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EV-Like Toyota Corolla Concept May Preview Next Generation’s Styling, Tech

by Julien Amado
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Photo: Julien Amado

One of the main highlights of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo this week is the Toyota Corolla Concept, which marks a radical departure from the current sedan and may preview the styling direction for the next generation of the venerable compact car.

Sold globally since 1966, the Corolla is an iconic Toyota. During the presentation we attended in Tokyo, the automaker was careful not to share too much information, like confirming that the vehicle you see here indeed foreshadows a future production model.

What we do know is that the platform for this vehicle could accommodate a wide range of powertrains including fully electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and gasoline. Since the current Corolla already offers gasoline and hybrid options, this could mean that the next one might offer electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains for the first time. Again, there's no confirmation from Toyota, but it sounds to us like the company wants to attract even more customers by adding zero-emission alternatives.

Photo: Julien Amado

Aesthetically, the Corolla Concept’s exterior is much more dynamic and aggressive than the outgoing model. The short and muscular hood, the very large glass area and the truncated rear end look nothing like previous Corollas. Now, could this bold design manage to meet the various certification standards around the world? That’s a good question.

Inside, there’s virtually no chance the Corolla will ever look like this. However, it's possible that the controls immediately surrounding the steering wheel will be retained. Same thing for the two-tone seats.

Photo: Julien Amado

All signs point to the next-generation Toyota Corolla debuting early in 2026 and going on sale later in the year as a 2027 model. Stay tuned.

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