The 2021 Toyota Corolla lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor paint and seat belt issues reported. At $21,850 to $27,750, it’s more than some competitors, but worth the money for the very low maintenance costs as it ages.
Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla a Good Used Corolla?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is an excellent year for the Toyota Corolla since it’s extremely safe with low ownership costs. Owner reviews praise the efficient engine choices, supportive seats, along with the driver assistance features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a small sedan, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space in the trunk is also good.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no mechanical problems reported on the 2021 Corolla. Avoid models from 2009–2010 which have water pump issues, while 2011–2022 are very dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from both of the four-cylinder engines, which focus more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Corolla is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist along with adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 34 MPG, giving 448 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $54 cheaper than average at $167 per month.
- Value 8/10 – Slow depreciation rates paired with reasonable ownership costs make the 2021 Toyota Corolla a great value as it ages.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Corolla?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Toyota Corolla offers handling improvements over previous generations with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Corolla at 4.1/5, enjoying the advanced safety features, but doesn’t like the road noise at highway speeds.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Corolla a 4.2/5, praising the standard entertainment technology, but owners don’t like that it’s not as quick as some competitors.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota Corolla Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Corolla include paint chipping on the hood, seat belt issues, along with some automatic braking system problems. Overall, these are relatively minor compared to other small cars from the same year, leading to lower than average repair costs as a Corolla ages.
Paint chipping on the hood and front bumper is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Corolla owners in the first 10,000 miles. The paint on the Corolla is thinner than some other cars, which can lead to it chipping more easily when hit by stones. Some people choose to touch up the chips for around $100, while others repaint the panels for $1,000.
Seat belt issues, primarily with the tensioner, have also been reported on some 2021 Corolla models at around 5,000 miles. Owners have said that the tensioner is overly sensitive since it’s paired to the driver’s safety systems. There are software updates which reduce the sensitivity of the pretensioners.
Automatic braking system problems are also mentioned on some 2021 Corollas at around 1,500 miles. There are software updates for the safety system which improve its overall reliability and make it more dependable. Most dealers will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Toyota Corolla, which is better than other compact cars on the market. Having no recalls simply means that there have not been any serious safety or reliability issues.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota Corolla Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota Corolla can last over 300,000 miles, which is longer than most other compact cars on the market including the popular Honda Civic. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than other small sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $312 per year.
As a used 2021 Corolla reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition coil for $250, the transmission mount costing $325, along with the EGR valve which costs $400.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent, offering a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful JBL sound system.
Standard safety technology is fantastic since it has Toyota Safety Sense which includes:
- Lane keep assist
- Rearview camera
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane trace assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Adaptive cruise control
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive headlights
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2021 Toyota Corolla a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Corolla is a good value since it’s an extremely reliable compact car with slow depreciation rates. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,850 to $27,750, making it more than a Kia Forte or Nissan Versa. When new, the price range was $20,025 to $28,310. Depreciation is better than other sedans, only losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Corolla?
There are five main models of the 2021 Toyota Corolla offered from the base L all the way through to the sportier and more upscale XSE. All Corolla models come standard with front-wheel drive including the Corolla hatchback and the Corolla sedan.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Power Door Locks
- Cloth Upholstery
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- LED Headlights
LE is a step up, adding:
- Heated Side mirrors
- Automatic Climate Control
- Rear USB Port
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
XLE is next in the lineup with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Upgraded LED Headlights
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Push-Button Start
- Sunroof
- Upgraded Driver Information Display
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
SE offers upgrades including:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Optional Six-Speed Manual Transmission
- Unique Exterior Trim Elements
- Sport Seats
XSE is the flagship model which has:
- Upgraded Suspension
- Lowered Ride Height
- Black and Bronze Exterior Trim
- Summer Performance Tires
What Engines Come In the Toyota Corolla?
- The base engine is an average 1.8L 4-cylinder which makes 139 horsepower while getting up to 33 MPG. It has either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L 4-cylinder, which produces 169 horsepower at up to 34 MPG. It comes standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or an optional six-speed manual on the SE and XSE models. Performance is okay, taking 8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota Corolla Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Corolla?
The 2021 Toyota Corolla offers a comfortable and pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers. Its cabin is designed with high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces, giving it a refined and upscale feel. The seating is supportive and well-cushioned, with ample space for up to five occupants. The front seats provide generous headroom and legroom, while the rear seats offer a decent amount of space for adult passengers, although taller individuals might find it slightly cramped on longer trips.
Ride comfort is also a strong suit for the Corolla, as its suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections and provides a smooth ride in most driving conditions. The cabin remains relatively quiet, thanks to the effective insulation from external noise.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Corolla Have?
The 2021 Toyota Corolla offers a respectable amount of storage space for a compact sedan. The trunk provides 13.1 cubic feet of cargo room, which is ample for daily needs and weekend getaways. This storage capacity allows for the accommodation of several suitcases or grocery bags, making it a practical choice for small families or individuals.
Additionally, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats offer increased flexibility for carrying larger or irregularly shaped items. With the seats folded down, you can easily fit a bicycle, a small piece of furniture, or other bulky items that you might need to transport. Overall, the 2021 Toyota Corolla’s storage space is designed to cater to the diverse needs of its users.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The twelfth generation of the Toyota Corolla was introduced for the 2020 model year.
2015: Standard fold-down rear center armrest on all models above L.
2016: Updated Toyota Entune stereo system along with small exterior changes.
2017: New LED Headlights, upgraded interior materials, rearview camera now standard.
2018: No major changes from earlier years.
2019: No updates.
2020: Fully redesigned for the twelfth generation with new technology, styling, and more comfortable interior.
2021: Android Auto is standard on all models, a new Apex Edition sportier model offered.
How Does the Toyota Corolla Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota Corolla is one of the highest-rated compact cars on the market since it offers outstanding reliability, making it a fantastic choice for shoppers on a budget.
The Honda Civic is a popular competitor which is available in the same price range. Where the Civic stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Toyota Corolla has lower ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Toyota Corolla, although both are extremely good compact cars worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Mazda3 is another small sedan which costs around $3,000 less. Interior materials are better in the Mazda3, while the Toyota Corolla has a higher predicted reliability rating as it ages. We recommend the Toyota Corolla, although both are excellent small sedans and you can’t go wrong with either.
