Japanese automaker Toyota unveiled the 2026 Corolla at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2025 in China. The 2026 Corolla represents a mid-cycle refresh for its 12th generation. This C-segment sedan is developed specifically for the Chinese market.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla introduced at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2025. Photo: Paultan

The 2026 Corolla's taillights feature an additional red accent strip.

The 2026 Corolla features a new front fascia design.

The car is equipped with led taillights.

A new 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine.

The redesigned interior includes a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Light-colored leather interior with ample legroom.

The 2026 Corolla's exterior design draws inspiration from the new Prius and Camry, adopting Toyota's latest "hammerhead" design language. This styling features C-shaped headlights. The L-shaped front bumper integrates fog lights that flow into a slimmer central air intake. The car comes with newly designed 17-inch wheels, similar to those on the new Lexus ES. Toyota has added a black triangular accent at the base of the C-pillar, which visually extends the glass area. The LED taillight clusters are enhanced with an additional red reflective strip for emphasis.

Beyond its exterior, the 2026 Corolla's interior also receives updates. It features a modern dashboard and door panels, complemented by full-width air vents and a row of central air vents positioned below. The central console is wider, offering two phone holders and integrated wireless charging.

The Corolla retains an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. However, the central infotainment system now features a larger 12.9-inch floating touchscreen, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. Physical buttons for the climate control system have been replaced with integrated touchscreen controls.

Toyota equips the 2026 Corolla with an M20E-FTS 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, producing 171 horsepower, paired with a CVT transmission. Additionally, a hybrid version is available, utilizing a 1.8-liter Atkinson engine generating 98 horsepower, two electric motors, and a new NMC battery pack. Toyota announced this new hybrid variant achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.13 liters/100 km and offers a range of 1,041 km.

The Guangzhou Auto Show 2025 (Auto Tech China 2025) takes place in Guangzhou, China, from 21/11 to 24/11.

Minh Vu