Game-changing and revolutionary. Two words not typically associated with the Toyota Corolla, but may soon be when the thirteenth generation arrives as a 2028 model. Since moving to the TNGA-C platform for the 2019 model year, the Corolla made significant strides in styling and driving dynamics. The bar of soap look? Gone and replaced by something edgier and more youthful, especially in hatchback form. Under the skin, a well-tuned chassis with an independent multi-link rear suspension on most models gave the Corolla a nice ride and handling balance. Heck, it even offered a six-speed manual on the SE and XSE for a time! Meanwhile, the Corolla Hybrid offers a taste of electrification for an affordable price and has an optional AWD system to boot.
At nearly a decade old, the current-generation Corolla remains a compelling option. However, the competition doesn’t stay put, and its age shows. The next-generation 2028 Corolla may just put Toyota at the top of the compact class for many reasons, and its focus on evolution may cause a revolution. Here’s how.
2028 Toyota Corolla: All In on Futuristic Design
At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Toyota showed off a radical Corolla Concept. It looked incredibly futuristic and a big departure from the current model. Sleek and svelte, this show car had more in common with the latest Lexus ES than it did with a Corolla. Based on some leaks that CarBuzz found in the NHK documentary “Inside Toyota,” the production car largely stuck to the concept. Blurred images hinted at the angular silhouette.
The drastic change in exterior design is a big deal. It’s a sign that Toyota gave its designers even more freedom to craft a striking compact car that commands attention. Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia gave their respective competitors a futuristic look, allowing them to stand out more. Meanwhile, Honda, Subaru, and Volkswagen kept things restrained and conservative. On the other hand, Mazda went swoopy and curvaceous. The 2028 Corolla looks poised to turn heads once it arrives by going with a radical look.
However, don’t expect drastic changes inside the Corolla. If the Prius and Toyota’s EVs are any indication, a simple, clean cabin layout will complement the future-forward exterior. Those use a high-mounted seven-inch digital cluster and a massive touchscreen. Expect the latter in the new Corolla, while the former likely won’t make it. Toyota may take a more conventional approach, similar to what you find on the new RAV4 and the 2027 Highlander.
Similarly, expect the dual-flavor lineup to continue. A more pedestrian line made up of the LE and XLE trims, or a sportier one in the form of the SE and XSE. The latter two should feature a more aggressive, in-your-face design. Expect Toyota’s latest infotainment system, connected services, and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 to also make an appearance.
Electrified Power, Guaranteed
Toyota hasn’t been shy about its intention to electrify every model it sells in one form or another. The Corolla is no different. It already comes as a hybrid. Expect that to now come standard. Other markets may continue with a full gas option and add a plug-in hybrid option per the NHK documentary. In the U.S., it’s likely going hybrid-only following the Camry, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia, and more.
The question now is, which hybrid system will the 2028 Toyota Corolla use? Will it stick to the current 1.8-liter I-4 setup, or will it ditch that for the 2.0-liter version? We suspect it’s the latter. In North America, the only vehicle using the 1.8-liter Toyota Hybrid System 5 is the Corolla. Moving to the 2.0-liter unit used by the Prius, Corolla Cross, and Lexus UX would do more than just cut complexity and keep costs down. It’d give the Corolla a nice power bump. In the Prius, it makes 194 hp with FWD, while AWD models make 196 hp. Additionally, the move to a hybrid-only setup would streamline suspension offerings, standardizing the multi-link setup in the rear. As far as AWD systems go, Electronic On-Demand AWD should return in its latest form.
Should this be the case, the Corolla would match the Civic Hybrid’s power. It’d also have more power than virtually every compact car except the Mazda3 Turbo. However, its MPG ratings will be significantly higher than the gas-only competition in both FWD and AWD configurations. Even though these aren’t exactly new, an all-electrified Corolla lineup may just be the revolution needed in a segment that typically plays it safe in the powertrain department.
The Corolla Goes…EV?!
One of the most significant changes for the 2028 Corolla is the potential introduction of a battery-electric powertrain. This may cause the biggest shake-up because it brings an affordable EV option alongside the hybrid. The NHK documentary highlighted this as one of the five powertrain options.
Although we know the 2028 car will likely use a heavily modified TNGA-C architecture, we don’t know if the EV variant will diverge and use the TNGA-K platform as it did on the C-HR. Should this be the case, the Corolla EV may grow bigger than its gas and hybrid counterparts. However, if the EV sticks with TNGA-C, then we know that Toyota updated it for use in battery-electric applications.
Now for the next question: FWD only or FWD and AWD? With Toyota leaning heavily towards e-AWD on its hybrids, the latter is a high possibility for the all-electric Corolla. That means expect around 165 to 221 hp on the front-drive model, depending on how Toyota tunes it. Like in its current EV offerings, the AWD variant may have up to 338 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque, more than the GR Corolla, even in GRMN form. This also means that the Corolla EV will likely be the sportiest outside of models wearing a GR badge.
As for the battery options, there are technically only two logical choices. Both of them are already available in Toyota’s three EVs. The first one is the 57.7-kWh pack. This may serve as the affordable option. The base bZ is EPA-rated at 236 miles with this. Expect at least 250 miles thanks to the Corolla’s lower, more aerodynamic shape. Finally, the larger battery option may likely be the 74.7-kWh pack. This should yield over 300 miles with or without AWD and/or larger alloy wheels.
2028 Toyota Corolla: A Potential Home Run?
The 2028 Corolla doesn’t need to be a potential home run for Toyota. It MUST be a home run. Messing this up could have major repercussions, resulting in competitors like Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and others capturing a larger market share. That’s why going hybrid-only in this latest generation is such a big deal, especially if it arrives with an attractive price tag and optional AWD. On the other hand, an all-electric variant adds a much-needed entry-level option that may have similar driving range ratings as the Nissan Leaf.
In short, the 2028 Corolla is crucially important to Toyota’s future. This iconic nameplate has to change the game, and thankfully, Toyota already has everything it needs to do so. From its proven hybrids to its freshly updated battery-electric powertrains that are now among the best, the world’s largest automaker can easily bring out a strong lineup that should include the sedan, crossover, and hopefully, the hatchback. Now, it’s up to the powers that be to make the decision. Will they take the gloves off and fight the competition on every front? Or will they rest on their laurels and let them take every slice of the pie? Only time will tell.
