Toyota Reveals Sleek Concept Design for Upcoming Corolla Sedan

Toyota fans may have been hoping for a new supercar to succeed the Lexus LFA, but instead, the automaker has unveiled a Century Coupe and given us a first look at the next-generation Corolla in concept form. Initial images left the sedan’s identity somewhat unclear, but a recent advertisement—celebrating Toyota’s history and its evolution from an off-road brand to a maker of enthusiast vehicles—offers a clearer view. In the video, the rear of the sedan is briefly visible, prominently displaying the ‘COROLLA’ lettering across its trunk, while the license plate confirms it as the ‘Corolla Concept’.

Limited Details, But the Next Corolla Will Likely Be Electric

Toyota hasn’t revealed full specifications yet; those are expected at the concept’s official debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show later this month. However, the images already offer a few hints that could ruffle some traditionalist fans. Most notably, the concept appears to be electric—the lack of a front grille and the presence of a charging port on the front left fender make that clear. This revelation may frustrate EV skeptics, but it’s worth noting that Toyota has long resisted a one-size-fits-all approach to reducing emissions. While the concept is electric, a future production model may not follow suit.

Instead, the next Corolla is expected to follow a path similar to the new Lexus ES, engineered from the outset as both an EV and a hybrid. Toyota has already transitioned much of its core lineup—including the Camry, RAV4, and Sienna—to hybrid-only powertrains, and the Corolla was widely anticipated to adopt the same approach in its next generation. With not all markets ready for fully electric vehicles, Toyota aims to retain its global market share by offering flexible powertrain options.

As noted when the Lexus ES first launched, offering both hybrid and electric versions under the same nameplate is a smart strategy for models viewed more as practical appliances than enthusiast vehicles. This approach allows Toyota to adjust production to match current powertrain demand, ensuring the brand isn’t caught off guard if EV adoption rises in the future.

A New Design Language Set to Shape Future Toyotas

The Corolla is a cornerstone for Toyota. As one of the brand’s oldest models and the best-selling vehicle nameplate in history—with over 50 million units sold worldwide—its design carries significant influence across the lineup. The concept’s styling is sharp and futuristic, and while concept designs often evolve before production, we can expect many of these elements to appear on future Toyota models.

The concept carries over the C-shaped headlight design and full-width light bar seen on models like the new RAV4, but with a more angular interpretation and vertical lighting elements beneath the main signature. Its design also takes advantage of an EV platform, featuring a longer wheelbase and wheels pushed to the corners to maximize interior space. This results in an aggressively sloped windshield, accentuated by a black hood panel. While aerodynamics are crucial for electric vehicles to optimize range, the production version is unlikely to be as sleek as this concept.

At the rear, a full-width light bar composed of rectangular, pixel-like elements adds a futuristic touch, though it will likely be simplified for production. The concept’s wide rear hips, however, may remain, as a spacious trunk will be essential to keep the Corolla appealing to modern families.

More details are expected ahead of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, which begins on October 30. We’ll continue to provide updates as new information emerges.