2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2020 Corolla: Why This New One is Safer (with Video)

See why adding one key feature makes 2021 Corolla safer. Also learn about other key updates for 2021.

Toyota Corolla is the best-selling car of all time. That says a lot, especially since many competitors have been built to challenge this Toyota mainstay for many decades.

In other words, there are many choices for consumers. People just keep choosing Corolla more than others.
Time to learn about key updates for the 2021 Toyota Corolla model year.

2021 Corolla safety

Do not expect a complete redesign or a body style refresh for 2021. This is because Toyota Corolla was just redesigned for its 12th-generation model for 2020. No need to overhaul.

The first upgrade is one you and your family will hopefully never have to find out about. Toyota has increased the number of on-board airbags from 8 to 10. This was accomplished by adding rear seat-mounted side airbags.

VIDEO: Compare 2021 Corolla vs 2020 Corolla in my video review.

Now 2021 Corolla airbags include driver and front passenger, driver knee, front passenger seat cushion, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side, and outboard rear passenger airbags. Yes, that makes 10 in all.

Peace of mind for you and your family.

Another important addition I wrote about previously is rear cross-traffic alert, which is now included with blind spot monitor. This safety feature is used in conjunction with your backup camera, and it alerts you when other vehicles are approaching from behind and from either side. You can get visual and audio warnings when this occurs.

2021 Corolla Android Auto

If you are in the market for a new 2021 Toyota Corolla and own an Android cell phone, you may be excited about the addition of Android Auto. This will allow you to easily operate navigation, music, phone call, and texting functions while driving.

Minimizing distractions while adding technology and entertainment is the name of the game here.

I would not plan, though, on Toyota offering a retrofit upgrade for those people wanting Android Auto for their 2020 Corolla. This was done only one time previously with Apple CarPlay and 2018 Camry and Sienna owners. I have been told to not expect this again.

Time for your thoughts on 2021 Corolla

Toyota has also added an automatic engine shut-off to all 2021 Corollas. This system automatically shuts off your engine if your Corolla is left running.

Plan for a small bump in price between 2020 Corolla and 2021 Corolla.

The factory MSRP for a 2020 Corolla LE is $20,050 while 2021 is $20,275. The 2020 Corolla SE starts at $22,050 and 2021 Corolla SE begins at $22,275.

What do you think of these 2021 Corolla upgrades? Are you in the market for a new sedan and would these improvements be useful to you?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I talk about RAV4 Prime and what states will get one.

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