The Corolla is Toyota’s longest-running and best-selling model, having sold over 50 million units globally across more than 150 countries including India.
14 Oct 2025 | 2155 Views | By Akbar Merchant
Toyota has released the first official teaser of its next-generation Corolla concept, previewing a bold new design direction for one of the world’s most iconic nameplates. The concept will make its public debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, which opens on October 30. The next-generation Corolla concept hints at ...
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Toyota has released the first official teaser of its next-generation Corolla concept, previewing a bold new design direction for one of the world’s most iconic nameplates. The concept will make its public debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, which opens on October 30. The next-generation Corolla concept hints at a future where the Corolla nameplate embraces both electrification and futuristic styling while staying true to its decade old mass-market roots.
Radical New Design for a Familiar Name
The Corolla is Toyota’s longest-running and best-selling model, having sold over 50 million units globally across more than 150 countries including India since its debut in 1966. Traditionally known for its conservative styling, the new 2025 Corolla concept signals a dramatic shift towards a sleeker, more aerodynamic silhouette.
The teaser images focus on the sedan body style, even though the Corolla continues to be sold internationally in hatchback, estate, and sedan forms depending on market. The front fascia features an anvil-shaped bumper, largely sealed off for aerodynamic efficiency, and clearly inspired by Toyota’s newer electric models such as the bZ4X born-electric SUV (was showcased in India during the last Auto Expo). A wide light bar now spans the car’s width, separating the boomerang-shaped DRLs from the vertically stacked headlamps — a distinctive new lighting signature likely to influence future Toyota sedans.
The raked windshield, sharp bonnet creases, and prominent side divots reinforce a sense of motion even at a standstill, while also improving airflow. Toyota’s decision to retain traditional outside mirrors instead of camera-based digital ones suggests the design is close to production readiness. At the back, the next-gen Corolla concept gets pixel-style LED taillamps, a full-width light bar, and an integrated ducktail spoiler, giving it a sportier stance than the current-generation Corolla.
Plug-in Hybrid or All-Electric powertrain expected on production model
While Toyota hasn’t shared technical details, the teaser reveals a charging port flap positioned on the front-left fender, indicating that the upcoming Corolla concept will be electrified — either as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or a fully electric vehicle (EV).
In its current international lineup, the Corolla sedan uses a 1.8-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain producing around 140hp, while a 2.0-litre strong-hybrid version develops close to 200hp. However, Toyota is now accelerating its electrification roadmap and could offer the new Corolla on a multi-powertrain platform, giving buyers the choice between hybrid and battery-electric variants.
Similar to current Corolla models, sources suggest Toyota might follow a dual-design approach, similar to what it did with the new Lexus ES, where the hybrid and EV models get subtle exterior distinctions despite sharing an overall design language.
New Corolla Closer to Production Than Concept
Unlike most radical concept cars, the Corolla Concept appears remarkably realistic, down to its visible door handles, production-style alloys, and standard mirrors — all of which hint that the car could transition to production by late 2026. The Corolla nameplate remains a cornerstone of Toyota’s global strategy, and this concept shows how the brand aims to balance eco-conscious technology with timeless mass-market appeal.
The production car could sit on an evolved version of Toyota’s TNGA platform, adapted for electrified powertrains, and compete globally against models like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, Honda Civic e:HEV, and Tesla Model 3 RWD in select markets.