Toyota Corolla Concept: What’s so appealing about the interior and exterior? A thorough explanation of the good and bad points

The Corolla, synonymous with Toyota, is about to undergo a surprising transformation. The Corolla Concept, unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, features a stylish design that completely overturns the conventional image of the car as a “practical, safe, mass-produced car.” In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the interior and exterior appeal of the car, as well as some points of interest, as seen at the showroom.

The mass-market car Corolla is being reborn. Why is the Corolla changing so dramatically?

The positioning of sedans has changed.

Currently, the leading role in the Corolla series has shifted to the SUV, the Corolla Cross. With sedan sales declining sharply worldwide, Toyota has made a clear strategic shift. From a “practical car that appeals to everyone” to a “proposal aimed at customers who actively choose sedans.” In other words, by emphasizing individuality and design, the company hopes to create a reason to choose a sedan in an age when SUVs are all the rage.

Following the same path as the Prius

This change follows the success of the current Prius. Now that hybrid vehicles have spread throughout Toyota’s lineup, the adoption of a unique design as a “reason to choose the Prius” has received a great response. The Corolla is also taking on the market with an offensive rather than defensive stance.

Exterior design: Astonishing styling

Innovative front design

The front mask of the Corolla Concept has a powerful presence that is on a different level from the conventional Corolla.

Advantages:

• Ultra-low bonnet design – By adopting a newly developed inline 4-cylinder engine, the bonnet position has been lowered even further than the current Prius. This low cowl significantly improves aerodynamic performance and creates a sporty appearance.
• Single-line LED headlights – The sharp LED headlights that run from side to side are the perfect example of the Hammerhead Shark design. The three-dimensional light produced by multiple layers creates a powerful impression of modernity.
• Grille-less design – The lack of an air intake suggests that it is intended for EV use. Instead of a fuel lid, a flap for the charging port has been confirmed.

Concerns:

• The overly sporty design may divide existing Corolla users.
• The issue is how low the bonnet can be, given the collision safety standards required for actual mass production.

Side view: Beautiful coupe style

Advantages:

• The elegant roofline – a coupe form that flows beautifully towards the rear. The B-pillars are also flush-surfaced, creating a smooth impression without any steps.
• Large diameter wheels – Fitted with large 245/40R21 tires (Michelin Pilot Sport S). The impressive 21-inch size gives the car an overwhelming presence.
• Recessed door handles – Retractable (E-latch) door handles minimize air resistance. They are easy to clean and less likely to collect fingernail marks or dust.
• Character line – Sharp press lines on the side skirts create a dynamic look.

Concerns:

• Because of the coupe style, it may be difficult to get in and out of the back seats. The issue of “selecting the right driver” that was also pointed out with the Prius may also occur with the Corolla.
• Many of the existing Corolla users are older women, such as madams, and there is a risk that the car will be shunned by those who prioritize practicality.

Rear design: A futuristic rear view

Advantages:

• Left and right integrated tail lamps – Horizontal combination lamps with a dot pattern. The advanced design is similar to that of the Lexus RZ, improving visibility at night.
• Floating Roof – Blacked-out pillars and roofline create the visual effect of a floating tailgate
• Narrowed cabin – The cabin is designed to be narrow so that the rear fenders appear to protrude, contributing to aerodynamic performance.

Concerns:

• The rear window is quite small, which makes rear visibility a concern. The design seems to be based on a digital inner mirror (camera mirror), but it may not be suitable for users who prefer conventional mirrors.

Body size: Maintains ease of handling

The new Corolla Sedan is expected to have a length of 4510mm, width of 1745mm, height of 1430mm, and a wheelbase of 2640mm. There will be no major changes from the current model, and it is expected to maintain an easy-to-maneuver size that takes Japanese road conditions into consideration.

Even though the current model has been downsized from the previous generation’s 5-number size to a 3-number size, the Japanese model, which is more compact than the overseas model, remains popular, so we can expect the size to be set with an emphasis on the Japanese market this time as well.

Interior design: Quality comparable to Lexus

Advanced interior concept

The interior of the Corolla Concept is so luxurious and advanced that it makes you wonder if it’s too much.

Advantages:

• AI-enabled infotainment – Equipped with the latest AI voice recognition system, it uses a next-generation interface that allows you to operate various functions while talking.
• 12.3-inch display – A large monitor located in the center aggregates various information. Touch-type mirror controls, seat controls, and air conditioning control panels are located on both sides.
• Floating console – A car-shaped sliding shifter is placed on the center console, which appears to be floating in the air. It can also be expanded to be used as a table.
• Minimalist design – Minimizing physical switches to create a clean, futuristic space
• Ambient lighting – Indirect lighting in the door trim creates a luxurious atmosphere

Seat design innovation:

• Asymmetrical design – The driver’s seat is sporty with a vertical headrest and bulging shoulder support, while the passenger seat is entertainment-focused with a built-in speaker in the headrest.
• Independent monitor – A dedicated display is placed in front of the passenger seat, allowing passengers to enjoy their own content.
• Floating armrest – A floating armrest with built-in indirect lighting combines functionality and design.

Concerns:

• The interior is so advanced that it may seem out of place to those looking for a “Corolla-like” feel. Some have even commented, “Isn’t this a Lexus?”
• If electronics becomes too advanced, it may become difficult to gain support from users who prefer simple operation and who are concerned about how to deal with breakdowns.
• Since recessed door handles are electrically operated, there is a risk that the door will not open if the battery dies or there is a problem with the electrical system.

Interior space and visibility

Advantages:

• Wide front window – The large front window that extends almost to the ceiling provides an open and spacious view. It is a more practical design than a panoramic roof that requires you to look up at the roof.
• Flat floor – The adoption of a new generation powertrain improves the efficiency of the space under the floor, ensuring ample legroom.
• Recessed rear seats – Despite the low roofline, the seating surface is recessed to ensure sufficient head clearance.

Concerns:

• The floor is set slightly higher (assuming it is equipped with an EV battery), so the steps when getting in and out may be higher.

Powertrain: New generation engines and the potential of EVs

Newly developed 1.5L inline 4-cylinder engine

Technical features:

• Short stroke – Changed from the previous inline 3-cylinder 1.5L to an inline 4-cylinder with the same displacement. Achieved a 10% reduction in volume and 10% reduction in overall height.
• Output improvement – 130ps/15.0kgm for gasoline vehicles, 100ps/14.0kgm for hybrid vehicles (motor: 100ps/19.0kgm)
• Euro 7 compliant – Environmental performance that meets strict European exhaust gas regulations from 2028 onwards
• Lower center of gravity – The smaller engine allows the hood to be lowered significantly

Possibility of EV specification

The display vehicle does not have a grille, and a flap that appears to be for a charging port has been confirmed, which suggests that it could be developed as a BEV (battery electric vehicle).The ultra-low bonnet design is also unique to EVs, which do not require engine space.

Fuel efficiency: Achieving even greater efficiency

The estimated fuel economy for the new Corolla Sedan is as follows:

• Hybrid : 33.0km/L (approximately 3km/L improvement from the current 30.2km/L)
• Gasoline : 21.5km/L (approximately 2km/L improvement from the current 19.4km/L)

With a new generation engine and improved aerodynamic performance, it achieves both environmental friendliness and driving performance.

Safety equipment: Latest Toyota Safety Sense

The Toyota Safety Sense preventive safety package will be standard equipment, and is expected to include the latest safety features such as daytime and nighttime pre-crash safety, lane tracing assist, rear cross traffic alert, and intelligent clearance sonar.

Price: A slight price increase, but still easy to choose from

The new Corolla Sedan is expected to start at 2.35 million yen, an increase of approximately 100,000 yen from the current model. While incorporating the latest technology, the company plans to maintain the brand’s mid-class appeal.

Release date: Scheduled for December 2026

The new Corolla Sedan is scheduled to go on sale in December 2026. The final production specifications will likely be determined based on the reaction at the Japan Mobility Show.

Overall rating: A new era for the Corolla begins

Summary: The evolution of the Corolla adapts to change

The new Corolla Concept is a car that embodies Darwin’s theory of evolution: “The one that adapts best to change will survive.” In an age dominated by SUVs, the only way for sedans to survive is through individuality and design—this is a car that shows Toyota’s determination.

Some may say, “This isn’t a Corolla.” However, rather than playing it safe, we will weave the history of the Corolla with an offensive stance. This challenging attitude may be the key to leading the Corolla brand, which has been around for over 50 years, into the next era.

This is a car that we can’t wait to see released in December 2026.