2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was a standout in its class, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, which featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, enhancing its appeal. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition further exaggerated these design elements. For those seeking a more understated look, the L, LE, or XLE trims offered a more traditional appearance. The Corolla Hybrid provided an economical option with the same powertrain as the Prius, offering better fuel efficiency at a slightly lower cost.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Corolla continued the trend of bold styling with scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, though it couldn't match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. The SE and XSE trims featured an aggressive front fascia, while the Nightshade Edition added blacked-out trim. The Apex Edition, with its subtle body kit and model-specific wheels, aimed to capture a street-racer vibe. Despite these efforts, the Corolla's design was more about making a statement than achieving a harmonious look. The interior, while simple and functional, was less imaginative, with piano black plastic trim that was prone to dust and smudges.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode, offering a more engaging driving experience. The SE trim also offered a six-speed manual gearbox with downshift rev-matching, providing a more traditional driving feel. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering, vented front brakes, and a multi-link rear suspension. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and a fun driving experience, with fuel efficiency rated at 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE models, and a 2.0-litre engine with 169 horsepower for the SE and XSE models. The Apex Edition featured the same engine with a sport exhaust system. The manual transmission was a good fit for the SE Apex Edition, which also had a model-specific suspension for improved handling. However, the Apex Edition's ride quality was stiffer, and it lacked significant performance upgrades. The Corolla's handling was nimble, but the engine's power was limited, making it less exciting than some competitors. The Apex Edition was fun in corners but not a true performance model.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat. These features provided added comfort and a commanding driving position, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla sedan's trunk provided 371 litres of cargo space, with no interior handle to close the trunk lid.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla had similar headroom and legroom to the Honda Civic, with a low beltline for better visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard affected forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla's trunk offered 371 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat as standard. The interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin centre console and shallow cupholders.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured an impressive infotainment package, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The SE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect and Safety Connect. Remote Connect offered features like remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

In 2022, the Corolla's infotainment system began to show its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XSE and XLE trims featured a nine-speaker JBL audio system. While the interface was easy to use, the graphics looked dated, and the Corolla lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Corolla also didn't offer advanced tech features like a digital key.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The addition of rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert enhanced safety. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though new ratings were pending due to the added airbags.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests but lower ratings for headlights. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. The Corolla featured eight airbags and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also available.