Which Toyota Corolla Model Is Right for Me?

Which Toyota Corolla Model Is Right for Me?

Toyota makes the 2021 Corolla sedan in five trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. The L, LE, and XLE come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). SE and XSE trims have a 2.0-liter inline-four engine and a choice of the CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. The Corolla hatchback comes with the larger engine and offers both transmission options. The hatchback is only available in SE and XSE trims.

There’s also a Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which we review separately.

The base L trim has plenty of tech and safety features, but you may want to upgrade to the LE for more comfort add-ons or to the SE to get the stronger engine.

Toyota Corolla L

The entry-level Toyota Corolla L has an MSRP of $19,825. Standard equipment includes a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hot spot, two USB ports, Bluetooth, cloth seats, and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assistance features. TSS 2.0 includes a pre-collision warning and braking system, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane trace assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights.

There are no notable packages or options with this trim.

Toyota Corolla LE

The LE has a base price of $20,275. It comes with an 8-inch touch screen, a third USB port, automatic climate control, and remote keyless entry. The LE Convenience package costs $1,150 and adds blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, and alloy wheels. The Premium package includes all of that plus a moonroof for $2,000.

Toyota Corolla SE

The Corolla SE sedan retails for $22,275, while the hatchback starts at $20,465. This trim comes with the larger engine and gains front sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and alloy wheels. You can add the manual transmission for $700.

The Premium package remains available, though it costs $1,500 in the SE. You could get the Premium package with Toyota’s telematics system for $2,265 or with telematics and a nine-speaker JBL stereo for $2,865. The SE also has a Nightshade Edition that features unique styling elements.

Toyota Corolla XLE

The Toyota Corolla XLE (MSRP: $24,225) reverts to the 1.8-liter engine but gains several features, including SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, a 7-inch digital driver display, HD Radio, and a moonroof.

The Connectivity package ($1,715) comes with a navigation system, the JBL stereo with nine speakers, and qi-compatible wireless device charging. For $2,165, you could get those plus adaptive headlights.

Toyota Corolla XSE

With a starting MSRP of $23,415 for the Corolla hatchback and $25,725 for the sedan, the top-of-the-line XSE features the more powerful engine but otherwise comes with most of the same features and options as the XLE trim.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Toyota dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Toyota deals page.