Nestled in a quiet corner of FAW Toyota’s booth at Auto Guangzhou is the 12th-generation facelifted Toyota Corolla sedan. Despite its understated presence, this all-time best-selling car has undergone significant updates to maintain its appeal amidst fierce competition from technologically advanced rivals.
The 2026 Toyota Corolla unveiled in China. Photo: Headlightmag
As previously revealed, the Corolla features a completely redesigned front end, inspired by the latest Prius and Camry. It adopts Toyota’s new “hammerhead” design language, paired with C-shaped headlights. Below, L-shaped corners on the front bumper house fog lights, seamlessly connected to a slimmer central air intake.
The multi-spoke alloy wheels are also new, bearing a striking resemblance to the 2015 Lexus ES wheels, including the 17-inch size. At the rear, a horizontal red LED strip connects the darkened, sportier reverse L-shaped taillights.
The most significant changes are at the front. Photo: Headlightmag
More substantial changes are found inside the cabin. The dashboard and door panels have been completely redesigned with a modern aesthetic, featuring full-width air vents. Below is a second set of vents and a wider center console with two phone storage areas.
The Corolla retains its 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, but the center screen is now a surprisingly large 12.9-inch floating display, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. Toyota has replaced physical climate controls with touch-sensitive ones on the screen, a decision that may spark debate.
The interior is more modern with a larger screen. Photo: Headlightmag
Under the hood, the Chinese-market Corolla facelift features a new 2.0L M20E-FTS naturally aspirated engine producing 171 hp, paired with a CVT. Additionally, a hybrid variant combines a 1.8L Atkinson cycle engine (98 hp) with two electric motors and a new NMC battery. Toyota claims this version achieves 4.13 L/100 km fuel efficiency and a 1,041 km range.
In Vietnam, the Corolla Altis (known as the Corolla) saw just 29 units sold in October 2025, lagging behind segment rivals like the Mazda3, Kia K3, and Honda Civic. With its shrinking market share, the 2026 Corolla’s upgraded design and technology could revitalize its appeal if introduced locally.
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