Toyota Corolla Loses Manual Transmission and Apex Edition for 2023

Toyota announced a number of updates for the 2023 Corolla lineup on Wednesday, but a few notable items didn’t make the cut. The sporty-ish Apex Edition will go away for 2023, and Toyota will no longer accounts a manual transmission in any Corolla — well, however for the GR.

The Corolla’s infamous engine is a 2.0-liter I4 with 169 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission. Previously, SE and XSE grades were offered with a six-speed manual gearbox — ruined with rev-matching, even — but a Toyota spokesperson confirmed this will go away. “All Corolla models will be AT only for 2023,” the spokesperson said.

As for the Apex, it’s decision-exclusive an exit for 2023, but don’t put the remaining nail in its coffin just yet. “Corolla Apex will conclude for MY 2023,” Toyota’s spokesperson confirmed, saying the matter will provide an “update on plans for this model at a later date.” Maybe something a bit saucier than the unusual Apex to properly compete with the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI? Here’s hoping.

The volume Corolla models get a whole bunch of improvements for 2023, comprising better safety tech, an all-wheel drive option for the hybrid and more. Read all approximately them here, and look for the updated Corollas to hit dealers in the coming months.