase in roll stiffness at the front and 33% at the rear, transforming the Corolla’s handling prowess.
Complementing the suspension upgrades are the 18-inch flow-formed cast aluminum wheels. These gloss black wheels are not only visually striking but also engineered to improve brake cooling and reduce unsprung weight by 2.2 lbs per wheel. Drivers can choose between all-season tires or optional summer tires for enhanced lateral grip, steering precision, and yaw response, further maximizing the Apex Toyota Corolla’s performance potential. The electronic power steering (EPS) has also been specifically tuned for the Apex Edition, offering a sportier, V-shaped build-up response that complements the dynamic suspension changes.
Aggressive and Aerodynamic Styling
The Corolla Apex Edition commands attention with its low profile and assertive stance. A sporty, aerodynamic black body kit with striking bronze accents defines its exterior. This kit includes a front spoiler, fog light covers, side moldings, and a rear diffuser, all designed to enhance high-speed stability and contribute to the vehicle’s aggressive aesthetic. For those seeking even more visual impact, a rear trunk aero spoiler is available as an optional addition.
The Apex Edition’s distinctive bronze and black color scheme is offered in three exterior paint choices: the exclusive Cement with Black Sand Pearl roof, Super White with Black Sand Pearl roof, and Black Sand Pearl. Regardless of the color selection, black mirror caps are standard, maintaining the consistent dark accent theme. The front of the Apex Toyota Corolla is further enhanced by triple J-shaped clearance lamps with LED lights and LED turn signals, while LED taillamps with smoked outer lenses create a unique and recognizable rear lighting signature.
Adding to the auditory experience, the Apex Edition features a specially developed catback exhaust system. This sport-tuned exhaust produces a more aggressive and throatier tone at start-up and a bolder sound under wide-open throttle, enhancing the sporty character of the Apex Toyota Corolla. A unique 3.5-inch stainless steel exhaust tip is designed to match the vehicle’s overall styling.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Corolla Apex Edition balances sporty aesthetics with comfort and technology. The SE Apex Edition features premium fabric upholstery, while the XSE Apex Edition upgrades to black SofTex®-trimmed fabric upholstery. The XSE trim also includes heated front seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, adding a touch of premium comfort.
Both SE and XSE Apex Editions are equipped with a standard audio multimedia system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen display, six speakers, and compatibility with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa. Connectivity features include a USB media port, one USB charge port, Bluetooth® wireless technology for hands-free phone use and music streaming, and SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial.
The XSE Apex Edition further enhances the audio experience with Audio Plus, which is optional on the SE grade with CVT and includes Service Connect and Remote Connect. An available Premium Audio package for both grades upgrades to a JBL 9-speaker, 800-watt system, along with Dynamic Voice Recognition, Dynamic Navigation, Dynamic Points of Interest Search, and Destination Assist Connect. Smart Key with Push Button Start is standard on the Apex Editions, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on the XSE Apex Edition and optional for the SE Apex Edition with CVT.
Dynamic Force Engine and Transmission Choices
Powering the Apex Toyota Corolla is the 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine, standard in all Corolla SE and XSE grades. This engine delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, utilizing Toyota’s D4-S fuel injection system, intelligent variable valve-timing, and a high compression ratio to maximize both power and efficiency.
The Apex Edition offers a choice of transmissions to suit different driving preferences. Most Apex Editions are equipped with the Dynamic Shift CVT, which features simulated 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic steps, Sport Mode, and paddle shifters. This CVT utilizes a physical first gear for enhanced start-off acceleration before seamlessly transitioning to the CVT pulley system. For driving purists, a limited number of SE grade Apex Editions are available with a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6 iMT). This transmission includes downshift rev-matching control, ensuring smooth gear changes and an engaging driving experience.
In terms of fuel economy, the Corolla Apex Edition achieves an EPA-estimated 30 MPG city, 38 MPG highway, and 33 MPG combined with the CVT (both SE and XSE grades). Models equipped with the 6-speed iMT achieve 28 MPG city, 35 MPG highway, and 31 MPG combined.
Enhanced Safety and 2021 Corolla Updates
The entire 2021 Toyota Corolla lineup receives notable enhancements, including standard Android Auto™ compatibility, joining the previously standard Apple CarPlay® and Amazon Alexa compatibility. SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial is also now standard across all Corolla grades.
Toyota has also prioritized safety for the 2021 Corolla Sedan, adding rear side airbags to bring the total airbag count to 10. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitor is standard on the XLE and XSE grades and optional for the LE, LE Hybrid, and SE grades with CVT. Automatic Engine Shut-Off is now standard across all 2021 Corolla models, automatically turning off the engine after a period of inactivity.
Corolla Nightshade Edition Returns
For those seeking further sporty styling, the Corolla Nightshade Edition returns for 2021 on the SE grade. This edition features blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels and black accents on the bumpers, grille surround, mirror caps, side rockers, door handles, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, and exterior badges, offering a distinct and aggressive look. Like the Apex Edition, the Nightshade Edition is powered by the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine and is available with either the Dynamic Shift CVT or 6-speed iMT.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Standard
All 2021 Corolla models, including the Apex and Nightshade Editions, come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). This suite of driver-assist technologies includes Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, plus Daytime Bicycle Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (CVT only), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Road Edge Detection, Automatic High Beams, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist.
Pricing and Availability
The 2021 Corolla Apex Edition offers a compelling combination of performance and style at an accessible price point. The Corolla Apex SE with CVT starts at an MSRP of $25,070, while the SE with the 6-speed manual transmission starts at $25,460. 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.
The Apex Toyota Corolla is a limited-edition model, with only 6,000 units being produced for the 2021 model year. For driving enthusiasts looking for a unique and engaging sport sedan, the Apex Toyota Corolla delivers enhanced performance, striking style, and Toyota’s renowned reliability.
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