2028 Toyota Celica Could Have Hybrid Power and Standard AWD.

We pretty much know that Toyota is working on a brand new Celica coupe. The car pictured above is a new Toyota Sports car that will be competing in the 2027 World Rally Champiuonship. And it could be a heavily disguised preview of the next Celica.

The latest rumors claim the next Celica could be based on the same platform as the next-generation Toyota Corolla. Which we might see at the Los Angeles Auto show in November. The Celica is also rumored to use a new 2.0 Liter Hybrid engine. While the Corolla will use the new 1.5 Liter. And of course, since this is basically a Front Wheel Drive platform, AWD will be standard on the more powerful Celica. I guess we are not talking about a mid-engine layout anymore. At least on the production version. Which is something we could still see in a new Toyota MR-2. So far, it seems the next Celica will indeed compete against the new Honda Prelude. Although with AWD and more power.

I test drove the Prelude a few months ago, and it actually reminded me of what a new Celica should be. A pretty comfortable yet sporty coupe with a modern, clean design. However, at over $42,000, there is no doubt the new Prelude is overpriced. Especially for what you get. Or rather, what you DON’T get. Like a sunroof or power seats. Toyota could easily do better.

I really think there would be a market for a really nice-looking, practical 2-door Toyota Hybrid. But, unlike the Prelude, it should not start at over $42,000. Although the GR86 starts at just over $32,000 (A steal compared to the Prelude).

I guess more power, hybrid, and AWD will push the Celica price much higher no matter what.