2021 Toyota Corolla SE 6-Speed MANUAL Review: Save the Manuals, or Stick with CVT?

[@gustavocajiao593]

It doesn't have to be a sports car, a manual is more fun than a CVT or those stupid paddles.

[@TheBeaver50]

I just bought this same car today . 2022 Corolla SE celestine ext/ black int. 6 speed manual

[@troot1967]

Congratulations on your purchase. I also plan on buying an SE corolla in the Celestite gray but with the black sand roof. The only downside is it will take about 4 months to receive as the car is built in Japan.

[@danieloshea3326]

Lucky. I don't even own a car anymore. I love toyota.

[@TheBeaver50]

@@danieloshea3326 We live in the country out here in the Appalachian mountains most people around here drive big muddy trucks and stuff we have to have automobiles or it’s a long walk to the store LOL

[@TheBeaver50]

@@rj9617 I did I called every Toyota dealer in North Carolina and to get the color I wanted it was gonna be months and months of a wait I did not want white I did not want silver I wanted the new metallic gray I wanted a six speed 2.0 and I wanted it built in Japan not in Missouri with upgrades and so I had to go in and order it and lucky it come in early

[@troot1967]

@@rj9617 ........I built my corolla online but no dealer will order it for me. Ive been told that Toyota has cut back quite a bit on production due to the computer chip shortage. I'm going to give the Corporate office of Toyota a call to find out if this is true. I hope to order my 6 speed manual before toyota decides to discontinue them due to low request for manual transmissions. Please let me know if you have any luck with placing an order with your local dealership.

[@troot1967]

I bought a 2022 SE Corolla 6 speed manual and love it. Its fun to drive (thanks to the manual) and gets great gas mileage. Unfortunately Toyota has discontinued the manual for the 2023 SE Corolla.

[@greekmobster]

I bought the ‘22 apex w/6 speed. Good times.

[@SupaStah01]

Lucky fella 👍

[@marklintwo]

A good manual transmission plus Toyota long-term reliability!

[@sotosdjiovanis1282]

I love that when you were going into the "save the manuals" bit...I own two stick shifts...a Toyota Previa passed you, which is also a very cool car.

[@OutMotorsports]

Someone noticed!! There wasn't enough footage to show it better than I did, but it was actually a RHD van, so... technically an Estima?

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

I enjoyed your review. I love manual transmission's. I'm part of the problem though. I have never bought a new car from a dealership. I have always bought low mileage used vehicles.

[@isnowyazn]

More and more newer cars aren’t appealing and aren’t exactly driver oriented, unless you’re buying wallet/bank-breaking brand new sports/exotic cars. For a random example, you don’t absolutely have to only spend $80k+ on a 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat manual, when you could spend ~$40-50k on a similar but older 2015-2016 model year manual Hellcat Challenger. That’s not to account in the pricing mark-up and also from finding that particular car in a manual transmission option alone.

[@isnowyazn]

@John Doe That could be said about any car. It really depends on the miles and what goes on when you test drive it. I usually try to go WOT and bang through a few gears to really test the car. After all, I’m not always buying a grandma car for daily driving all the time. I want a beefy car that suits my spirited driving conditions, especially when I want/need to. You can very easily tell from a test drive and inspecting the car while it’s running, if the clutch is slipping, if the gear synchronizer rings are worn, or if there’s other issues (hydraulic issues with the clutch master/slave cylinder, etc.)..

[@isnowyazn]

@John Doe With any transmission type, it depends on how it was driven, but you will most definitely be able to tell from simple stopped tests, or with a simple aggressive test drive under some load. Most automatic transmissions allow for user input, such as manually downshifting/upshifting, etc; and thus, you can wear and tear a TON, depending on the kind of car you’re driving. For the dual clutch AT’s, people can prematurely wear the clutches in those, by creeping too much in traffic, etc. It is definitely possible to destroy an AT, but mostly if the design is flawed from the engineering itself already. As for a manual transmission, you can absolutely tell if someone has been abusing it. Just shifting the gear shifter in place with the car stopped and the engine on, you will absolutely be able to feel any potential resistance, grinding, etc. that occurs within the gear synchronizer rings. As for the clutch, you can do the same stopped test and see how much the clutch slips/catches, and what points the clutch pedal engages/disengages at. You can also do a hard drive test, but in an automatic, you’d have the similar symptoms if the clutches/clutch packs were damaged and started slipping too. Clutch slip/damage includes flaring revs in between gear shifts, from the slipping clutch(es). And of course, in an AT with a dipstick, you can physically inspect the automatic transmission fluid and immediately tell what most of the condition of the trans is in… You can do this on an MT, but it usually requires more work because of draining the fluid and then inspecting it. Since replacing MTF isn’t nearly as “destructive” as replacing ATF in worn transmissions, it’s also easier to remedy some more minor issues in a manual gearbox, versus a whole automatic assembly. It is nearly impossible to damage an AT’s gearbox unless you do “neutral drops”, or have maintenance issues such as running low trans fluid..

[@venelinkeremedchiev9643]

We have two 6sp.manual transmission Corollas european versions in the family and they are extremely reliable. If you enjoy driving like that you will not regret choosing this configuration plus it will make your car feel much faster while accelerating (and probably will be). And better sounding too. I dont know if US manual gets what we get here as a basic with manual toyotas - i forgot the name of the assistant but it basically holds the car for good 2-3 seconds even when stopped uphill which makes iy very easy even for young driver to drive without rolling back and give much more confidence on the road for people who dont usually drive manuals

[@KP8Ball]

I currently drive a 2013 Corolla CE 5-speed, but I'm considering the purchase of the 2021/22 Corolla SE Upgrade 6M, as tested in this review. I prefer the grey interior color to black, but unfortunately in Canada we only have one color choice...black! I'm a bit disappointed to hear that the noise level inside the cabin is high when the engine is being pushed...wish I could get away from this issue, but my Corolla is much the same. Finally, the SE with the manual transmission is very difficult to find on dealer lots, at least in Canada, so taking one for a test drive (before placing an order for one) is next to impossible, which is why video reviews like this are really helpful. Thanks.

[@OutMotorsports]

Glad it was helpful! Sorry you can only get the black interior, gray really brightens up the cabin a lot. The noise level inside is just kinda what you get with a car like the Corolla - it's not about luxury so there's less sound deadening material between the engine and the passengers. But definitely a nice upgrade from a 2013 and the extra gear should help with highway fuel economy, too.

[@KP8Ball]

@@OutMotorsports In Canada, to get the moonroof I have to purchase the SE Upgrade package, which includes a wheel upgrade to P225/40R18. I've never had low profile tires before, so I'm not sure whether it will mean a rougher ride over potholes, manhole covers, railroad tracks, etc. Can you comment on this, as it looks like your test vehicle has the same tire/rim setup?

[@OutMotorsports]

@@KP8Ball Yes, same tire size on our test car. From our memory, it wasn't a bad ride and pretty well-damped for the type of car it is. Keep an eye out for huge potholes, as you would with anything that wasn't a truck/SUV tire with a huge sidewall, and you'll be fine.

[@jackdog238yeah8]

I got one as my dealer had to hunt one down and I had to settle with what was avbl.

[@california3173]

Umh..it reminds me when I was 16 and had my first Car Acura Integra Manual. I had fun driving a stick shift all over San Francisco and the whole Bay Area. Now I have 2011 SportRAV4 V6 4 wheel drive with 17,00 miles in it and this is my 1st Vehicle that is Automatic I am looking for a Toyota Manual small car that it's fun to drive.

[@dreab1706]

I got my rare 2020 corolla se 6spd in blue crush and love it fun to drive and looks awesome

[@jodys4028]

Why is that rare? The color? I have a silver.

[@MrTrashcan1]

I just bought that color! It wasn't that car--it was an Elantra GT N line--but kudos to Toyota for doing such a beautiful color.

[@SupaStah01]

Really? I'm not such a big fan of the kobalt blue. However, I'm glad you found a car you love. Congratulations!

[@coachgomes]

Is the manual transmissions better than the CVT transmission..?? What is the car's top speed in a Corolla with a manual transmission vs a Corolla with a CVT transmission.?? Which transmission will give me more speed and control..??

[@TheBeaver50]

The SE MANUAL also gets a moonroof . The automatic doesn’t offer moonroof standard

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Toyota encouraging people to buy manuals. That's good

[@bbfreak101]

Well I did my part and bought this exact spec car down to the color brand new. So naturally Toyota repaid me for helping to save the manuals by not offering the manual in the 2023 Corollas (non gr)

[@hifive7366]

Save the manuals!

[@ALMX5DP]

This or a Mazda 3 would be my choice for small fun daily driver. Great review!

[@OutMotorsports]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@ramonlepana4360]

2022 civic?

[@ALMX5DP]

@@ramonlepana4360 definitely like the initial glimpse we’ve got of it. Only time will tell how it stacks up, so looking forward to a review here.

[@TheBeaver50]

@@ramonlepana4360 they ugly tbh. 2022 civics do not have the “cool” factor. What was Honda thinking? I mean the inside is nice but look at the outside , the shape of the car is boring and looks bloated

[@billplaschka9279]

2022 Honda Civic LX Hatch manual in Canada is almost the same price as the Corolla SE upgrade…I like the new Civic hatchbacks.

[@terrificspokesman7416]

The manual is the best. Though if you don't want a manual than the CVT is pretty good because Toyota has added a mechanical first gear. But the 6 speed is still better.

[@mihaipredescu]

maybe the 8AT is even better :)

[@SupaStah01]

I want a 2021 Carolla manual so bad. Been searching for 6 months. I can't believe how hard the search has been..looks like I may have to settle on a 2021 mazda3 turbo

[@SupaStah01]

Update I'm not a fan of the CVT transmissions and that's 100% the reason I want a manual. I have a 2020 Rav4 w the CVT. During the times you don't need to come to a complete stop, the jerk the CVT provides is so annoying. However, the Toyota CVT is so much better than Nissans CVT. They are absolutely horrible

[@terrificspokesman7416]

@@SupaStah01 I thought the Rav4 had the 8 speed auto

[@terrificspokesman7416]

There is also the manual only GR Corolla coming out for North America.

[@sunset3052]

Please save the manuals

[@terrybake]

Take a look at the lack of rubber on those sidewalls!

[@johnbanket7000]

FWD? AWD?

[@OutMotorsports]

All Corollas are FWD.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

In Canada, you can buy the SE sedan 6MT with heated seats; SE upgrade adds a heated wheel.

[@braetonwilson4296]

In Canada, even the base LE trim comes with heated seats.

[@jackdog238yeah8]

Yep i got one

[@dexteww]

THATS HOW YOU BREAK IN A NEW VEHICLE👍

[@loveclubfilms1634]

Is driving manual difficult?

[@OutMotorsports]

Not particularly! Getting started from a stop is the hardest part, and you can get "decent" at it just from practicing in a parking lot for half an hour or so. Cars like this Corolla are pretty easy, they basically won't let you stall and have a really light clutch and shifter that aren't too hard to operate. You'll get smoother at shifting and more comfortable overall by just driving in traffic.

[@loveclubfilms1634]

@@OutMotorsports thank you! I appreciate the response

[@MrTrashcan1]

Today's Asian cars have the best shifters and easiest clutches. Ironically, now is the best time to learn to drive manual. Of course, what'll happen is that you'll fall in love with it and then they'll discontinue them altogether--at least that's my luck.

[@trentmerrell686]

As someone who has this car. The clutch is long as fuck.

[@braetonwilson4296]

Corolla's CVT has a physical first gear which allows it to capture low-end torque (unlike other CVTs) and makes it fun to drive. I would choose the CVT over the manual.

[@MacTechG4]

The CVT still destroys all driving enjoyment and should be avoided, it’s a “solution” looking for a problem, the manual is far superior.

[@braetonwilson4296]

@@MacTechG4 I disagree. Corolla with the CVT is a hoot to drive and CVT also means the driving experience is very smooth. Not to mention, superior fuel economy.

[@MacTechG4]

@@braetonwilson4296 but you have no way of interacting with the car like with a manual, feathering power delivery with the clutch, moving the gear selector, being able to start off in second gear in low grip environments like snow, skip shifting during spirited driving…. The manual makes you an integral part of the experience, automatics ISOLATE you from the full driving experience.

[@braetonwilson4296]

@@MacTechG4 I've never driven a manual so I'm blissfully ignorant to what I'm missing. Sounds too complicated and cumbersome, automatic makes driving so much easier.

[@MacTechG4]

@@braetonwilson4296 I’ve driven them all, manual, planetary torque converter automatic (the ‘normal’ automatic, DCT/DSG (Dual clutch automatic) CVT (unfortunately) and E-CVT (also unfortunately as it means I was driving a Prius :vomit:), and I choose manual, for me, it’s just better. And to give you an idea of the difference in maintenance expenses… My previous daily with a DSG required a transmission fluid change every 40k at $450 every time My last manual (‘07 VW Rabbit Mk5) got 140k off the STOCK CLUTCH and never needed a fluid change as manuals generally do t need a fluid change unless it gets contaminated, total transmission cost over 7 years? $0.00! Face it, manuals are just better, cheaper, more robust and more FUN! But then again, I admit I’m biased… ;) If I had the Infinity Gauntlet though, I’d “Dust” 100% of CVTs out of existence, I loathe them that much.

[@randabuffer6562]

150tq on a 3500lb car!? 🙁 come on man!! (In Biden’s voice)

[@OutMotorsports]

It's 3,055 lbs

[@randabuffer6562]

@@OutMotorsports ahhh ok, I can deal with that then, definitely looking for the hatch back in the near future.