Toyota is preparing a major redesign of the Corolla, with the next-generation model reportedly set to offer petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains as part of a broader strategy for the iconic nameplate.
The new Toyota Corolla is expected to arrive in 2027 as a 2028 model, according to a recent report by Car and Driver. Toyota is reportedly developing a new platform that can accommodate conventional internal-combustion engines alongside hybrid and battery-electric systems.
The company previewed this approach at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, where Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato discussed battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and internal-combustion powertrains for the future Corolla lineup.
New Toyota Corolla Hybrid Could Be More Efficient
The next-generation Corolla Hybrid is expected to receive a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor.
According to the report, the system could produce around 134 horsepower, with approximately 94 hp coming from the petrol engine and about 40 hp from the electric motor.
The redesigned hybrid system could also deliver a 10% to 20% improvement in efficiency compared with the current Corolla Hybrid.
Toyota may offer all-wheel drive as well, potentially using an additional electric motor mounted on the rear axle.
Petrol Engine Expected to Stay
While Toyota continues to expand its hybrid and electric offerings, the Corolla is reportedly expected to retain a conventional petrol version.
The automaker’s new 1.5-liter engine is designed to support turbocharging and could therefore become one option for the petrol-powered Corolla.
Toyota could also continue using an updated version of its existing 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The final engine configuration has not yet been confirmed.
Corolla Could Get Its First Plug-In Hybrid
Another major addition could be the first-ever plug-in hybrid Corolla.
The Corolla PHEV is expected to use a larger battery than the standard hybrid, allowing it to cover longer distances on electric power before the petrol engine takes over.
Toyota has not yet disclosed the battery capacity, electric-only range or performance specifications for the plug-in hybrid model.
Fully Electric Corolla Could Join the Lineup
A fully electric Toyota Corolla is also reportedly under development, although Toyota has not confirmed where it will be sold.
In markets such as the United States, reports suggest the electric Corolla could potentially be offered with single-motor and dual-motor configurations.
The model could target a driving range of at least 250 miles, equivalent to roughly 402 kilometers. These figures, however, remain unconfirmed by Toyota.
New Corolla Expected to Get Radical Design
Toyota has already provided a glimpse of its vision for the next-generation Corolla through a futuristic concept shown in 2025.
The concept featured a significantly sharper design than the current Corolla, with a steeply angled windscreen, slim lighting elements and a more aerodynamic body.
Toyota is reportedly developing the new platform to accommodate petrol, hybrid, PHEV and electric versions while minimizing compromises to passenger and cargo space.
The production Corolla is also expected to receive a substantially redesigned cabin. Larger displays, fewer physical controls and a more spacious interior could form part of the update, although Toyota has yet to reveal the final production design.
Toyota Corolla 2028 Could Mark Major Shift
The next-generation Corolla could represent one of the biggest changes to Toyota’s long-running nameplate, particularly if the company offers multiple powertrain choices across the same platform.
The Corolla has remained one of Toyota’s most important global models since its introduction in 1966. More than 50 million units have reportedly been sold worldwide, helping establish the nameplate among the industry’s best-selling vehicles.
Toyota has yet to announce the final specifications, pricing, launch schedule or market availability of the next-generation Corolla.
