Aug 27, 2020
Silver 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition on Gray Background vs Green 2020 Toyota Corolla on a City Street

Differences Between the 2021 Toyota Corolla and 2020 Toyota Corolla 

A perennial bestseller in the compact car class, the Toyota Corolla provides drivers with a brilliant combination of excitement, style, technology and affordability that is tough to beat. Mesa-area drivers who have their hearts set on the Toyota Corolla may have a decision to make with the debut of the 2021 Toyota Corolla. Fans of the Toyota Corolla want to know – what are the differences between the 2021 Toyota Corolla and 2020 Toyota Corolla? We are here to answer your questions at Earnhardt Toyota. 


READ MORE: What Are the 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition Performance Specs? 


2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2020 Toyota Corolla: Trim Levels and Prices 

Available in Corolla Sedan, Corolla Hybrid and Corolla Hatchback variants, the Toyota Corolla can be tailored to fit your lifestyle. New 2021 Toyota Corolla models are available in six standard grades – L, LE, SE, SE Nightshade Edition, XLE and XSE – and will add the performance-tuned Corolla Apex Edition to the lineup. The 2021 Toyota Corolla features a base price of $19,825 – making it an affordable compact car option for many drivers.  

2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2020 Toyota Corolla: Engine Options and Features 

Fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is available with a pair of standard gas engines – a 139-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (L, LE and XLE trim levels) and a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (SE, SE Nightshade Edition, XSE and Apex Edition) – that are paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission or Dynamic-Shift CVT respectively. Sport-tuned Corolla SE, SE Nightshade, XSE and Apex Edition models are available with a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission. Base Toyota Corolla L trim levels will make 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Corolla Apex Editions upgrade performance with an arsenal of performance-tuned features. 

Corolla Apex Edition Features 

  • Lightweight 18-Inch Cast Aluminum Wheels 
  • Electronic Power Steering 
  • 3.5-Inch Stainless Steel Exhaust Tip 
  • Aerodynamic Black and Bronze Body Kit 
  • Black Rear Spoiler 
  • Sport-Tuned Exhaust System 
  • Performance-Tuned Suspension System 
Close Up of 2021 Toyota Corolla Apex Edition Grille and Headlights

When it comes to safety and innovation, the Toyota Corolla will check all the boxes. To upgrade entertainment, the 2021 Toyota Corolla will add standard Android Auto smartphone integration to the Toyota Entune™ 3.0 touchscreen infotainment system that provides access to Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and Wi-Fi Connect. Award-winning safety is a trademark of the Toyota Corolla nameplate and a standard suite of Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0 features will take safety to the next level.  


READ MORE: Available 2020 Toyota Corolla Interior and Exterior Color Options 


What are the differences between the 2021 Toyota Corolla and 2020 Toyota Corolla? Find the answers to your Toyota Corolla questions with this quick comparison created by Earnhardt Toyota. Explore the Earnhardt Toyota online inventory today to find a Toyota car, truck or SUV that is the perfect fit for you and your family!