2021 Corolla Apex: Reaching The Zenith

Some things are so ubiquitous that we hardly need to talk about them. When was the last time you brought up your microwave in casual conversation? While useful, it’s just a utility, an object that stops occupying your mind as soon as you finish using it. Toyota has been trying to shake this image that has attached itself to their flagship family sedan, the ever-present Corolla, for decades. They tried it with the sporty Corolla Hatchback, which reached Toyota Corolla dealers in 2020, but it failed to light the world on fire.

While it was a smaller, tidy little hot hatch, it wasn’t exactly what the performance crowd was after. This year, Toyota is at it again with the Apex trim level for the Corolla sedan. While some might dismiss it as little more than an appearance package, the truth is that the Apex is a sporty shot across the bow of other compact sedans in its segment. The Apex shows the Corolla is more than an appliance.

What’s in a Name?

The Apex name comes from Toyota’s history, starting with the AE86 Sprinter Trueno variant of the Corolla. This model was introduced in 1984 and lasted until 1987. Most popularly seen in its three-door hatchback form, the car was cheap, light, and powered by a high-revving four-cylinder. With the addition of a slick-shifting manual transmission, the car was made immortal in the manga and anime series known as Initial D.

The AE86 was given an even more performance-oriented version known as the GT-Apex, calling to mind the apex (or highest point) of a turn. The suspension was upgraded, and a higher output four-cylinder engine was offered. This car was a darling of drift culture both on and off the screen, giving rise to a whole new classification of motorsport. This generation of Corolla has gone down in history as a cult classic, so the new Apex edition Corolla has a lot to live up to.

Bodystyle: Lower, Meaner, and Leaner

The Apex Edition Corolla is built on the same body platform as the rest of the regular Corolla line but has been lowered by 0.6 inches. It also rides on flow-formed 18-inch black aluminum wheels that shave off 2.2 pounds of weight per corner and have grippier summer tires available. A black aero body kit gives the once pedestrian sedan a more aggressive appearance, and an available rear spoiler completes the look.

The Corolla and Apex badges are blacked out and work well with each of the four colors on offer for this specific trim level. Also on offer is a black roof panel to contrast with the striking body lines. Copper-colored trim accents some of the aerodynamic pieces, including the side skirts that hug the body closer to the ground. You will also find a new, blacked-out mesh grille insert and aggressive LED lights for both the front and rear. This is sure to make the Apex stand out when parked next to its stablemates at the next car meet.

Drivetrain: More Bark, Same Bite

The Apex will offer the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the regular Corolla, making 169 horsepower. However, the car offers a sport-tuned tuned exhaust that gives the rather mundane powerplant a little more bark. It is also one of the few trims where you can get a six-speed manual transmission as well as the standard CVT.

Unlike options from other manufacturers, the Corolla CVT actually has a physical first gear that makes the car seem noticeably peppier off the line. If you opt for the manual transmission, you will get automatic rev-matching to smooth out downshifts. This feature is great for anyone pushing the car hard or just cruising around town. Neither of these features makes the Corolla Apex “a performance car” but will likely be appreciated nonetheless by the buying public.

Interior Appointments: Second Verse, Same As The First

The interior remains little changed from the basic Corolla. While the colors on offer are a rather striking white over black combination with fine copper-colored stitching over many soft-touch surfaces, it is no different than the interior of the base Corolla SE. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The seats can be had in sturdy, comfortable cloth or comfortable and durable SofTex.

The gauge cluster is simple and easy to read with a large center speedometer and a smaller tachometer off to the left. To the right is a small color screen that can list off MPG, fuel range, and other useful information. The black on red and white color scheme means that the instruments are easy to understand no matter the time of day. The infotainment screen measures eight inches across and is of a “floating” design, rising out of the dashboard.

The gear selector is simple and straightforward, without any complicated buttons or switches dotted around to clutter up the tidy design. The back seat is comfortable and features a fold-down armrest with cupholders, always a welcome addition that keeps the footwells neat and uncluttered. There is also a storage bin located at the back of the center console for the rear passengers. While nothing to write home about, the interior is still a nice place to spend your time.

Safety Built In

The Corolla Apex edition comes standard with a Pre-Collision System with Daytime/Low-Light Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (for the cars with the CVT), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and more. These features have become increasingly common in the past few years and make even an inexperienced driver all the better.

In addition to these, the Apex has solid roll bars, stiffer shocks, new jounce bumpers, and other tweaks to improve handling over the standard Corolla. All of these suspension components are the Apex’s party trick and help it outhandle anything in its class. Reviewers have praised its handling on the twisties and have said that while the brakes remain the same as on the non-performance models, they work admirably to bring the car to a stop.

The Hot One

The Corolla has long been a staple in every market it has existed in. It is the white bread of cars. No matter who you are or where you live, the Corolla is a shared experience for all mankind. A bit like stubbing your toe, but much more pleasant. The Corolla has stayed in much the same lane for its entire run, even if the body and technology have changed. A first-generation and an eleventh-generation Corolla might not share much in common, except what they offer the driver. When you get a Corolla, you get a sturdy, well-built, easy to maintain, and practical vehicle – but with the new Apex, you also get something fun.

While a very different car from the AE86 GT-Apex that spawned its name, the legacy lives on. The new Apex remains all those things a Corolla is known for being, while in addition giving enthusiast drivers an experience they are willing to pay a little more to get. You see, not everyone can afford a Supra, and not everyone can make use of a two-door sports car like the GR86 in their everyday life. Sometimes, a sedan just makes more sense. However, the Corolla Apex edition proves that something great can be built on the back of mundane platforms.