The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan already boasts a striking design and engaging driving experience, but for those seeking an extra dose of sportiness and visual flair, the Toyota Corolla Apex trim emerges as a compelling option. Building upon the inherent strengths of the Corolla, the Apex edition amplifies its athletic appeal and dynamic capabilities, creating a sedan that truly stands out from the crowd.
From its assertive stance to its meticulously crafted details, the Corolla sedan exudes a sense of robust confidence. The design team aimed for a “shooting robust” aesthetic, resulting in powerful fender flares and curved surfaces that accentuate its sculpted core. This design philosophy ensures the Corolla maintains its practicality while injecting a dose of excitement into the everyday sedan. The wide front and rear tracks contribute to dynamic performance, while the bold front fascia, particularly on SE and XSE grades, featuring a body-color chin spoiler and aero stabilizing fins, emphasizes its planted stance. Sleek J-shaped Bi-Beam LED headlamps provide a distinctive stare, further enhanced on sporty SE and XSE trims with triple J-shaped clearance lamps and LED turn signals. For enhanced visibility, the available Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) optimizes the beam direction during turns.
The rear of the Corolla sedan mirrors the front’s sophisticated lighting design with narrow combination lamps that wrap around the fenders. LED technology is standard across all models, with sporty grades sporting smoked outer lenses for a distinctive touch. Toyota offers a vibrant palette of colors to complement the Corolla’s striking sheet metal, including iridescent options like Celestite and Blueprint, alongside classic choices like Windchill Pearl and Ruby Flare Pearl. Duo-tone options, pairing colors with a Black Sand Pearl roof, further personalize the Corolla’s appearance.
Apex Edition Wheels and Handling Enhancements
While the original article doesn’t explicitly detail the “Toyota Corolla Apex”, it’s crucial to highlight the enhancements that set the Apex apart. Although the standard SE and XSE grades already feature attractive 18-inch wheels, the Toyota Corolla Apex typically receives unique, model-specific wheels and potentially further suspension tuning for even sharper handling. This focus on driving dynamics is a core element of the Apex philosophy.
Inside, the Corolla sedan aims for “sensuous minimalism,” blending sporty elegance with Corolla’s renowned comfort and durability. The instrument panel’s clean design creates an open feel, while an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen (7-inch on L grade) serves as the command center for vehicle functions, audio, and navigation. The cockpit is designed to be driver-centric yet spacious for all occupants, with optimized visibility thanks to the instrument panel, cowl, and beltline positioning. Premium materials, including high-gloss and matte finishes, silver accents, and available contrast stitching, elevate the cabin’s ambience. Ambient lighting, available on select trims, adds a touch of sophistication to the front door trim and console area.
The Corolla sedan’s digital instrument cluster features a standard 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID), with an available 7-inch upgrade. This customizable display provides essential vehicle information, including audio, navigation, fuel efficiency, safety system status, and more. From a driving perspective, the Corolla offers a revised seating position, lowering the hip point and shifting it rearward for enhanced comfort and a lower center of gravity. The front seats on SE and XSE grades boast a sporty design inspired by competition bucket seats, providing enhanced support. Seating materials range from standard cloth to SofTex in higher grades, with new interior color schemes offering personalized style.
Despite its sleek styling, the Corolla sedan prioritizes passenger space, maintaining ample headroom and legroom in the rear. Noise reduction is also a key focus, with extensive sound-absorbing materials and a rigid TNGA structure minimizing powertrain and road noise for a tranquil cabin experience. The redesigned air conditioning system is more efficient and effective, featuring a twin-layer recirculation/fresh air induction unit for optimized climate control in varying conditions.
The Corolla sedan keeps drivers connected with its multimedia system, featuring an available 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a suite of connected services. Higher trims offer Audio Plus with SiriusXM Radio and Remote Connect, while Premium Audio elevates the experience with a JBL 9-speaker, 800-watt system for audiophile-grade sound. Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Destination Assist Connect, and Dynamic Navigation are among the available connected features, enhancing convenience and peace of mind.
Under the hood, the Corolla sedan offers a choice of engines. L, LE, and XLE grades utilize a 1.8-liter engine, while SE and XSE grades benefit from a more powerful 2.0-liter Dynamic Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine. This engine prioritizes both performance and fuel efficiency, incorporating technologies like high compression, D4-S fuel injection, and intelligent variable valve timing. The Dynamic Force engine delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft of torque, offering a spirited driving experience.
The Corolla sedan offers a choice of transmissions, including a Dynamic-Shift CVT and a 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission). The CVT combines fuel efficiency with a more direct driving feel thanks to a physical first gear for launch acceleration. The iMT provides a rewarding manual driving experience with downshift rev-matching control and improved shift feel.
Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture-C platform (TNGA-C), the Corolla sedan boasts a high-strength chassis that contributes to both efficiency and dynamic performance. The TNGA-C platform, along with high-tensile-strength steel and advanced structural adhesives, results in a rigid body structure with enhanced torsional rigidity, contributing to improved handling and ride comfort. The multi-link rear suspension, a significant upgrade from the previous torsion beam setup, enhances both ride comfort and agility. The MacPherson strut front suspension is also refined for smoother travel and improved steering feel.
Apex Edition: Sport-Tuned and Visually Distinct
The Toyota Corolla Apex edition, while not explicitly detailed in the original article focusing on the general 2022 Corolla sedan, is designed to amplify the sporty characteristics already present in the SE and XSE trims. It typically includes unique styling cues, such as a black and bronze body kit, bronze-accented wheels, and potentially a rear spoiler. More importantly, the Apex edition often features a sport-tuned suspension, which could include stiffer springs, retuned shocks, and stabilizer bars, aiming for even sharper handling and reduced body roll. While ride comfort might be slightly firmer compared to other Corolla trims, the focus shifts towards enhanced driving engagement.
All 2022 Corolla sedan grades offer improved fuel efficiency compared to previous generations. The Corolla Hybrid stands out as an exceptionally fuel-efficient option within Toyota’s lineup. Safety is paramount in the Corolla, with eight standard airbags, Toyota’s Star Safety System, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard across all models. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 encompasses Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steer Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). Blind Spot Monitor and Brake Hold are also available, further enhancing safety and convenience.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan, especially in Toyota Corolla Apex guise, offers a compelling blend of style, performance, safety, and value. While the standard Corolla sedan already provides a solid foundation, the Apex edition elevates the sporty appeal and driving dynamics, creating a sedan that caters to enthusiasts seeking a more engaging and visually distinctive driving experience within the Corolla family.
