2027 Toyota Corolla: What we know about the next-generation small car

The 2027 Toyota Corolla is just around the corner, with the world’s most popular car of all time gearing up for a significant generational change.

Toyota is expected to unveil the new Corolla in the second half of 2026, ahead of deliveries in the first half of the following year.

The Japanese car giant previewed the new-generation model with a concept, shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo – revealing a striking design with a full-width LED light bar and scalloped flanks, perhaps borrowing some influence from the Hyundai i30 Sedan.

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Digital artist Theottle has reimagined the Corolla concept as a production car, with the sedan borrowing its light signature but with softer body lines and more traditional door pull handles.

Expected to be based on Toyota’s TNGA platform, the vehicle will be produced with several powertrains, including a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine making 70kW and 120Nm – with performance to be boosted using hybrid technology.

The Corolla’s current 1.8-litre hybrid engine could also carry over, while buyers may also be given the option of an electric powertrain for the first time.

There’s a strong chance the GR Corolla will continue for the new model, and may gain Toyota’s much-anticipated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – destined to be used across the company’s future Gazoo Racing lineup, such as the mid-engined MR2.

According to Lance Scott, head of Toyota’s European design centre, owners will get the same cabin and luggage space “regardless of powertrain”.

“We wanted to create a Corolla which people looked at and thought ‘Oh, I can’t believe that’s a Corolla’,” Mr Scott told CarExpert in October 2025.

“The body type for us is not important – it’s what we wanted to express as a pure design direction for the future of Corolla.

“The dramatic proportions – they’re leading to not only functional design through visibility but also dramatic design. Also, the space inside, trying to think about what each occupant needs.”

While Toyota has sold more than 50 million examples over the past six decades – making it the most popular model in history – the Corolla has fallen out of the top 10 best-sellers list locally, but remains Australia’s favourite small car for under $45,000.

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