Toyota Corolla.
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The Toyota Corolla has been one of the most popular cars in the world for many years. The current, 12th generation, came out back in March 2018. That means a new one is due out pretty soon.
In the US, sedans are not as popular as they used to be, and sales of the current Corolla aren’t as high as previous generations. With stratospheric numbers like 387,000 in 2006 or 378,000 in 2016. However, the current Toyota Corolla is still very popular over here with over 232,000 units sold in the US last year. Not bad for a car that came out in 2018. Even if that is about 10,000 units shy of the newer Honda Civic.
Besides an all-new exterior design and interior, the main event could be the all-new 1.5-liter engine. Which will probably be used on all trims. A base version is rumored to produce around 130 HP. While a turbocharged version could produce up to 180HP.
The new engine will also be used in the improved Hybrid powertrain as well. And with an all-new PHEV version. The new 1.5 engine is about 10% smaller than the engine it will replace and will be more fuel efficient as well as more powerful.
The new 1.5 Turbo was also shown at a press conference last year, and it was mentioned to be 20% smaller than the current 2.5-liter. Which could mean it will soon replace the much larger 2.5-liter used in many Toyota models. A 2.0 2.0-liter turbo was also displayed and compared to the current 2.4-liter turbo.
These are weird comparisons since, of course, a 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engine would obviously be smaller and more efficient than today’s larger 2.5-liter or 2.4-liter engines. It seems Toyota really wants to make sure people know they are still developing new ICE engines, even if these will mostly be used in new Hybrid powertrains. These new engines will also be used in various Mazda and Subaru models. Again, as part of Hybrid powertrains.
With a new PHEV trim available, it will be interesting to see if Toyota will go “full hybrid” with the next-generation Corolla in the US. Just like they did with the Camry.
The illustration above shows what a new Corolal sedan could look like. One that would be influenced by the curent Prius. Which is stil one Toyota’s best designs in years.
The Prius (and this Corolla mock-up) look great, but they suffer from the same problem of a lot of sedans – terrible headroom. But I noticed something. This angle makes the Prius/Corolla look a lot like the cab-forward 2012-2015 Honda Civic – and that had great headroom, front and back. If Honda or Toyota did THAT and moved the front pillar forward, kept the roof height higher, and smoothed it more styling wise, it could be a really great car. I owned one of those Civics and it was maligned more than necessary. It was bulletproof, and got better with small changes to update it. If Corollas (or the next Civic) form was like that, I’d buy one.
Great looking vehicle, however expect something more conservative as that render would be too radical for the average Corolla buyer.
I purchased a 2025 Corolla Hatchback XSE model in late January. I have enjoyed driving it. It has a surprising amount of zip than I had expected. It definitely lacks in leg room as my son is 6’3″ and had difficulty comfortably riding in the front seat. The back seat would be fine for small children but a no-go for any adult in an extended ride. I owned a 1979 Corolla wagon in the early 90s (drove it to high school) and would love to find another one of those haha. Overall pleased with handling, feature and of course gas milage is outstanding.
Response to comment from “John”: “Great looking vehicle, however expect something more conservative as that render would be too radical for the average Corolla buyer.” But the same thing was said about the all-new styling of the Prius – and it is clearly a major hit with buyers.
Toyota uses the same platform generation after generation, making their cars a lot cheaper. They didn’t have to start from zero. Other makes have at least stretched their wheel bases to give them more passenger room in the front and back. That’s the biggest deficiency of the Corolla. They can have legacy engines and cheap interior materials, but they can’t compete on space.
Why ANYBODY buys any of this ugly Turd-ota crap
Boggles the mind.
But isn’t that the Toyota Prius?
Driving the Corolla since 2015 in Ireland
As a taxi driver 546,000kms two gearbox two clutch’s
All other usually oil filters air filters,
Corolla 2019 hybrid 440,000 head gasket replacement
Oil change and filters every 15,000 kms
Still driving no problems switched to private car after taxi
2022 Corolla hybrid 110,000 no problems