Toyota is preparing a major overhaul of its most popular car. The next-generation model should offer petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
The Toyota Corolla could arrive sometime in 2027 as a 2028 model, according to a recent Car and Driver report. Toyota is reportedly developing a new platform that can support everything from a petrol engine to an electric drivetrain.
Toyota also previewed this strategy with the Corolla Concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. President and CEO Koji Sato mentioned battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and internal-combustion powertrains while discussing the future of the Corolla.
New Hybrid Powertrain
The next Corolla Hybrid should use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. The setup could produce around 134 horsepower, with roughly 94 hp from the engine and 40 hp from the motor.
Moreover, the new hybrid system could be 10% to 20% more efficient than the current Corolla Hybrid. Toyota may also offer an all-wheel-drive version with an extra electric motor on the rear axle.
Petrol Version Will Remain
Unlike some newer Toyota models, the Corolla should keep a conventional petrol variant. Toyota’s new 1.5-liter engine can support turbocharging, which makes it one option for the petrol car.
However, Toyota could instead continue with an updated version of its existing 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The company has not confirmed the final configuration yet.
First Corolla PHEV Expected
The next generation should also bring the first plug-in hybrid Corolla. The PHEV will use a larger battery than the standard hybrid.
Therefore, it can travel farther on electric power before the petrol engine starts. Battery capacity, electric-only range and performance figures remain unannounced.
Fully Electric Corolla Also Planned
A fully electric Corolla should also join the lineup. However, the electric version’s target markets remain unconfirmed.
In markets such as the United States, the electric model could reportedly offer single-motor and dual-motor configurations. Furthermore, reports suggest a driving range of at least 250 miles, or around 402 kilometers. Still, these figures lack official confirmation from Toyota.
Major Design Changes Expected
Toyota previewed the future design through a radical concept it unveiled in 2025. The concept looks much sharper and more futuristic than the current model. It features a heavily sloped windscreen, slim lighting elements and a more aerodynamic profile.
Meanwhile, Toyota is reportedly designing the platform so every version can share the same basic architecture without hurting passenger or cargo space. Additionally, the production model should get a redesigned interior with larger displays, fewer conventional controls and a roomier cabin. However, the final production version remains under wraps.
The Toyota Corolla remains one of the company’s most important models worldwide. More than 50 million units have sold since the nameplate debuted in 1966, which makes it one of the best-selling cars in history.
Finally, Toyota has yet to announce specifications, prices or market availability.
