Toyota’s Next-Gen Corolla Could Arrive In 2026 With A Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
- The Toyota Corolla will reportedly enter a new generation in 2026, with a PHEV option.
- Under the hood, we expect to find a new 1.5-liter engine in different states of electrification.
The Tesla Model Y is expected to be the best-selling car in the world in 2024, but historic nameplates such as the VW Golf and the Toyota Corolla remain quite popular in various markets. Toyota is already working on the 13th-generation Corolla which is expected to arrive in 2026 with a PHEV powertrain option.
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While we have yet to see prototypes of the upcoming Toyota Corolla testing on public roads, digital artist Theophilus Chin created a couple of renderings depicting the compact sedan. The illustrations are based on the current generation, adding modern styling cues and surfacing from the Toyota Crown Sport.
More: Toyota Officially Confirms Celica’s Return
The new Corolla could adopt Toyota’s signature hammerhead-style face with elongated headlights, a slimmer grille, and sporty bumper intakes. At the back, the sedan is envisioned with Crown-sourced full-width taillight clusters and a sculpted tailgate. While the renderings have conventional door handles, Toyota designers might opt for a more aerodynamic solution inspired by the C-HR.
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This is not the first time Theottle has created renderings of the next-gen Corolla, with his previous version from 2023 adopting a more premium style. In any case, the interior of the compact model will most likely gain a fresh digital cockpit with a larger infotainment display and more connectivity features. It is also safe to assume that Toyota will equip the Corolla with the latest ADAS, likely fitted as standard.
Illustrations: Theottle
The new Corolla is expected to ride on an evolution of the current model’s TNGA-C architecture, which is shared with the C-HR, the Corolla Cross, and the Prius. The most important upgrade is expected to be the adoption of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which will be a first for the Corolla.
ICE, HEV, and PHEV Options
Best Car Web suggests that Toyota’s upcoming 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine will produce around 128 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) in naturally aspirated form and up to 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) in its turbocharged version. Besides the PHEV, the same engine will likely be part of a new self-charging hybrid setup (HEV), likely joined by two electric motors.
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More: Toyota Thinks Its Upcoming Turbo Four Could Outshine The Legendary 2JZ
At the moment it is not clear if the next-gen Corolla will be fitted with Toyota’s upcoming 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain. This mill is heavily rumored to be used in the new Celica delivering up to 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS), which sounds like a great contestant for a new GR Corolla.
When Will It Arrive?
The current 12th-generation Toyota Corolla has been around since 2018 and received a mild facelift in 2022. The sedan has a different design depending on the market, with the US-spec Corolla featuring a sportier nose similar to the hatchback.
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Toyota remains tight-lipped on the debut of the next-gen Corolla, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the global model would arrive sometime in 2026. The reveal of the new RAV4 later this year could be an indication of what to expect from future Toyota models.
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