The Corolla has taken many shapes since its debut in 1966. It's been everything from a hatchback to a sedan, wagon, and a coupe. Some markets even got a small minivan, while others received three- and five-door liftbacks. Toyota’s freedom to use the nameplate across such a broad range of body styles has helped it achieve record-breaking success, with cumulative deliveries surpassing 55 million units, making it the best-selling car in history.
For its thirteenth generation, the Corolla appears headed for a radical transformation. Still a concept for now, this striking sedan rides on 21-inch, Y-spoke wheels and offers a clear glimpse into the future of the iconic nameplate. Reflecting the Corolla’s diverse body style heritage, Toyota plans to offer a wide range of powertrains: from a fully electric model to full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
A pure internal combustion version is also in the works, and Toyota isn’t ruling out an ICE Corolla powered by carbon-neutral fuel. While details remain limited, the world’s largest automaker has already confirmed development of a new family of 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines that will be smaller, lighter, and more efficient than the current ones. Given the Corolla’s importance, it would make sense for it to debut these next-gen powertrains.
Unveiled today at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the concept represents a dramatic design departure. Frankly, if it weren’t for the rear lettering, we wouldn't have guessed it’s a Corolla at all. Gone is the familiar shape, replaced by a sleek, edge-heavy body with an integrated trunk spoiler and light bars at both ends.
The descending beltline toward the side mirrors immediately stands out, as do the frameless door windows that give the concept a premium feel. Interestingly, we're counting no fewer than three fuel caps: two on the front fenders and one at the rear driver-side corner. Toyota is presumably hinting at a plug-in hybrid setup with a compact combustion engine under the small hood.
Inside, the cabin takes an equally bold leap forward from the current Corolla, launched in 2018. Physical buttons give way to touch-sensitive keys surrounding a digital instrument cluster. All controls are clustered behind the steering wheel. The car-shaped gear selector, mounted high on a floating console next to the driver, evokes a layout more akin to a minivan than a traditional sedan.
Naturally, concept cars are designed to make a statement. But when an automaker applies a real production name to one, it usually signals what’s coming next. The next Corolla probably won’t be this extreme, yet Toyota clearly intends to push its design language further than ever before. It's a risky bet for a car that has typically played it safe with the design.
With the current generation already seven years old, a replacement probably isn’t far off. Toyota won’t want its global bestseller to overstay its welcome in its current form. Expect the next-generation Corolla to arrive by late next year or sometime in 2027.
Toyota Corolla concept live at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show
Toyota Corolla Concept
Source: Toyota
