If someone had told you a decade ago that the Toyota Corolla would one day look like a space cruiser on steroids, you would have probably rolled your eyes. But here we are – 2025 is upon us, and Toyota is clearly serious. Meet the Toyota Corolla Concept, a car that erases memories of the old model as easily as it erases beliefs about what the Corolla can (and should) be.
Since its birth in 1966, Toyota Corolla transformed into all sorts of shapes – from hatchback, sedan, wagon and coupe, to a small MPV and even a five-door liftback. The global flexibility of this model is Toyotas helped it surpass 55 million units sold – making it the undisputed number one best-selling car in history. And now? It seems Toyota is ready for a new chapter – and a pretty bold one at that.
It's time for a radical transformation
Currently still a concept, new Toyota Corolla flaunts 21-inch Y-spoke wheels and screams of the future. Toyota clearly doesn't want to play it safe anymore - instead, it offers everything a modern driver (or tech-hungry futurist) could want: a fully electric version, a full hybrid, a plug-in hybrid... and, yes, there's still room for a good old internal combustion engine. But not just any - they're even considering carbon-neutral fuelThis is bordering on automotive diplomacy.
Although the details are still unclear, Toyota has already confirmed the development of new 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines - lighter, smaller and smarter. And honestly? If anyone can try these innovations first, it's the Corolla.
When a Corolla no longer looks like a Corolla
Presented at Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo, this concept model unashamedly breaks with the past. If it didn't say Corolla on the back, you'd swear it was some new luxury brand from the future.
Curves? No more. They have been replaced by sharp lines, an integrated rear spoiler and light bars at the front and rear. Frameless glass surfaces and a lowered side line that elegantly slopes towards the door mirrors create a premium impression – almost too much for the Corolla we are used to.
But wait – did you notice? three fuel caps? Two in the front and one in the back. Toyota is clearly inviting us to play a game of "guessing the drivetrain," but it's hinting at a plug-in hybrid with a small engine under a fairly compact hood.
The interior? More space than vehicle
The same playful design continues in the cabin. Physical buttons have become a rare breed – they have been replaced by capacitive surfaces, which hug the digital dashboard. All the controls are gathered around the steering wheel – which will cause some initial confusion for many, but hey, that's the future.
The car-shaped (!) gearbox is mounted high on a floating console – something you’d expect in a minivan rather than a sedan. But apparently the designers said, “Why not?”
Concept today, reality tomorrow?
Sure, concepts exist to make an impression. But when a manufacturer slaps a real name on them—especially one as sacred as Toyota Corolla – this usually means that we are slowly moving towards mass production. No, there probably won't be a mass production Corolla so extreme. But it's clear that Toyota is leaving the old seatbelts of design behind and boldly turning over a new leaf.
With the current generation on the market since 2018, a new version is almost around the corner. We will most likely see the new Corolla on the roads late next year or in 2027.
Conclusion? Corolla has (finally) grown up – and gone a little wild
With the new Corolla, Toyota is signaling that it is no longer satisfied with its role as a “reliable everyday choice.” Now it wants something more – and rightly so. The world is changing, expectations are rising, and the Corolla? Well, it has its own Glow-UpAnd what a guy!
What do you think? Do you like the new look of the Corolla or do you think it has crossed the line of good taste? Share your opinion in the comments!
