Toyota Is Preparing A Refresh Of Its Best-selling Corolla
- 24.09.2026, 9:11
The automaker's most popular model will be built on a new platform.
Japanese automaker Toyota is preparing a major update to its affordable compact sedan, the Corolla, by 2028.
The automaker’s most popular model will be built on a new platform that supports traditional gasoline and hybrid powertrains, as well as new PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and EV (electric vehicle) versions, reports Car and Driver.
According to preliminary reports, the exterior of the new Corolla will be based on the concept car unveiled by the company in late 2025 and will go into production with almost no changes.
The sedan’s interior is expected to be much more modern than the current model’s: a more spacious layout, larger screens, and a simplified control system are anticipated.
The sedan version will be the first to hit the market, although the sloping roofline (fastback-style) may conceal a liftgate.
This could render a separate hatchback unnecessary, especially given the growing popularity of the Corolla Cross subcompact crossover.
Platform
The next-generation Corolla will be based on a new platform that accommodates a variety of powertrains. Although it is expected to be a significantly upgraded version of the TNGA-C architecture (which underpins the current Corolla), the new platform will be capable of supporting any powertrain option, from traditional gasoline engines to fully electric powertrains.
The 1.5-liter engine is compatible with a turbocharger. It is possible that this engine will be used in the gasoline-powered Corolla. Alternatively, a revised version of the current 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine may be offered for the gasoline model.
For the first time, the hybrid Corolla will be joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a higher-capacity battery and a longer electric range, although few details about this model are available at this time.
In addition, Toyota plans to release a fully electric version of the Corolla.
Auto industry analysts do not rule out the possibility that the Corolla will once again feature a sporty variant with the GR designation, equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing up to 395 l.s., although there is still little concrete information about this version.
Expected Release Date and Price
The next-generation Corolla will likely debut in 2027 (as a 2028 model). Experts do not expect a significant price increase. Currently, the gasoline version starts at around $25,000, while the hybrid version starts at around $27,000. Prices for the PHEV and EV versions are expected to be around $30,000.