A series of attapulgite-loaded manganese oxides cordierite monolithic catalysts with different KMnO4/Mn(NO3)2 molar ratios (3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 for KMnO4/Mn(NO3)2, respectively) were prepared by a hydrothermal-ball mill impregnation method. According to the analysis of the characterization findings, the main active species of the catalyst was Mn4+ species. By incorporating acid-treated attapulgite (HATP) and adjusting the molar ratio of KMnO4/Mn(NO3)2, the content of Mn4+ and surface-adsorbed oxygen species on the catalyst surface increased, subsequently enhancing catalytic activity at low temperatures. Experimental results revealed that the Mn/HATP/cordierite catalyst with a KMnO4 to Mn(NO3)2 molar ratio of 3:1, Mn loading amount of 30 wt%, and active coating deposition of 250 g/L exhibited the highest catalytic activity, achieving a 90 % conversion of toluene at 298 °C (T90 = 298 °C, GHSV = 10000 h−1). These findings will provide valuable support for the design of highly efficient monolithic catalysts for toluene removal.