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

Update: ‘Sales’ section revised.

Following its introduction in 2018, the twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla is expected to be retired in 2024, 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 Toyota Corolla Hybrid that’s expected to reach U.S. dealerships in 2024.

Design

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.

Specifications

We think that the future Corolla would borrow the TNGA-C platform from the fifth-gen Prius. The upgraded platform 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 redesigned 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 you ask us, another revision on the performance front in just two years seems unlikely. 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).

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. However, between January and June 2023, it was the fourth highest-selling electrified vehicle from the company, and it is poised to grow steadily. Toyota sold 23,101 units of the hybrid compact car during this period, 27.9% more than in the first half of 2022 (18,065 units). 26% (228,824 units) of the total vehicles Toyota sold between January and June 2023 (889,108 units) were electrified.

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). In many states, gas prices are at least USD 3 or higher, so 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. While the new hybrid model isn’t expected to feature significant powertrain upgrades, it should offer better ride quality, more style, new in-cabin tech, and enhanced efficiency among other improvements.

Next-gen Toyota Corolla Hybrid FAQs

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