2022 Toyota Corolla SE Apex: Fun Without Fast

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Apex is a lot more fun than you might think.

It has sporty handling, thanks to upgraded tires and a retuned suspension.

But it's still got its econobox engine keeping things efficient.

That naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder gets a louder exhaust, and more importantly, an available manual transmission.

Sporty Dunlop summer tires do a lot to make the Corolla Apex fun on a canyon road.

We also love the more aggressive, but not over-the-top styling touches.

The interior is all Corolla, which means it's well-built, comfy and generally a nice place to be.

That available manual transmission comes with intelligent auto rev-matching, something not usually seen on cheaper cars.

The Corolla Apex still feels like a car that can take hundreds of thousands of miles of punishment.

The interior feels hard-wearing but not cheap, which can be a tough balance to strike.