The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE is a rare Bargain - TWO TAKES

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The Toyota Corolla has built its reputation on affordability, reliability, and practicality. Introduced in 1966, by 1974 it was the best-selling car worldwide. This 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE is part of the 12th generation of Corolla, and it hopes to uphold the family tradition. The formula is all there, and Toyota even made a few improvements since the model debuted in 2018. If you're looking at the GTI, Civic, Mazda 3, or Elantra, you should check out this video.
#Corolla #Toyota #cars
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
1:26 Does the manual make it fun?
3:00 Driving impressions
10:15 Who is it for?
11:30 Conclusion
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[@TerribleUsernameAmirite]

The more I’m into cars, the more I respect the Corolla. Common sense can be a breath of fresh air at times.

[@mitchellsteindler]

This is the progression we all go through ❤

[@MrFoof82]

You buy a Corolla so you can save money for the 2nd car you actually want, and keep it as a daily to only use the 2nd car for fun.

[@kristians2704]

I think there are many cars in the segment that are better like the Mazda3 and new Hyundai Elantra

[@Trussme96]

Simplicity and reliability give you the ability to have fun without guilt and maintenance costs hanging over your head.

[@hibutmars1024]

@@kristians2704 an elentra or a mazda3 won't take minimal maintenance and constant abuse for 300k kms... a Corolla, although not perfect, will most likely last 300k km with only oil changes and the occasional repair (maybe a starter, battery, etc.) while simultaneously taking a 40min commute every day. u can get a 3 or an elantra to 300k km easily, but it requires the owner have the brain and effort to do plenty of preventative maintenance and religiously follow the manufacture's maintenance log... a Corolla is just common sense really if u dont care about sporty feeling or gimmicks here and there.

[@ydmf2]

"Buy it for your kid". Wish I lived in that demographic

[@Big.W.]

Just get them the hot wheels version

[@andrewnorris5415]

An African enters the room. "Buy your kid a car?", "wow"? (Any car)

[@hurkamur1]

Right, I guess "bargain" is a relative term too. That's like 3 cars for me.

[@henrymorse9939]

@@hurkamur1 at least 3 cars

[@jkim8282]

Most dont. It goes to show how disconnected or out of touch people can get once they get to a certain level

[@thekevo1297]

I have one. 21 xse manual hatch. It's a ton of fun. Banging through the gears and reving out the engine makes for a great driving experience. It handles wonderfully too. I love my car.

[@jamesmedina2062]

amazing suspension and frame

[@mnmmercury1094]

What size and brand of tyres does it come with?

[@guenthersteiner8163]

The blue hatchback looks great, I wish more cars came in that colour

[@nashelton9156]

@@mnmmercury1094 i got dunlop sport 225 with mine se and xse get pretty good tires for the longevity of them

[@michaelmarcus509]

Just gone one exactly the same car and my thoughts are the same

[@Suzuki1776]

I cannot believe they make this in a manual in the US. Pretty neat!

[@TheJamesLykins]

I’ve had 4 MT cars, and this one is the smoothest I’ve driven

[@Mwingreen]

@@TheJamesLykins I have heard that the shifts are short and sweet and the acceleration is punchy and passing power is OKAY. Was looking at these but picked up a fiesta ST instead. I wanted the rolla from a reliability standpoint and found it to be an attractive hatch

[@TheJamesLykins]

@@Mwingreen I have no doubt the ST is much more fun. Safety was one of my top concerns and the Corollas scored high that year (2019)

[@CarputingYT]

Congratulations on a million subscribers.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Thanks!

[@raggabach]

Please keep doing reviews with both of you.

[@kellinpatler]

Two take ✅ Chapters ✅ NA, MT, Hatchback (not a supercar!) ✅ Excellent road ✅ Rally instructions ✅

[@ripnsoar]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ArmandoDomingos]

Thanks for adding the video "sections", I often go back to these videos, and it's great to be able to jump right to the part I want to re-watch!

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's a new experiment. We're glad it's already being appreciated and put to use. ZK

[@iantownsend500]

I must admit I’ve been looking forward to this review. Hearing about it on the podcast got me hyped for this car

[@zackklapman3569]

It’s nice to know that people get hyped for good cars, and not just supercars.

[@iantownsend500]

@@zackklapman3569 Completely agree. Toyota is really putting out quality cars at the moment & I hope this sales

[@jvshotta8845]

@@iantownsend500 I hope this sells too. I would love to get this car in a manual.

[@iantownsend500]

@@jvshotta8845 It would make a great daily or one car for everything

[@TheMohawk365]

I'm really enjoying the" two take " format gentlemen. Thank you.

[@marcogallo2811]

Others have said it and I must concur, having the two of you reviewing at the same time is pretty great. Gets you to play off of each others knowledge and questioning each other to give us more info.

[@exparrot9074]

I put 150k miles on an 05 Corolla S manual from high school through college in the North East Snow Belt. Despite adolescent fantasies of being the next Colin McRae, I could not kill that car. A bit bummed there's no manual E-Brake in this new Corolla, but thrilled it's offered in a hatchback.

[@GianniAdduci]

Great video guys thanks for the input.

[@TheMirageowner]

A relative bought an SE hatch with the CVT(with the physical first gear). I was genuinely surprised by the directness of the CVT in that model. I have been thinking about one (a manual) for my commute. Credit goes to Toyota for offering two good transmission options for this car.

[@paulmcdonald9592]

Love the dynamic between you guys. Matt's paid his dues and has arrived. Zack's intent and earnest but very knowledgeable about marketing this vehicle. Good vibe both. Keep it coming!

[@bmxaf]

Great content as always guys. Hope the back is getting better Zack..!! Laters.

[@TheSmokingTire]

It is! Thanks for the good wishes. ZK

[@patricksantos361]

Toyota: "almost unkillable"

[@RamosDominicano]

Nice watches fellas. That Bremont sponsorship is looking good 👍🏾👍🏾

[@S3v3n13tt3r5]

"I wish this was a gr yaris" going through everyone's mind

[@stevethomas760]

YES

[@ti1ion]

If we take the price of the GR Yaris in the UK and convert it to US currency we get a car that costs $41,500 - $46,500 (£29,995 for the base-model, or £33,495 for the uprated Circuit Pack, according to Google). What's the market?

[@spenserthomas3635]

I just bought this exact spec car as a long term daily. Glad that you reassured my decision, it's just a point to point b. I don't want to think about another daily for years now.

[@petegalindez9961]

Great review! I totally loved my first ever car...a 1986 Toyota Corolla 4-dr 5 speed. I beat the CRAP out of that thing and rung out 100% every drive...55mph felt like mach 1! I can see this hatchback is one of those you could drive at 100%, stay relatively close to legal limits, and have a blast!

[@motorhead239]

me and my friends all have one of these... fantastically fun daily driver!

[@davevq]

Wish they stuck the Camry 2.5 in this thing.

[@alechall7082]

Exactly, the idea of the scion tc would have been idealized in xse with that 2.5

[@f181234]

That’s not really a performance engine tbh it’s pretty slow to rev

[@tinuthomas531]

@@f181234 how fast it revs depends on the trans not the engine

[@sharmilanraj]

@@tinuthomas531 Totally depends on the Engine and flywheel. The 2.5 in the manual also revs very slow...

[@tinuthomas531]

@@sharmilanraj oh yeah oops I forgot about that. I wish the Corolla revved higher with VVTL-I like the old Corollas did. That would be a lot of fun

[@reedb6]

Back to back videos of a Bugatti and a Corolla is why i love this channel

[@nyansugoi]

If lightning struck my Fiesta ST, I can't decide if I'd take a base 2.0 MT Corolla or live off of beans in a Veloster N

[@BlueSkyCrystals]

Buy something cheap and wait for the GR Corolla

[@Bucksfan1213]

I have ‘21 XSE and it’s an absolute dream car I love the ride, the manual is a blast to drive, and aesthetically it’s a beautiful car. If you’re paying 25k for one you’re getting ripped off. Look around more I got mine for 21k. Great review all in all and glad you were able to take a look at it.

[@user-sx8qj3ln9m]

I paid 29k and I still love it 😅😅😅 car prices were Fkd last year

[@kgthegreatone943]

I'm waiting on the GR Corolla

[@verdunian595]

I wouldn't hold your breath unfortunately. Toyota refuses to sell us anything fun that they make themselves

[@Big.W.]

@@verdunian595 that’s not true, you have to include Lexus when you talk about Toyota. And there’s nothing wrong with collaborating with another sports car company. It’s like getting the best of both worlds in one car.

[@dtotheatothevtothee]

Move to Europe

[@Loopsrainforest]

@@verdunian595 GR Yaris?

[@JTube571]

@@verdunian595 They have a page on their website where you can sign up for update emails. It's coming. However, I am only interested if it has the GR Yaris drivetrain. If the recent rumors of a Subaru colab on a hatchback ends up getting us a boxer powered Toyobaru, I'm out.

[@CarputingYT]

Neat video, everyone loves a Corolla.

[@JulioTRD]

Good to see a review on these. I've got one and with some Performance and suspension upgrades it can be a real fun car to take corners with.

[@katiecannon8186]

Like what? I’m thinking of getting an XSE for my son.

[@shamil808]

Two Takes! YES!! 🤙

[@torquenation8233]

When are 'u testing the new GT3? Can't wait, that car is amazing

[@mrrevival6565]

Love the new Corolla because it’s made well and like Matt said, feels solid/can’t kill it. MPG is pretty amazing also for non hybrid

[@revnto7k]

I have a 'Rolla hatch as a daily, its been great. Fuel mileage, decent to drive, great drivers seat. No regrets. Thanks for sharing your experience with the car!

[@Deschain-um7jz]

Can confirm. Got a 19’ Hatch XSE with the manual and it’s the perfect daily for my long commute.

[@ryankwan1934]

I love Zack's takes. I was dying at the Newton's First Law of Operation. Oh, and I totally took advantage of that Carl Friedrik code. I've been eyeing a nice passport wallet for some time and the key holders were just gravy.

[@usmcplu]

We have one of these in the family, and have driven it a couple times. What I like, it has a 1990s feel with present day technology. The A-pillar is not bloated, the interior is petite, but functional, and there's not a 3 yard long dashboard/console in front of you. The car feels like a part of your person. If you want a little zing, and spritely backroad driving going into work this is outstanding, reliable, lively, sporty, fuel efficient little chompy. If you are an avid "hot hatch" person, this car isn't for you. I love it because driving slow cars fast, was always more thrilling than driving fast cars fast.

[@joshwertheim]

Dropping a tire into the ditch/dirt?? Kansai driftuuu? In a Corolla?? Deja vu!

[@CoDCharlie1]

I work at a Toyota dealership doing new car inspections. I happened to be listening to a recent episode of the podcast where you guys talked about this a bit and was driving one. It's always a treat when we get one of these in.

[@DouEditz]

You just look at new cars coming in from the truck to see if there was damage? Thats it?

[@CoDCharlie1]

@@DouEditz I strip all the protective plastic that comes on the cars, test drive them, and put the dealer plate and sticker on the back. Some are a bit more involved than others, but that is the gist of it. I also install various accessories.

[@vlogfuji]

I bought a '21 Corolla Hatchback SE 6MT. I was compar Civic 6MT Mazda 3 6MT too and I decided Corolla. It's enough performance and equipment for me. I'm very happy 🙂

[@a7xcarter]

Man I love this car. I have a brz but really love seeing this car and if I suddenly had to get a new car, this would be it Glad you guys reviewed it

[@Findmealife]

rented one of these to drive to daytona from PA and I loved it

[@blueeyedboy7648]

I wanna see what Matt thinks of the electric mini up in those hills

[@xTouragx]

Good Review gents...I just finished test driving both an SE (w/ 16" rims) and the XSE manuals...in the end I could not get comfortable in either car. I'm a large guy (6') and 250lbs'ish....the seats were a bit to narrow for me and I found the shifter position a bit too high..in the end I went with a '21 VW Golf because of the better range of seating positions for the driver although. you are giving up some nice tech compared to the Toyota..thanks for reviewing everyday kind of cars!

[@jonotwist]

It really sounds like a decent econo/utility that checks enough of the boxes under "fun".

[@bossDmaster]

I bought one and I love it! I have the same issues with the clutch though. Great little car.

[@rj9617]

Hello from Florida!

[@WAYTOOCOMPLICATED]

Flogging a dead horse, but two takes FTW, the exchange of opinion is a great addition through this format 👍👍

[@InsaneSupercars]

Just came from watching the McLaren Elva video to this Corolla XSE. Love the variety!

[@cwunchytaco]

Love my 2019 XSE hatchback - it's slow but the manual makes it just fun enough as a reliable commuter. Blue aqua mica is also an amazing colour.

[@Zeros_Garage]

i'm planning on getting one of these, I've got a 2015 mustang gt, i love it, the gas mileage is amazing for the car but my new job won't cut it so i'm planning on getting one it look like a great little car

[@kook4u]

This is the type of car you buy once. Then pass it on for generations because it literally will not die. You’re not buying it for your kid, you’re buying it for your kids kid.

[@MrFindpb]

Hey Matt if you get the chance you should try to review the forte gt, its an extremely underrated competitor to the segment with the gti and civic si

[@zoomjoo]

Do the auto blip and auto hill hold stay off when you turn them off, or do you have to set them off every time you drive the car?

[@growley]

I own this car. You are correct about the lane departure, it is crap and I turned it right off. It is also slow. No denying that. But it's still fun. You have to rev it out a bit because most of the power is above 4000 rpm. But once you're in the power the throttle is very responsive imo. The only thing that turns me off on this car is the fact that it isn't turbo'd. This car in a 2.0l Turbo would truly be a lot of fun.

[@shaggy_e210]

I love my hatch.. 6mt makes the car Just waiting on my new springs to come in

[@jordanweber5220]

bought this car as my daily with zero experience with manual transmissions on march 6th of 2020, very easy car to drive and fully agree with their comments. miss the turbo of the gti i had but the maintenance is far easier and parts are way easier for someone like me who lives in the middle of no where.

[@bpsdetailing8822]

I love my 2003 Matrix XRS with the 2ZZ engine that the lotus came with. The hydraulic steering, manual e brake, as much space as a small suv and LIFT from 6200 to 8300 RPM!

[@mikepawlikguitar]

Dude... it's amazing you mentioned hill hold. MAN! That used to be the bane of my existence in my '14 Mazda 3. Hated that $#!t hahaha. It's cool to see someone else's perspective

[@GrumpierGrunt]

I believe the 21 Corolla adds the option to choose from having a full spare and less cargo space in the hatch or having a can of fix a flat and more cargo space

[@zackklapman3569]

Correct!

[@fabianperez2252]

Let’s be honest though, do you really want a can of fix a flat instead of a spare? Lol

[@clardrives9301]

I’ve driven a six speed Corolla sedan and had the same complaint about the clutch. It felt like it was attached to a string. Other than that, loved it.

[@zman6288]

I've beat on my 2015 Mazda 3 2.0 6 speed manual Since I bought it new and now I have 250000 miles on it No major issues just recently did the clutch And when I took it apart the only thing that was worn out and broken was to throw out bearingI love simple cars you could just race and not worry about

[@colingreen2320]

MK8 Fiesta ST would be so much fun on this road! You need to import some of them Matt, make some great content and then decide on your markup...

[@tylernelson4154]

would love to see you do this with the new 2021 or 2022 mini cooper and cooper S 2 door.

[@NoOne-py5or]

I got a 2020 one the other day love it

[@9847tristan]

Bought a manual corolla hatchback and loved it but it left me wanting a little more sport so I traded it in for a GTI. The Corolla hatchback is an amazing car for what it is and has a lot of tech for the price point

[@RobbieMinor]

How much did you have to pay for a trade?

[@BigBodyRacing]

25k buys a Honda Civic SI manual :/

[@NoBrakes23]

I thought Honda quit making manuals.

[@edman79]

@@NoBrakes23 All SI Civics and type Rd are manual.

[@pthunell]

@@edman79 Civic SI is gone again.

[@edman79]

@@pthunell Great.

[@36ehack]

Daughter bought the 6 speed. Fun driver. Will last forever.

[@benhogervorst]

I really wish I could reserve one of these for when I'm older and can afford it. I just can't imagine that they'll be easy to find in 5-10 years.

[@guenthersteiner8163]

Easier to find than a clean corolla/matrix XRS

[@nathanchildress5596]

It’s a starter enthusiast car, plenty of people will have one, upgrade to something faster and sell it. Happy hunting in the future

[@benhogervorst]

@@nathanchildress5596 Okay, that's fair. I like your logic.

[@teeemo]

that looks like a awesome road, reminds me of a dirt rally road. im looking into getting this car for a daily driver in Chicago its to bad we are flat lands here in the mid west, boooo! o'well seems like a car i'll have a joy driving dodging traffic everyday. thx for this video

[@avarhys6612]

Cant wait for the gr corolla to come out! definitely will be a worthy golf R competitor

[@sirchumpingtons7670]

Is the US getting the new yaris gr? Would love to see these guys test that

[@JTube571]

I feel like prices on cars has gone up significantly recently, even within the last few years. 4 years ago I paid $18,960 for my 6-speed Elantra Sport that had an MSRP around $21k. Granted it's missing a bunch of the fancy safety features aka electronic nannies that some of these newer economy cars are coming standard with, but I don't want them anyway.

[@jvanegas14]

maybe dumb question, but do they make those key-organizer thingies in nylon, or acrylic?

[@ascorbic123]

I have a 2010 Auris, with a 1.6 valvematic 1ZR-FAE I think? There's just no NVH no matter what part of the rev band you're at.

[@beetee7670]

Maybe I like the jingle jangle...

[@Jus_World]

Please review the new Civic Si, I wants to hear what Matt’s impression on the Si

[@mildmanneredthinkingman9323]

Is the GR car the US is getting is a GR Corolla or GR Yaris? Either way, I think this Corolla looks like a great option.

[@MattLT4]

4:33 "hey are we missing a camera?"

[@Hankola]

Use the hill brake technique for the hill hold. You don't need electronic interference.

[@pointsource1]

I drove one today, buying it.

[@Labergemusic]

Looks like a sick way to build a nice track car too. Strip it, cage it and off to the races.

[@TheWestaCovinos]

How's the road/wind noise on the highway

[@fuddrucker74]

Farah will next be appearing in Coming To America II. He already has the apparel for it with the African motif sweatshirt.

[@kavan1773]

These guys posting a Corolla while Mr Regular posts a McLaren. Interesting day today

[@nathanchildress5596]

Lol and the Corolla was driven faster for sure!

[@smeegain3657]

Hyper Car Reviews and The Smoking Regulars

[@TheMxboy199]

Wow that thing is cool maybe if those sell well we’ll get a gr Yaris. One can dream

[@NBPT428]

Decent package for 25k. Not exciting but not nearly as vanilla as some other Corollas through the years.

[@JimJamDaMan]

So glad you made this video. Im on the fence of getting a used 2018 gti or one of these new with a warrantee. Still feel like id hate myself for not getting the gti though

[@sethsimpson8086]

GTI for sure man way more tuneable and just starts with a tier higher of parts. I'd also say fiesta ST for consideration.

[@MrBasstothemax]

Corolla is lame imo, reliable but lame.

[@ervin7178]

Get the GTI, buy the lowest mile GTI you can afford and don’t go crazy turning up the boost it will be reliable. Different league of fun.

[@guenthersteiner8163]

Fiesta ST?

[@sethsimpson8086]

@@guenthersteiner8163 ford fiesta ST. I don't think they where sold everywhere but they where sold in europe and america

[@dawn-moon]

I don't think the 2 Liter is sold here in Central Europe. I did do a test drive to find out Toyota's "new TNGA platform/suspension" , but the body roll and the low resolution LCD were a show stopper for me. I guess you have a more sporty version/suspension compared to us. The body roll was as bad as the CH-R over here. I didn't feel any difference between the 2. I do like the new look of the Corolla and the rest of the interior. They have made a lot of progress in and outside.

[@A_guan]

So compared to civic hatch or mazda3 hatch which is the most engaging car

[@superr4368]

Sweet shirt Matt! 👍👍

[@pascutia]

I’m sure it’ll be reliable, but I recently drove one with the manual and it felt so slow. The gears are long, the steering’s light and numb, and the clutch is super tricky. Drove it back to back with an 18’ Mazda 3 2.0l with a manual and the Mazda felt so much better. I have a 14’ 3 with the automatic and it’s been super reliable. Still a good car, but I’d take a 3 or a Civic over the Corolla any day of the week.

[@thekevo1297]

Also there are conflicting reports about rev hang. The one I have doesn't rev hang unless I have rev matching on. Throttle house recently reviewed the apex model and they reported no rev hang.

[@Ferraridude13]

Damn those are some big ass wheels for a Corolla

[@mikesuarez5231]

I agree they look weird . 17s would probably be much better.

[@Big.W.]

There’s Honda Civics with stock 20s. Maybe in a few years they’ll be 22s

[@elahmadgaming7323]

I have them and they cracked and bent left and right but they look good haha

[@MrValy128]

Ya those wheels are no good unless you like to play pot hole slalom on the road and look like you had a 12pack for lunch.

[@elahmadgaming7323]

@@MrValy128 good thing I bought the tire and wheel protection paid for itself first use!

[@Labergemusic]

I love how a week ago you reviewed a $4 million dollar car in the same way you did with this one

[@MowerModdin]

I work at a Toyota dealer. Surprisingly the Tacomas are the most common to find manual transmissions inside.

[@KhanJoltrane]

Sounds like I still prefer the civic si

[@ttinnovations3310]

test drove it 2 weeks ago, 6 speed, needs 40 more HP or loose more weight, or lower 1st 2nd and 3rd gear , torque is low , for the price its great

[@nathanchildress5596]

The car is light, the safety & UI stuff is what makes it chunky

[@Zharsergey]

Need the corolla GR awd!

[@StoicFighter]

Finally a car I can relate too

[@kingshivam100]

You should mention that it's a manual in the video title :)

[@tedjohnson64]

Very cool car!