2022 Toyota Corolla XSE Apex Edition In-Depth Mechanical Review

[@garthhowe297]

I always appreciate a fair review, of a modest car. We can't all afford Hellcats.

[@OddlyHuman]

@@TonyCrispruby the average person can't afford a hellcat tf u on about lol

[@microminiskirt]

@@OddlyHuman The HC cannot get the power to the ground for traction. You are better off with a regular aspirated Challenger with the 6.4 engine 392 with 275 tires or the wide body model with 305's that will keep the car planted from fishtailing or spinning out and crashing. These lower regular aspirated Challengers are better bang for the buck and much more street friendly with usable power than a supercharged Challenger HC.

[@tonygutierrez3534]

Apex is way better than a hellcat in my opinion

[@Andriig75]

@@tonygutierrez3534 why the f would I ever want a Chrysler POS anyway.

[@daltontabor6041]

​@@Andriig75thankyou!

[@niklaswejedal463]

Driving slow cars fast is what I do every day! The roads back home are tight, twisty and super fun, even with my little 100 hp Renault. When a car can be fun at 70 or even just 60 km/h you know you got the right one ;)

[@oliverrojas3185]

Thanks for researching the origin of the Apex name. It's great to know we can trace it back to an earlier vehicle. The under body is so impressive, in terms of build quality. The photo shots of the Apex's underbody are sensational. The image of the high quality rear muffler is so impressive. Thanks for going over the exhaust pipe and brake dimensions while reviewing the suspension. On my first try I found it harder to change rear McPherson struts versus the front. Glad to know the rear shocks are separated from the springs. Thanks for mentioning it's both direct and port injected. Toyota clearly has an intent to protect its reputation for building durable quality engines.

[@ev4657]

You mesmerized me with this video. First time seeing your channel and I’ve also been “mesmerized” by Corollas for sooooo so long! Thank you.

[@JebHoge]

Always love when an F-bomb sneaks past the squeak.

[@evanharris5088]

I’m having a bad day. Thank you for making me smile.😊

[@mikeklein4949]

Thank you for having sponsors to assure your continuing ridiculously long work hours filled with the finest entertainment and education.

[@mgzanini]

Lady, you are my favorite auto review individual. I appreciate your knowledge and style.

[@dallen3390]

I was always an American Muscle enthusiast, still holding on to an sn95 mustang, but last year bought my first Toyota, and I will never look back! I'm hooked on your channel and love the fact that you review Honda and Toyota! Keep them coming, you have the best channel for gearheads Sarah, so thoroughly thought out, you're awesome!

[@microminiskirt]

Same exact situation happened to me after doing a factory order in 1987 and waited one year to take delivery on a 1988 Mustang GT with 5.0 engine, 5 spd. Manual transmission with 3.08 rearend. I had this car for 31+ years and got 280,000+ miles out of it.😁✊️👍

[@NebukedNezzer]

I bought a new 2000 toyota echo. weight 2085 lbs with 109hp it has and still is fun to drive. coming up on 200k miles. runs like new.

[@kmysamaXX]

I subscribed so quickly to your channel, I love your energy and how funny you're when explaining the real stuff. I'm glad youtube recommended your videos. Oh and it's the first time that I see someone take a look at the bottom of the car, no other channels (that I know of at least) do this.

[@voltd393]

I got this along with my 2023 hellcat . The Corolla is slow but it is still somehow fun to drive 😂. It’s like having an overpowered character and just having fun with a low level character on an alternate gaming account .

[@jeanpaullavieille5806]

Lol a dodge 😅 junk later no resale

[@jeanpaullavieille5806]

Sexy

[@cnorton1us]

I totally get how a relatively slow car can still be lots of fun to drive, especially when it has character and decent handling. As for the engine seeming a little muted compared to the manual one you drove before, I think it's just the more direct connection between the engine and the wheels. I experienced the opposite when buying my Subaru Crosstrek. Between the pandemic and supply issues, I could only test drive a CVT version. Once I got my 6-speed one, I noticed the engine is a bit louder, but not in a bad way. Especially with that boxer thrum, it actually sounds a little sporty; and it even drives a little that way despite only 152 hp. As for the weight, it's probably a combination of all those steel parts in the suspension instead of aluminum along with all the safety & tech. Plus some chassis bracing and maybe a strong unibody structure. Still, 30+ mpg no matter how you hammer on it isn't bad, considering it's not a hybrid or a small displacement turbo. And it'll probably last until there are no more gasoline powered cars.

[@elactionwilly2135]

I ain’t never going to electric cars 🤢

[@thomasj.kappjr.929]

I love the little rev limiter action lol love your channel you have a awesome personality and sense of humor. stay beautiful

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Guten Tag Sarah: It's nice to see you have so much fun braking & accelerating. :)

[@shawncarlile2610]

Awesome review, Sarah. I totally get what mean about a car that makes you smile. Smiles per gallon are way more important than miles per gallon. The TLC reference was wonderful too. 😍

[@AmericanSirenProductions]

I have a ‘21 hatchback CVT and I’m always tossing it into corners, I go on spirited drives with my friends and I’ve got no problems keeping up. I enjoy it every day, and 43 mpg.

[@foxtrot685]

I can appreciate that toyota is trying to stay away from turbos and develop thermally efficient engines instead as a sustainable approach to better fuel economy and power. I do feel this was a missed opportunity to pair the 2.5L engine from the Camry/Rav4 to a 6 speed manual for some added power. As it sits, when the GR Corolla is launched, there is no in between vehicle. So Impreza, WRX, STi, (formerly) Golf, GTI, Golf R, Civic, Si, Type R; it’ll just be Corolla, GR Corolla. Otherwise, Toyota did something right with the Apex, negative reviews be damned. Can’t ever find any for sale and the 120 or so manual versions came and went.

[@cyrenecai]

I agree with you on the 2.5L engine; that extra 30hp would go a long way to improve this (and the hatchback version). It wouldn't even lower fuel economy that much with the CVT. It may be a case where the engine wouldn't fit?

[@pmacc169]

Agreed, From a Scion TC owner. That 2.5L 2ARFE is a lovely engine, but doesn't get best fuel mileage. Now that I think about it.... that 2.5l is shoe horned into the TC very cramped engine bay, probably won't fit the corolla platform

[@robertsantiago3102]

I just bought a 2022 Corolla SE 6MT and bought all the Apex accessories for less then 2 grand. Just to give you something to think about.

[@microminiskirt]

TURBOS = MORE MAINTENANCE🤔 AND COST?🤑 WHEN TURBO NEEDS REPLACEMENT?🤔

[@jasonanderson7020]

@@robertsantiago3102 what did the tires and rims cost?

[@509brown]

Thank you for a great, interesting and fun to watch review! Of all the 'Tubers reviewing various things, your reviews are head and shoulders above the others. I believe your comments and never feel that I'm being talked down to.

[@Evillt1]

You putting the car in the air and going over the components is absolutely perfect! Your reviews are incredible! Keep up the great work 👍

[@Primus54]

Nice TLC reference! I really like this car. Well-dressed and not boring exterior, and I like the horizontal stripes on the seats a lot. It would be interesting to know what you would do to add a little performance improvement. Thank you to the hardest working KZbinr… two videos in two days! 👍👍👍

[@justinwilliams6225]

I've owned the 6spd version of this car since April 2021, and had the same question. I finally took a chance on a chip tune (stage 1, recommends just an aftermarket drop-in filter) and I'm pretty happy with it. My current tune advertises up to 186 hp & 170 lbf, optimized for 89+. I've yet to dyno the car, but a bluetooth obdII paired with an app gives me approximations of torque and power; the estimates exceed stock numbers and are close to the tuned numbers. Look up AMT Tuning. I do not recommend "pops and bangs" tunes - they seem really obnoxious. This car shines on winding roads when in stock form, and is pretty much what I hoped it would be - a nimble everyday driver. Eventually I'll replace the exhaust (headers and all) and possibly the intake to take advantage of a more aggressive tune, and make it a little more suitable for open track days.

[@believeinyourself4457]

10:30 Character, totally get that, I used to have a car with much character, that did inspire engagement in hoonery often, and with inexpensive winter tires that were the most forgiving tires ever experienced, it did inspire feelings of royalty driving it once they were installed, allowing full access to all the available dynamics at a much more superfluous taxation-safe speed.

[@ziggyinc]

I own a 2017 LE Corolla with a 6-speed manual, and it is fun to drive.

[@wtfx5757]

Your comments about the CVT are exactly what I was wanting to hear...the ability to balance the pedal to avoid the fake shifts...that sounds like something i can get behind

[@lawnmowerdude]

This channel is worth it’s weight in gold just for the undercarriage content alone. So many times I’m looking at new cars and wanted to see the components underneath.

[@alyssapipe6840]

Missed a beep on the beans segment

[@cmsweitzer1]

Up, up! Thanks for putting a thumbnail up for this. Subbed, but no notification for this vid!

[@jeremyanthony9300]

I've had three corollas, and I love this one for sure.

[@billwilson4859]

Another entertaining, fun and informative review, thank you. Love your energy. It's great that you are genuine and honest about the car. Also, love your appreciation of the simple old-school nature of the car.

[@mobilcams]

Wish you could review the Honda Insight

[@AruaBakayaro]

I thought about one of these but i chose a 2019 Veloster N instead and there has been no regrets.

[@jffrocks]

"I like driving slow cars". I get it. it's fun to drive a car with just enough power that you can use all of it. It's even more fun with a stick shift. Very powerful cars are so quick that you can't use all of it except on a track.

[@dirkwilken8664]

The exhaust looks like a small trumpet. Great review!

[@CMazzone84]

The first time I've heard Sarah curse without bleeping it out and nothing has made me happier for some reason haha. Maybe no bleeps in the Give it The Beans channel?

[@lexisnep525]

You've gotta try to equalize the volume of your audio and effects. The sound effects are a lot louder than your voice in the car, so it's kind of startling to hear the loud noises in contrast. Great video! Love it.

[@mercedeslab]

Sarah, I think your workaholicism saves me from online boredom as you are one of the most active cartubers I like, thanks for that.

[@hannibalhamlin4375]

Another great review, as always! Thank you for all your hard work, and clearly having fun doing it! Still an inspiration to women mechanics everywhere 😁

[@johnmbell4642]

Hey Sarah, great review can’t wait for the GR either glad to see the refinement on the CVT Gotta love Toyota although the 6 speed is the way to go. Noticed an F bomb sliped through is give it the beans A little bit more footloose and fancy free or did you run out of squeaks🙂🐧🐧🐧👍

[@chrislee3414]

I used to rent these for long distance trips, the very base model though, not the XSE, and loved them, so much that I was considering buying one last year and, if I'm not mistaken, the Apex package was just a cosmetic package so you could get basically the same XSE -Apex package for $25k/$26k neighborhood.

[@toddfeltman3748]

We bought the 2020 XSE Hatch with a manual transmission in Nov 2019, when dealers had inventory, and got out all done at $25K total. It's a fun, "zippy" little car that we hope will last forever. It averages about 30.5 mpg overall, so the CVT helps with mileage, but not perhaps with performance so much. Were I still a teen, or in my 20's, I'd prefer the performance over the reliability and durability (ironically, when I could've least afforded to fix it). Now that I'm older, I prefer the fact that these things are built to last forever.

[@microminiskirt]

GET A 6 SPD. MANUAL FOR PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY OVER CVT. NO CVT FOR ME. CONVENTIONAL AUTO IS FINE BUT NOT AVAILABLE ON COROLLA. CAN GO FOR CAMRY WITH CONVENTIONAL AUTO BUT IT'S A BIGGER CAR.

[@mendeltomas]

Thanks for the Food Science call-out in this video! Us Food Scientists greatly appreciate that!

[@microminiskirt]

FACTORY STOCK I DON'T DO MODS AND AM NOT A MECHANIC. HOW DOES THIS OLD SCHOOL SIMPLE COROLLA IN HATCHBACK WITH 6 SPD MANUAL COMPARE TO CIVIC SI 6 SPD. MANUAL IN HATCHBACK OR PERHAPS CIVIC SI ONLY COMES IN SEDAN BODY?🤔 WHICH CAR WILL LAST LONGER WITHOUT PROBLEMS? COROLLA WILL STILL OUTLAST HONDA CIVIC 1.5 TURBO ?🤔

[@aurelius9319]

Agree the XSE Apex gets into Civic Si territory. But, the SE Apex has cloth seats and gets in under $26k. I think there's a place for a "four door Miata" that gets 35mpg and doesn't break down.

[@panagiotisfytrakis2904]

Love your videos Sarah!

[@twntyfor24]

Sarah: Great technical review Me: Are you going to talk about those seats?

[@RealOGMudbone]

I have this same exact car and I absolutely love it

[@barrylinkiewich9688]

The weight comes from the tech and safety, everyone wants their gizmos and doo-dads and all that stuff adds up fast. Looks like a nice little car, with another 60-100hp it could be great.

[@Keith_White]

I giggle whenever Sarah says caulk.

[@HenryMusic255]

The best review I've seen of this car. I have the Nightshade trim. Subscribed

[@TheFARM2019]

I feel your reviews should be on motor trend… they are a lot better than whats already on there

[@garyworokevich2524]

I'd give Motor Trend a pass, and just watch Sarah's reviews.

[@mitochondrial_medicine]

I love the format of your video. First time with you and already a big fan!

[@paulbritton4733]

loving these reviews. 👍psst, you missed an f-bomb

[@Gbus85302]

I purchased the SE Nightshade version for $24,000 with same 2.0 engine. Fun to drive & still manage 38hwy

[@JayLepisto]

Driving a slow car fast! With a few exceptions, I've been doing that for decades. Highlights of this review are- "backseat dance" at 13:20 and "sleight of hand" at 15:07. Keep those revs high and send it , Bean Girl!

[@HS-hi2gc]

Sarah I'd would love for you to give my 2015 Honda Civic si sedan the beans test, you would definitely be impressed with my nice set up.

[@gordo1271]

I have the 2021 SE Apex n i love it same color n everthing just that i have the SE Apex love this car

[@garattyfisher]

Haven't seen it in it's entirety, but wanted to be first to comment. 🤷‍♂️. I love your videos Sarah!

[@larrydavidson3402]

Great review Sarah. I did spot the pemguin!!!

[@mostcom]

15:06 Magic. I'm committed for the long haul.

[@JayLepisto]

That's funny. I said the same thing but called it sleight of hand. What attribute caused the .1 demerit of score?

[@jasonchaney5382]

Always love your reviews. Thorough and entertaining, and you talk about the things that really matter. I appreciate that. But what I really want to comment on is that wireless mic when you're in the car. The audio engineer in me can't not say something. I don't think that mic is as omni directional as RODE claims. You sound totally off axis. That's probably mostly caused by the noisy environment, but being over your shoulder and pointed away from you isn't helping. Proximity is the best way to combat the noise. Try it on the seatbelt over your left boob, pointed up. With that furry windscreen I doubt that any noise your hair might make will be audible over the background noise. If it is, move it down a little. And don't worry about how it looks. We all know what it is and why it's there. Or get the lav mic that connects to that transmitter. Keep up the awesome work. Love both your channels.

[@edpenny8460]

You made me laugh Sarah ..... Well done🙃

[@alanbradford3130]

I think what you are paying extra for is the extra set of injectors and the physical 1st gear. Most other cars in this category, don't have those things. This car will last a long time, and not cost much to run or maintain. No replacing the CVT at 150K or periodically having to clean the intake ports. That is why this car is worth $28K.

[@aviatorliu]

All the info anybody would need. Perfect review.

[@garyganser2451]

Excellent job! I like the details, like how the cvt has a real gear for starting out.

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

Driving fast, slowly. The sweet spot in the range is the 2.0 engine with the 6-speed manual without the moonroof.

[@bigkeg9173]

Motive Video in Australia have boosted their GR Yaris to 500 hp. Imagine that in this Corolla 😊

[@craigkomulainen9361]

Thanks for another great and very informative review. Plus I love Tucson and the AZ desert so I always look forward to the scenery on your drives!

[@ranulfoarias9839]

Can I buy it with manual transmission

[@Akecherfd8424]

Love the color. Toyota lists it as cement. Other car companies call this color different names. No matter what they call it, it’s a beautiful color.

[@jrssae]

I really appreciate these reviews

[@zabnorg]

I have a bugeye NA, and also know the joys of driving slow cars fast. I have a Scion iQ that's downright hilarious to drive fast...

[@Scahla]

What happened to the Bolster test on your main channel? haven't seen it in the Frontier review.

[@Tetsujin-28]

Love the shop, miss the Abandoned Warehouse.

[@osifielDoperAtive]

Corolla Apex is really clean. The cement color is very elegant. Funny review! 👍

[@jasonpowell4847]

Sarah your great. And spectacular when your happy. Have you thought about a draggy. There around 150 and so super accurate for time slip info like you get at the drag strip. Fyi your channels are the best!

[@mostcom]

Do you own one? I'm so close to ordering one. A rep at ECS tuning told me I should get an OBD2 11, but while doing research I was drawn to the draggy

[@jasonpowell4847]

@@mostcom I use my co-workers. It's spot on. Only .01 off palm beach international raceway time slips.

[@mostcom]

@@jasonpowell4847 thanks I hope to use it to monitor performance before and after addition of mods

[@roymurray6374]

Happy Friday Eve Sarah!!! Yay!! 2 days of Sarah car reviews in a row!! I'm all about driving slow cars fast(Crown Vic), it's the little things, well in the Crown Vic's case, little big things.😁 Soo much fun! Stay excellent!!😎

[@Yormsane]

Corolla SE hatchback, for the win. Lighter, stealthier, cheaper, more practical-er, same drivetrain and fun factor.

[@verynick]

Couldn’t agree more! Love my snow hatch!

[@antoniopitts1862]

Great review . Getting this car soon

[@lostunder12]

Love the review, I agree that the car has character, I bought the apex se and I love it. I agree with the CVT shifting response and behavior. You really feel that quick shifting response in manual mode, sport mode keeps the rpm in the golden range. Feels very engaging when driving on twisty roads, highway pulls feels like a standard 4 cyl power and yes it is a momentum car. The suspension feels hard, I can feel every imperfection on the road especially on slower speeds. Compared to my 55k Z34 the ride quality is a little forgiving on slower speeds. I like that independent rear suspension design. I just love the body design and the small accents with those bronze trim and the two tone interior color. The apex does sit a little lower than the lower trims and that's what caught my eye with the car. Gonna have to get used to the added driver safety features, steering moves when drifting away from your lane. I was hoping for a 6spd but my Z34 gives me what I need and I get the itch.

[@yeaabigog7697]

What kind of speakers does this have or can you upgrade on purchase? Rockford fosgate or Bose? Or just basic?

[@donaldmcnew7333]

When you do your brake test what speed are you doing when you hit the brakes .

[@marlowstewart9398]

I really like the looks of that car!

[@jtmix5545]

it’s an xse apex trim; the hood insulation muffles the sounds. the undercarriage panels also adds weight. the apex SE would be slightly lighter sans all of that.

[@matthammond14]

My son. "Dad". Me. "Yes son". My son "I love Sarah n beans". Me " Me too little buddy, Me too". 🤣

[@pasiutrial]

It would be nice if you can focus on audio and apply just a tad of amplitude compression. Some parts of the video are loud af, the others very quiet.

[@microminiskirt]

Sounds like the CVT transmission doesn't want to "GO"...If you drive a CVT transmission equipped Corolla like for fun won't it destroy the CVT transmission in no time? Isn't the Corolla better off with the longer lasting more durable tried and true 6 spd. manual transmission which has a longer history on the Corolla? Did you find the CVT had better acceleration than the 6 spd. manual XSE Corolla you drove prior to this?🤔 The mark ups prices are way above $28,000+ for a Corolla in fact that's about the price my local stealership wants on the Corolla SE hatchback with CVT transmission with no blindspot warning system. I would rather have the 6 spd. manual and at the invoice to MSRP price. Not $5,000 mark up on the SE Corolla with a CVT transmission I don't want.

[@eduardr4536]

The gr will come just for the hatch? Right? Not sedan? 😞

[@DK-wr6mq]

Hi Sarah, From what I just read online, the Civic SI and this car, both with a manual, have a 0-60 time of 7.1 sec.

[@GiveItTheBeans]

The 11th Gen Si felt considerably quicker. I disagree with the posted times. You can do the math on the Si, it weighs roughly 150lbs less and is rated 31hp & 41lb/ft of torque more than the Apex XSE.

[@DK-wr6mq]

@@GiveItTheBeans From Motor Trend: 2022 Corolla. Motivation from the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I-4's 168 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque help scoot the little 'Yota from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, with our best results obtained by dumping the clutch at 3,000 rpm. Love your humourous ways of discussing interesting stuff!

[@AleksWorkshop]

Now thats a quality video. Would just be so much more enjoyable for me to watch if i knew more about cars lol

[@irregulargorilla8217]

Whoa, Aleks? Who knew I could find a reloading master at such depths?

[@lubbahubba]

Hola Sarah!!

[@brianfrederick9799]

I have one with a manual. It’s a fun car to take out on twisty backroads. I couldn’t find a new Si without dealerships jacking up the price a few thousand dollars more.

[@GiveItTheBeans]

I would love to see one of these blacktop 3S-GE BEAMS swapped!

[@ronaldlagasse2787]

Sarah it would be interesting to see your take in a review of a 2022 Kia Forte GT 2

[@gaylordgelle748]

Great Job Sarah!

[@wrx248]

At 6:36 Sarah forgot to Squeak fucking angry. I love it. Never a fan of CVT. Ever.

[@inctru]

The major plus for the TNGA SE/XSE Corolla is the direct+port injection GDI engine design. I wish more automakers had the foresight to design their GDI engines in that manner, so that carbon-sludge deposits doesn't become a problem that has to be $$professionally$$ addressed at certain intervals. Other than that, My 2020 TNGA Corolla SE didn't suit me for a variety of reason & recently traded it in with only 9000 miles on it. Luckily it was worth just as much in this crazy used car trade market as what it cost brand new in late 2019.

[@alvinsimba734]

There must be reasons why you traded it. Can you let us know the reasons for trade?

[@crossknight29field24]

And driving my awesome 2002 Ford f150 four-wheel drive the other day when it was five below zero and brake caliper for brake line broke right side front had just enough break clear to the floor to get me stopped, yeah brakes got to have them!

[@mikefennema5561]

Old school? Electric driven water pump, direct/port fuel, VVTE, variable flow oil pump. So many things to brake down. And it has a CVT.

[@alvinsimba734]

Of all cars.. I drive the current gen corolla but mine its an LE, yes there are some electrical parts but not as excessive as they have that old school about then.. corolla will still be cheaper to maintain compared to competition and if driven rights you won't replace parts for a very long time.

[@timbrown9731]

So this is the Apex edition and Toya decided to go with those Version of the Michelin’s how much money did they save on that🧐 I mean they could’ve spent another 20 bucks per tire and stepped it up to the Michelin pilot all season 4????

[@erikpetrie637]

Since this Corolla was a top of the line Apex, I would have liked to see Brembo's as an option. Maybe a 6 speed manual and a spoiler

[@mystiqblackcat]

I'd like to see you have a go at the Kia Forte GT, preferably the 6-speed. I got a '21 model a few months ago and I'm still loving it. *edit* I looked at the Corolla Apex when I was car shopping a few months ago, I liked the styling a lot but I wanted a little more power and I couldn't find any to go and test drive anyway.

[@mauricebarry8858]

Id love to see this!