Does the 2021 Corolla come with a manual transmission?
4 Answers
2021 Corolla does come with a manual transmission. Here are the relevant details about the 2021 Corolla: 1. Model: The 2021 Toyota Corolla measures 4635×1780×1455 (1435) mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2700 mm. The side profile of the 2021 model features smooth and natural lines, though the middle and rear sections still bear resemblance to the previous generation, creating a stark contrast with the streamlined front design. Unlike the flat front fascia, the rear of the 2021 Toyota Corolla adopts a high-positioned design, with slim taillights on both sides connected by a chrome trim strip, which also outlines the shape of the light clusters. 2. Interior: The 2021 Toyota Corolla hasn't undergone significant changes to its interior, with the focus being on upgrades to in-car features. The overall interior design retains a strong Japanese car aesthetic, embodying a typical homely style that exudes warmth.
When I bought a car last year, I specifically asked the 4S store salesperson. The 2021 Corolla doesn't offer manual transmission across all trims in the domestic market, only a simulated 10-speed CVT transmission. In fact, manual transmissions were basically phased out after the 2019 model year refresh, and now even the base trim comes with automatic transmission. A friend saw a manual transmission Corolla Touring Sports in Germany, but don't even think about finding one domestically. Nowadays, automakers prefer pushing automatic transmissions since driving manual in city traffic is pure torture. If you're really set on manual, you could check out the Mazda 3 or Civic, but honestly, manual transmission options for new cars are becoming increasingly scarce—even the Focus has dropped its manual version.
As a car mechanic with ten years of experience, all the Corollas I handled in 2021 came with CVT transmissions—I didn’t even see a manual gear lever. The older Corolla models did have MT versions, but the new lineup has completely phased them out. Honestly, discontinuing manual transmissions makes sense—nowadays, young drivers directly opt for C2 licenses, and manufacturers would just lose money producing manual cars. If you really want a manual, you’ll have to look into the used car market or consider smaller models like the Fit. But truth be told, automatic transmissions are now highly refined—the Corolla’s CVT is smooth and fuel-efficient, so there’s no need to insist on a manual.
According to Toyota's global website, the 2021 Corolla indeed offered a 6-speed manual transmission option in some European markets, such as the UK where a 1.2T manual version was available. However, in China, both manufacturer specifications and dealer inventories exclusively feature the K311 CVT transmission. This shift was foreshadowed - the manual transmission was only available in the base trim of the 2020 Corolla, and was completely discontinued for the 2021 model year. Currently, only a handful of compact sedans in the 100,000-yuan price range still offer manual transmissions, like the Elantra with its 1.4T manual option. But let's be honest, isn't the Corolla's appeal all about hassle-free ownership? The automatic transmission actually makes it more convenient.
