Toyota Introduces New Trims And Safety Technologies For The 2021 Camry, Corolla And Avalon

• The Avalon gains a Nightshade Edition.

• The Corolla adds an Apex Edition for driving enthusiasts.

• The Camry earns Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ driver-assist technologies.

Cars, as opposed to only SUVs, are alive and well at Toyota. For the 2021 model year, Toyota has spruced up the Corolla, Camry, and Avalon with sportier traits as part of new trims or special editions.

The 2021 Toyota Camry will get updated technology. Included are new floating infotainment displays measuring 7- or 9 inches. Safety-wise, this Camry will be the first to debut Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ which revolves around existing active safety features that have been enhanced. For example, the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection can detect not only the vehicle ahead but also a preceding bicyclist in the daytime and even a preceding pedestrian in low-light conditions.

As for styling, the Camry gets updated front fascias that further distinguishes the luxurious “L” series from the Sporty “S” cars. The cabin will get new interior trim for a more sophisticated look. The XLE will get a textured herringbone seat pattern for an extra dose of luxury.

The new Camry XSE Hybrid will be the sportiest iteration of one of the most efficient midsize sedans in the segment. Along with the visual upgrades, it will also feature paddle shifters that mimic the functionality of a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 2021 Corolla gets numerous upgrades too including Android Auto compatibility, extra airbags in the rear, and a number of safety features such as blind-spot monitoring are more readily available.

The cool Apex Edition, limited to 6,000 units in the US (150 in Canada), will be an option on the Corolla SE and XSE. Of the 6,000, only 120 will be equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission while all the others will get the Dynamic Shift CVT simulated 10-speed Sequential Shiftmatic gears controlled via paddle shifters. The Apex package will include 18-inch wheels, specifically tuned steering, an aerodynamic black body kit complete with bronze accents, front and rear spoilers, fog light covers, side moldings, rear diffuser, and a 3.5-inch stainless steel exhaust tip. It will also offer a unique track-tuned suspension with coil springs that lower the vehicle by 0.6 inches, and solid stabilizer bars. Toyota isn’t kidding.

Finally, the 2021 Avalon, on top of a few upgrades such as USB-c charging ports, Android Auto compatibility, and Connected Services by Toyota, a Nightshade Edition comes to life based on the XSE (US only). The package adds black 19-inch alloy wheels, black window trim and door handles, and a black shark fin antenna, on top of the XSE’s black grille, mirror caps, rear spoiler, and name badges. The Avalon XSE Nightshade is available in conjunction with the Midnight Black Metallic, Wind Chill Pearl, and Celestial Silver Metallic exterior colors.

2021 Toyota Corolla, Camry and Avalon

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