Toyota is preparing a major overhaul of the Corolla, with the next-generation model expected to offer petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric powertrains.
The new Corolla is expected to arrive sometime in 2027 as a 2028 model, according to a recent report from Car and Driver. Toyota is reportedly developing a new platform capable of supporting everything from a conventional petrol engine to a fully electric drivetrain.
Toyota had already previewed this multi-powertrain strategy with the Corolla Concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. At the event, Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato specifically mentioned battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, and internal-combustion powertrains while discussing the future of the Corolla.
New Hybrid Powertrain
The next-generation Corolla Hybrid is expected to use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor.
According to the report, the setup could produce around 134 horsepower, with roughly 94 hp coming from the engine and another 40 hp from the electric motor.
The new hybrid system could also be around 10% to 20% more efficient than the current Corolla Hybrid.
Toyota may also offer an all-wheel-drive version using an additional electric motor on the rear axle.
Petrol Version Will Remain
Unlike some newer Toyota models that have shifted completely to hybrid power, the Corolla is expected to retain a conventional petrol-powered variant.
Toyota’s new 1.5-liter engine can support turbocharging, making it one possible option for the petrol Corolla.
However, Toyota could instead continue with an updated version of the existing 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The company has not confirmed the final configuration yet.
First Corolla PHEV Expected
The next-generation model is also expected to introduce the first plug-in hybrid Corolla.
The PHEV version will use a larger battery than the standard hybrid, allowing the vehicle to travel longer distances using electric power before the petrol engine comes into operation.
Toyota has not yet revealed the battery capacity, electric-only driving range or performance figures for the PHEV model.
Fully Electric Corolla Also Planned
A fully electric Corolla is also expected to become part of the lineup.
However, Toyota has yet to confirm which markets will receive the electric version.
If offered in markets such as the United States, the electric Corolla could reportedly be available with single- and dual-motor configurations.
Reports suggest the model could target a driving range of at least 250 miles, or around 402 kilometers. However, Toyota has not officially confirmed these figures.
Major Design Changes Expected
Toyota previewed the future Corolla’s design through a radical concept unveiled in 2025.
The concept features a much sharper and more futuristic appearance than the current model. It includes a heavily sloped windscreen, slim lighting elements and a more aerodynamic profile.
Toyota is reportedly designing the new platform so petrol, hybrid, PHEV and electric versions can share the same basic architecture without significantly compromising passenger or cargo space.
The production model is also expected to receive a heavily redesigned interior with larger displays, fewer conventional controls and a more spacious cabin.
However, Toyota has not yet revealed the final production version.
The Corolla remains one of Toyota’s most important models globally. More than 50 million units have been sold since the nameplate debuted in 1966, making it one of the best-selling cars in automotive history.
Toyota has yet to announce final specifications, prices or market availability for the next-generation Corolla.
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