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Introducing The Toyota Corolla and Corolla Hybrid

Both the Toyota Corolla and an accompanying hybrid are expected to hit the market this upcoming Fall.

A 2026 Toyota Corolla drives on the road towards a glass building.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla offers an estimated 32 mpg and the Toyota Corolla Hybrid features an estimated 53 mpg.

Photo: Toyota

6 min to read


The new 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is powered by the dynamic fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System.

The 2026 Toyota Corolla is available in LE, SE, and XSE while the Hybrid is available in five dynamic grades: LE, LE AWD, SE, SE AWD and XLE. Under the hood of the Corolla Hybrid is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve engine. The engine uses Variable Valve Timing with intelligence to achieve 138 net combined horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Corolla has a manufacturer-estimated MPG rating of up to 32 city, 41 highway and 35 combined while the Hybrid has a manufacturer-estimated MPG rating of up to 53 city, 46 highway, and 50 combined.

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Standard features include Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 – which includes features like Lane Departure Assist and Proactive Driving Assist. New for 2026 is a 7-inch digital gauge cluster standard on the LE and SE grades, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster standard on the XLE (available on the SE grade).

2026 Corollas are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this Fall. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, excluding Dealer Processing and Handling, will start at $24,575 for the LE grade.

Optimal and Efficient Driving Experience

The 2026 Corolla Hybrid has the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System offering a blend of advanced engineering and innovative technology that is designed to enhance both performance and efficiency. 

Paired with the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve engine, the Corolla Hybrid delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience while maximizing fuel efficiency. The hybrid system intelligently switches between electric and gasoline power, helping to ensure optimal performance based on driving conditions.
Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive is available on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE and SE grades.

Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. The system works seamlessly and transparently, preemptively distributing driving force to the rear wheels to help suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts. It also engages the rear motor in response to slippage at the front wheels and enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer.

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Effortless Style

Every grade of the 2026 Corolla offers design differences starting with the front fascia. The LE grade features a horizontal front grille with slits and vertical gradation for a more refined look while sport grades features a glossy black mesh-pattern lower grille and more sculptural front fascia and a rear sport diffuser. The SE grades get 18-inch graphite-colored alloy wheels and the LE gets 16-inch steel wheels. The XLE grade features 16-in alloy wheels with a silver finish. All Corolla Hybrid models have LED headlights.

Inside, the Corolla Hybrid has a comfortable and spacious cabin with quality materials, designed with a focus on comfort. In the LE and SE grades, there is a 6-way adjustable fabric driver’s seat and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat. The XLE grade has a SofTex-trimmed 8-way power-adjustable and heated front driver’s seat and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat.

Other impressive available features include a Qi wireless charger and a power tilt sliding moonroof.
Exterior color options include Blueprint, Wind Chill Pearl, Ice Cap, Ruby Flare Pearl, Underground, Classic Silver Metallic, Celestite and Midnight Black Metallic.

Intuitive Multimedia and Connectivity

Both vehicles come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen equipped with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, while a 10.5-inch screen is available on SE and standard on the XLE grade.

The Toyota Audio Multimedia system allows dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. The 30 day/3GB Wi-Fi Connect trial offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning the car into an AT&T Hotspot, along with the ability to link customers’ separate Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle with the Integrated Streaming service. This augments the already robust audio playback ability that includes HD Radio, USB data and a SiriusXM 3-month trial subscription.

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The audio system includes six speakers standard. The XLE grade kicks it up a notch with the available JBL Premium Audio system with nine speakers, subwoofers and an 800-watt amplifier.

With an available Drive Connect trial or subscription, drivers can interact with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system through touch and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awakens the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Over-the-Air updates are also included with an active Drive Connect trial or subscription. 1-year Drive Connect trial included on select grades.

Other Connected Services on the Toyota Corolla include:

  • Safety Connect: includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator (includes a 5-year minimum trial).

  • Service Connect: provides drivers with the capability to receive Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and other reminders (includes a 5-year minimum trial).
    Remote Connect: with an available.

  • Remote Connect: trial or subscription drivers can remotely interact with their vehicle through the Toyota app. 1-year Remote Connect trial included on select grades.

Safety & Convenience

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is now standard across the line up. It is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes, with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning.

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The vehicle also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The suite includes:

  • Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist and provide an audible/visual forward-collision warning under certain circumstances. If you don’t react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.

  • Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph. DRCC uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you.

  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist detects lane markings or the road’s edge at speeds above 30 mph. This is designed to provide an audible and visual warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, Steering Assist is designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.

  • Lane Tracing Assist: Lane Tracing Assist is designed to help keep the vehicle in the center of a lane. LTA assists the driver with steering control while DRCC is in use.
    Road Sign Assist: Road Sign Assist uses the forward-facing camera to recognize specific road signs, such as speed limit, stop, and yield signs. RSA provides sign information to the driver via the Multi-Information Display.

  • Automatic High Beams: Automatic High Beams is designed to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles. AHB automatically toggles between high and low beams as appropriate.

  • Proactive Driving Assist: Proactive Driving Assist uses the vehicle’s camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. PDA can also provide gentle braking into curves.

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