Next-gen Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2024 release): What we expect

Update: ‘Sales’ section revised.

Following its introduction in 2018, the twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla is expected to be retired later this year, as per the typical six-year lifecycle of the series, and will be succeeded by an all-new model. Here are our expectations for the new Toyota Corolla Hybrid that’s expected to reach U.S. dealerships in the second half of this year or early next year.

Note that Toyota has not confirmed a new Corolla series for MY2025, and our analysis is based on the Corolla’s usual lifecycle, the latest interior and powertrain developments at Toyota, recent announcements, and conceptual designs.

Design & Features

Whether it is the flagship Crown, the midsize Camry, or the global favorite Corolla, Toyota sedans have become much bolder and classier in recent years. Of course, there’s still a choice of sportier fascias and styles in some models, but the overall look is gradually maturing. As you can see in our exclusive rendering below, we expect the all-new Toyota Corolla to follow these tracks, featuring a visibly more intense and upscale design.

The striking front-end has a more formal expression with slender headlamps and a slim upper grille, which is in line with the company’s new Hammerhead design philosophy. The lower grille, which serves the main cooling needs, is much bigger and quite edgier, too. The vertical bars in this grille give the sedan a more stately appearance, leveling up its sophistication. The new bumper has muscular contours on the sides, communicating power and enhancing road presence.

On the sides, the roofline is similar to the current model. The greenhouse is new and adds more style, thanks to the new belt line that starts straight and features swift curves at the end. At the rear, the new Corolla should feature sleek slimmer combination lamps, a fresh bumper, and a new tailgate.

Talking about features, our expectation is that the next-gen Corolla will retain the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), Toyota Audio Multimedia System, JBL Premium Audio and wireless charger, along with newly designed seats with added bolstering, featuring the SofTex material.

Specifications

We think that the future Corolla would borrow the TNGA-C platform from the fifth-gen Prius. The upgrade should allow for a lower center of gravity and bigger, 19-inch wheels. We expect the redesigned car’s body to have additional reinforcement, leading to increased rigidity and quietness, and improved safety.

Like in the current generation, the new Corolla should have a Hybrid variant, which is expected to take on a more prominent role this decade. The electrified variant of the next-gen Toyota Corolla may employ the same 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE engine-based series-parallel hybrid system. Toyota upgraded this powertrain’s combined power from 121 hp to 138 hp in the second half of 2022, introducing it in the MY2023 update.

If further revisions are planned for the next-gen Corolla, then Toyota may employ the THS 5 system that will also be used in the 2025 Camry. Either way, efficiency-related tweaks may be implemented to improve the EPA-estimated fuel economy of the next-generation Corolla beyond the current model’s 50 MPG (FWD, combined)/48 MPG (AWD, combined). We expect the Corolla Hybrid AWD to continue, featuring improvements to the e-AWD system for performance and efficiency.

Price & Release date

The all-new Toyota Corolla Hybrid could begin arriving at U.S. dealerships towards the end of 2024, with prices starting at around USD 24,000. In our experience, the hybrid sedan impresses with its smooth and comfortable ride, well-equipped variants, and spacious front seats, all of which comes at an accessible price point. We don’t see Toyota changing this proven formula in the future model years. That said, we sure hope that Toyota can improve rear seat comfort (additional knee and headroom would be welcome) as well as design a slightly bigger boot in the next-gen sedan.

Sales

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid isn’t a strong seller in the U.S. by absolute numbers. In 2023, where it enjoyed its best-ever year, it was the fourth highest-selling electrified vehicle from the company, and it is poised to grow steadily. Toyota sold 47,990 units of the hybrid compact car during this period, 72.6% more than in 2022.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are a bridge to battery-electric vehicles and will continue to feature in Toyota’s U.S. line-up for the foreseeable future. Toyota announced on April 7, 2023, that it would keep improving hybrids with an emphasis on quality and affordability, as well as introduce plug-in hybrids that can deliver a “practical” electric driving range of over 200 km (124 miles). With gas prices at least USD 3 for a gallon, the demand for hybrids should increase until BEVs become the most cost-effective solution.

TopElectricSUV says

The next generation Corolla Hybrid will likely be a more mature, better-equipped, and more efficient compact sedan. Considering the fierce competition from rivals and crossover models, it’s essential for the Corolla to make significant advancements in every aspect.

Going by the improvements announced for the next-gen Camry, it’s reasonable to expect the all-new Corolla Hybrid to deliver improved ride quality, enhanced style, updated in-cabin technology, and increased efficiency, among other upgrades. Importantly, while these improvements respond to customer feedback and the pace of the competition, they also maintain the Corolla’s price positioning.

Next-gen Toyota Corolla Hybrid FAQs

Featured Image Source: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the 2025 Toyota Corolla