For driving enthusiasts seeking a sedan that delivers both head-turning aesthetics and exhilarating cornering capabilities, Toyota introduces the 2021 Corolla Apex Edition. This limited-edition model, based on the popular Toyota Corolla, injects a dose of track-inspired performance and aggressive styling into the already impressive Corolla lineup. Available in limited quantities, the Corolla Apex Edition is designed to maximize driving enjoyment and visual appeal, making it a standout in the sport compact sedan segment.
Toyota is set to release only 6,000 units of the Corolla Apex Edition for the 2021 model year, built upon the SE and XSE trim levels. This special edition Toyota Corolla boasts significant chassis upgrades honed for track performance, featuring distinctive shocks equipped with internal rebound springs. Adding to its sporty credentials, the Corolla Apex Edition is offered with an available 6-speed manual transmission and optional summer tires, catering to purists who crave a more engaging driving experience. Furthermore, all 2021 Toyota Corolla models benefit from enhanced safety features and the integration of Android Auto compatibility, ensuring that even with its performance focus, the Corolla remains a well-rounded and technologically advanced vehicle. The Corolla Apex Edition arrives with a starting MSRP of $25,070, positioning it as an accessible entry point into the realm of sporty sedans.
Aggressive Design Meets Enhanced Handling in the Corolla Apex
The Corolla Apex Edition isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s engineered to conquer corners with precision and flair. Toyota has leveraged the inherent strengths of the Corolla sedan – its rigid TNGA-C platform, multi-link rear suspension, and the potent 169-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine – as the foundation for the Apex Edition. To amplify its sporty character, a factory-designed body kit dramatically enhances the Corolla’s already sharp styling. Moreover, the Corolla Apex distinguishes itself with a more assertive exhaust note, thanks to a sport-tuned exhaust system exclusive to this edition, ensuring it sounds as dynamic as it looks.
For the majority of the 6,000 Corolla Apex Editions, Toyota will equip them with the Dynamic Shift CVT (continuously variable transmission). This advanced CVT is not your typical continuously variable transmission; it’s engineered to deliver a more engaging driving experience, featuring simulated 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic steps, a dedicated Sport Mode, and convenient paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. The secret to the Dynamic Shift CVT’s responsive feel lies in its innovative design, incorporating a physical gearset that functions as a launch gear for initial acceleration. This gearset provides a direct and immediate response off the line before seamlessly transitioning to the CVT’s pulley system for optimal efficiency and smooth power delivery across the rev range.
However, recognizing the desires of true driving enthusiasts, Toyota is producing a limited run of just 120 Corolla Apex Editions, based on the SE grade, equipped with the 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6 iMT). This manual gearbox features intelligent downshift rev-matching control, automatically adjusting engine RPM during gear changes. This technology ensures seamless and smooth shifts, making even novice manual drivers feel confident and proficient, and elevating the driving engagement of this sporty Toyota Corolla.
Turning Heads and Corners: The Apex Advantage
The visual impact of the Corolla Apex Edition is immediate. Its lowered stance and aggressively styled bodywork command attention before it even enters a corner. The aerodynamic black body kit, complete with striking bronze accents, includes a prominent front spoiler, integrated fog light covers, sleek side moldings, and a functional rear diffuser. These elements not only enhance the sporty aesthetic but also contribute to improved high-speed stability. For those seeking an even bolder statement, a rear trunk aero spoiler is available as an optional accessory, further amplifying the Apex Edition’s dynamic presence.
The true essence of the Corolla Apex Edition lies in its meticulously engineered, track-tuned suspension. Toyota’s engineers dedicated significant effort to developing the dynamic characteristics of this special edition, conducting extensive testing across diverse tracks globally. These locations included the TMC Higashi-Fuji Proving Ground in Japan, the Toyota Arizona Proving Ground, and MotorSport Ranch in Texas, ensuring the Apex Edition is capable of delivering exhilarating performance in various driving conditions.
The unique coil springs lower the Corolla Apex by 0.6 inches, contributing to its aggressive stance and lowering the center of gravity for improved handling. The increased spring rate plays a crucial role in reducing body roll, resulting in flatter cornering and more direct steering response. Specially tuned shock absorbers with internal rebound springs enhance damping force, effectively controlling both vertical and roll movements for superior stability and composure. Unique solid stabilizer bars with increased rigidity further minimize body roll and sharpen overall agility. Complementing these enhancements are new jounce bumpers, carefully designed to ensure that the lowered ride height doesn’t compromise ride quality, maintaining a balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. Collectively, these Apex Edition suspension modifications result in a remarkable 47% increase in front roll stiffness and a 33% increase in rear roll stiffness, transforming the Corolla’s handling dynamics.
The 18-inch flow-formed cast aluminum wheels are not only visually striking with their gloss black finish but also engineered for performance. Their design promotes brake cooling and reduces unsprung weight by 2.2 lbs per wheel, contributing to improved handling and responsiveness. Buyers have the choice of pairing these wheels with either all-season tires for year-round versatility or optional summer tires for maximum grip and enhanced lateral performance, steering precision, and yaw response on dry pavement. The bespoke electronic power steering (EPS) system has been specifically calibrated for the Apex Edition to complement its suspension upgrades. This unique EPS tuning delivers a sportier steering feel with a distinctive v-shaped build-up response, providing enhanced feedback and control to the driver. Rounding out the performance enhancements is a specially developed cat-back exhaust system. This exhaust produces a more robust and aggressive tone upon startup and delivers a bolder, more pronounced sound at wide-open throttle, amplifying the sporty character of the Corolla Apex. A unique 3.5-inch stainless steel exhaust tip was designed to perfectly match the vehicle’s overall styling.
The Corolla Apex Edition’s striking bronze and black color scheme is offered in three exterior paint choices: the exclusive Cement with a Black Sand Pearl roof, Super White with a Black Sand Pearl roof, and Black Sand Pearl. Regardless of the chosen color, all Apex Editions feature black mirror caps, further enhancing the unified sporty aesthetic. The front fascia is distinguished by triple J-shaped clearance lamps with LED lighting and LED turn signals, giving the SE and XSE grades a bold and modern look. At the rear, LED taillamps with smoked outer light lenses create a unique and recognizable lighting signature.
Interior Sportiness and Technology
Inside the Corolla Apex Edition, the sporty theme continues with unique interior appointments. The Corolla SE Apex Edition features premium fabric upholstery, while the XSE Apex Edition elevates the interior with black SofTex®-trimmed fabric upholstery. The XSE Apex Edition also includes heated front seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support, adding a touch of premium comfort to the sporty experience.
Dynamic Force Engine: Power and Efficiency
Powering the Corolla Apex Edition is the responsive and efficient 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine. Standard in all Corolla SE and XSE grades, this engine delivers an impressive balance of power and fuel economy. Its performance and efficiency are rooted in advanced technologies like the high-compression Toyota D4-S fuel injection system (13:1), which combines direct injection and secondary port injectors, high-speed combustion, and intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-iE on the intake side and VVT-i on the exhaust). VVT-iE utilizes an electric motor for more precise and responsive variable valve timing control.
Additional technologies that contribute to the engine’s performance and efficiency include a two-discharge-port oil pump and a variable cooling system with an electric water pump. The efficient cooling system also enhances cabin comfort by enabling quicker heating in cold weather and faster cool-down when the air conditioning is in use. These innovations, combined with ultra-low internal friction, enable the 2.0-liter engine to achieve a maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent, a remarkable figure for a contemporary passenger vehicle engine.
While thermal efficiency is not directly felt, the results are evident in the engine’s output: 169 peak horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. Whether paired with the Dynamic Shift CVT or the 6-speed iMT, this engine provides ample performance for spirited driving. Fuel economy is also commendable, with the CVT achieving EPA-estimated ratings of 31 city / 41 highway / 34 combined MPG (31/38/34 for XSE). The 6-speed iMT offers fuel economy ratings of 29/36/32 MPG. Specifically for the Corolla Apex Edition, EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 30/38/33 MPG with the CVT (both SE and XSE grades) and 28/35/31 MPG with the 6-speed iMT.
For the standard 2021 Toyota Corolla L, LE, and XLE grades, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder DOHC 16-Valve engine remains the powerplant, producing 139 horsepower and 126 lb.-ft. of torque. The Corolla LE Hybrid continues to offer exceptional fuel efficiency, utilizing a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two motor/generators and an electronically controlled CVT transaxle, delivering a combined system output of 121 horsepower and impressive fuel economy.
Enhanced Features Across the 2021 Corolla Lineup
Beyond the Apex Edition, the entire 2021 Toyota Corolla lineup receives notable enhancements. Android Auto compatibility is now standard across all models, joining the previously standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration. SiriusXM with a 3-month All Access trial is also now included on all Corolla grades, expanding entertainment options.
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 now standard on the XLE and XSE grades and available as an option for the LE, LE Hybrid, and SE grades equipped with the CVT, further enhancing driver awareness and safety.
All 2021 Toyota Corolla models now feature Automatic Engine Shut-Off, a safety feature that automatically turns off the engine after a prolonged idle period. This system provides both audible and visual warnings via the Smart Key system control fob, and future enhancements are planned to include smartphone app integration for added reminders. For added value, the 2021 Corolla LE grade (gas model) offers a new Convenience Package that bundles Blind Spot Monitor, Smart Key system, and stylish 16-inch alloy wheels.
Technology and Convenience Features
The Corolla Apex Editions come standard with Smart Key with Push Button Start. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is standard on the XSE Apex Edition and optional for the SE Apex Edition equipped with the CVT. The standard audio multimedia system on both SE and XSE grades includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, six speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, USB media port, USB charge port, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM with a 3-month All Access trial. The XSE grade 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, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Dynamic Navigation, Dynamic Points of Interest Search, and Destination Assist Connect.
Corolla Nightshade Edition Returns
For those seeking a different kind of bold style, the Toyota Corolla Nightshade Edition returns for 2021 on the SE grade. This edition features blacked-out styling elements, including 18-inch alloy wheels, black bumpers, grille surround, mirror caps, side rockers, door handles, rear spoiler, shark fin antenna, and exterior badges. Available in Super White, Classic Silver Metallic, or Black Sand Pearl, the Nightshade Edition offers a unique and aggressive aesthetic. Like the SE grade, it is powered by the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force Engine and offers the choice of the Dynamic Shift CVT or 6-speed iMT.
Advanced Safety as Standard
All 2021 Corolla models, including the Apex Edition, come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a suite of driver-assist technologies. TSS 2.0 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.
Apex Edition Pricing and Availability
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition delivers a compelling combination of sporty styling and enhanced performance at an accessible price point. The Corolla Apex SE with CVT starts at an MSRP of $25,070. The Corolla Apex SE with the 6-speed manual transmission has an MSRP of $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, allowing buyers to further customize their Corolla Apex Edition to their preferences.
For more comprehensive information about the 2021 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Corolla Hybrid, please visit the official Toyota pressroom.
