If you’re like me, and you’ve been keeping an eye on the evolution of the automotive world, you probably know that Toyota has been on a roll lately. From the stylish Camry to the luxurious Crown, Toyota sedans have been pushing boundaries and redefining the norms. And in this exciting journey, the beloved Corolla hasn’t been left behind.
In 2018, the twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla made its grand entrance, and now, as tradition goes, it’s gearing up for a well-deserved retirement in 2024. But don’t mourn its departure just yet because there’s something big on the horizon: the next-generation Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Let’s take a sneak peek into what we can expect from this future icon.
Design: A Touch of Elegance
Picture this: a car that embodies both sophistication and boldness. Toyota seems to be heading in that direction, and our crystal ball suggests that the all-new Corolla will follow suit. If you’ve been ogling at the Crown or the bZ5, you’ll be thrilled to know that the Corolla’s design is expected to draw inspiration from these larger siblings.
The front end of the Corolla is likely to take a more formal stance, with slender headlamps and a slim upper grille. This design shift aligns with Toyota’s fresh Hammerhead design philosophy. But wait, there’s more – the lower grille, which is all about keeping things cool under the hood, is set to be larger and edgier.
Vertical bars will grace this grille, giving the sedan an air of stateliness that levels up its sophistication. The new bumper won’t just be for show; it will sport muscular contours, shouting power and road presence.
As we move to the sides, the roofline may bear a resemblance to the current model, but the greenhouse will introduce some exciting changes. A new beltline, with swift curves at the end, adds an extra dash of style. And when you sneak a peek at the rear, you’ll be greeted by sleeker combination lamps, a fresh bumper, and a brand-new tailgate. Buckle up; this is going to be quite the ride!
Specifications: A Solid Foundation
Under the skin, the next-gen Corolla is expected to borrow the TNGA-C platform from the fifth-gen Prius. This platform tweak promises a lower centre of gravity and bigger, eye-catching 19-inch wheels.
But it’s not all about looks; Toyota is gearing up to reinforce the car’s body, which should translate into increased rigidity and a quieter ride. Safety will also see improvements, ticking off another box for the cautious driver.
And what about the heartbeat of this hybrid wonder? Like its predecessor, the next-gen Corolla will proudly boast a Hybrid variant. We anticipate it will continue to use the trusty 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE engine-based series-parallel hybrid system.
In 2022, Toyota upped the ante by boosting this powertrain’s combined power from 121 hp to 138 hp, a change that was introduced in the MY2023 update.
But don’t expect a major performance overhaul in just two years. Instead, we’re looking at tweaks that enhance efficiency, possibly pushing the next-gen Corolla’s EPA-estimated fuel economy beyond the current model’s impressive 50 MPG (FWD, combined)/48 MPG (AWD, combined).
Price & Release Date: Affordable and Accessible
Now, let’s talk numbers. When can you expect to see this hybrid gem at U.S. dealerships, and how much will it set you back? Well, if everything goes as planned, you could be parking one in your driveway towards the end of 2024, with prices starting at a wallet-friendly $24,000.
In my experience, the Corolla Hybrid has always been a sweet deal. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride, well-equipped variants, and spacious front seats, all without breaking the bank. And from what we can see, Toyota doesn’t plan to stray from this winning formula.
However, there’s always room for improvement, and we’re crossing our fingers for a bit more rear seat comfort and maybe even a slightly roomier trunk in the next-gen sedan.
Sales: Rising Stars
Okay, let’s talk sales. The Corolla Hybrid might not be topping the charts in the U.S. just yet, but it’s steadily climbing the ranks. In the first half of 2023, it secured its spot as the fourth highest-selling electrified vehicle from Toyota, with a whopping 27.9% increase in sales compared to the same period in 2022. Now, that’s impressive!
In fact, electrified vehicles are becoming the name of the game for Toyota. They accounted for 26% (that’s 228,824 units) of Toyota’s total vehicle sales between January and June 2023. And Toyota isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
On April 7, 2023, they announced their commitment to improving hybrids, focusing on quality and affordability. Plus, they have plans to introduce plug-in hybrids that can give you a practical electric driving range of over 124 miles. With gas prices hovering at $3 or higher in many states, it’s safe to say that the demand for hybrids is on the upswing.
What to Expect
So, what can we expect from the next-generation Toyota Corolla Hybrid? In a nutshell, a more mature, better-equipped, and more efficient compact sedan. While it might not bring significant powertrain upgrades to the table, it promises an improved ride quality, a dash of style, new in-cabin tech, and enhanced efficiency, among other exciting improvements. Keep your eyes peeled, because this hybrid beauty is coming to a dealership near you soon!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the next-gen Toyota Corolla Hybrid release date? The all-new Corolla Hybrid is expected to be launched in late 2024.
What will be the new Toyota Corolla Hybrid price? The next-gen Corolla Hybrid could be priced from approx. USD 24,000.
Which cars will be 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid rivals? The Honda Civic Hybrid and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid would be the main rivals.
Will the next-gen Corolla Hybrid have significant powertrain upgrades? It’s unlikely to see significant powertrain upgrades, but there will be improvements in ride quality, style, tech, and efficiency.
How does the Corolla Hybrid contribute to Toyota’s electrified vehicle line-up? The Corolla Hybrid is steadily growing in sales and plays a crucial role in Toyota’s electrified vehicle line-up, which is set to expand with the introduction of plug-in hybrids.
