2026 Toyota Corolla review

Another year, anotherToyota Corolla.

The Toyota Corolla: still here, still hybrid, still dividing opinions. As it cruises toward 2026, the icon of sensible motoring remains stubbornly, gloriously, itself. Forget radical reinvention; this is evolution, not revolution. Front-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox are non-negotiable, and the hybrid powertrain remains the star of the show. Detractors will undoubtedly cry "overpriced," but for legions of loyalists, the Corolla continues to deliver exactly what they need, year after reliable year.

2025 might feel like yesterday, but things have shifted under the hood at Toyota. While the hatchback trio soldiers on unchanged, the sedan lineup has undergone a strategic nip and tuck, a bold move to refine the range.

With one less sedan in the lineup, prepare for a $265 bump on the remaining two. The silver lining? Both now boast a stunning 12.3-inch digital instrument display and seamless wireless Android Auto standard.

The ZR Hatch holds steady, no groundbreaking updates, but the price? Still wallet-friendly. Our test ZR Hatch? It’s a steal, aggressively priced to brawl with the best from Mazda and Hyundai in the top-tier small car arena.

Toyota’s conservative approach mirrors its loyal customers: ditching the Corolla feels like betraying a trusted friend.

Forget polite applause; the 2025 model is detonating sales charts! It’s not just winning; it’s humiliating the competition, boasting nearly double the sales figures of its closest rival, the Mazda 3. Crowned Australia’s best-selling passenger car, it stands as a defiant middle finger to the ute and SUV horde that typically dominates the land.

So what is it about the Corolla that keeps buyers coming back?

How much does the Toyota Corolla cost?

Farewell, ZR Sedan. Now, the ZR Hatch reigns supreme as the priciest Corolla Hybrid, demanding a cool $39,100 before you even hit the road.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2025 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid Hatch | $32,110 | | 2025 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid Sedan | $32,585 | | 2025 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Sedan | $35,185 | | 2025 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch | $35,260 | |2025 Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid Hatch|$39,100|

Forget sensible shoes and grocery runs. The GR Corolla throws the Corolla’s cardigan image into a roaring furnace. This isn’t your grandma’s hatchback; it’s a fire-breathing, asphalt-scorching testament to Toyota’s wild side. Prepare for sticker shock, though. This hot hatch, the priciest Corolla incarnationever, demands a hefty $67,990 (plus on-roads) for the stick shift, and a cool $70,490 (plus on-roads) for the automatic.

While the GR Yaris is a feisty three-door pocket rocket, the GR Corolla takes a different tack. It shares the five-door silhouette of the standard hybrid hatch, but don’t let that fool you. Beneath the familiar facade lies a beast, sculpted with unique panels – a bespoke front bumper, flared front fenders, a menacing bonnet, and a subtly reworked roof. And under the hood? A powertrain that leaves its hybrid sibling eating dust.

Think of the Corolla ZR Hybrid as playing in the same league as the Hyundai i30 N Line Premium and the Mazda 3 G25 Astina – the heavy hitters of their respective lineups. You’re looking at roughly the same ballpark figure: the i30 N Line Premium claws its way to around $41,000 before you add on-road costs, while the Mazda 3 G25 Astina demands a bit more, landing at $43,310 before on-roads.

If you’re hunting for a hatchback hero, the Subaru Impreza 2.0S ($38,990 plus on-roads) is a strong contender. But hold up! The rarer, more thrilling S-Edition Impreza snatches the crown, demanding $42,490 (before on-roads) for its exclusive prowess. Sedan fans, don’t despair! Kia’s K4 GT-Line offers a four-door alternative, clocking in at $42,990 (before you add those on-road costs).

To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

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What is the Toyota Corolla like on the inside?

"While the 12th-generation Corolla may be seasoned, tracing its roots back to 2018, this variant dares to sparkle a little brighter."

Utilitarian it remains, as befitting the current Corolla’s breed. However, the ZR sprinkles enough premium fairy dust to justify its flagship crown, transforming the cabin into a genuinely pleasant sanctuary.

The Corolla already boasts impressive ergonomics, but the ZR elevates the experience. Sink into ZR-exclusive seats, a striking blend of cloth and synthetic leather, that bear a tantalizing resemblance to those found in its track-bred sibling, the GR Corolla. It’s a cockpit designed for both comfort and a hint of performance pedigree.

Forget the aggressive GR badge – these seats whisper performance, not shout it. Subtler, yes, but still boasting the same supportive embrace you crave. Think of them as a slightly gentler version of the track-day throne; they’re a touch softer, offering a welcome respite without sacrificing bolstering. Comfort is king, and adjustability is its loyal subject, providing ample power-assisted fine-tuning to dial in your perfect driving position.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel, thankfully untouched by cost-cutting measures, feels just right in your hands – a perfect circle of grip. Its buttons, blessedly physical in this age of touchscreens, are rendered in understated black plastic, a testament to the Corolla’s inherent robustness and its refreshingly un-futuristic design.

The budget-friendly nature peeks through in places: the dashboard and steering wheel boss, while functional, lack visual flair. Harder plastics reside on the center console and door cards, though thankfully, these are areas your fingers won’t often frequent.

The real magic, however, unfolds before the driver. Forget analog; the ZR throws you into the digital age with a vibrant 12.3-inch instrument display. It’s a stunning upgrade from the previous 7.0-inch partial display, radiating sophistication and packing a data deluge. Finding what you need might feel like navigating a labyrinth of menus, but the sheer volume of information at your fingertips is undeniable.

The infotainment screen, framed by a glossy, piano-black bezel, now feels like a peepshow into the past. At a modest 8.0 inches, it’s dwarfed by today’s expansive displays, yet it counters its size with surprising sharpness and responsiveness. The user interface is clean and modern, a digital oasis of crisp graphics in a landscape of ever-growing screens.

Smartphone mirroring ditched the cords and embraced the airwaves, and thankfully, Apple CarPlay played flawlessly. Remember those Bluetooth gremlins that haunted previous Toyotas, particularly under Melbourne’s toll gantries? They were nowhere to be found during our week-long ZR adventure, thankfully.

Beneath awaits a tactile oasis: real, silver-toned climate controls rising from a polished ebony expanse. A welcome rebellion against touchscreen tyranny, even if the chosen materials feel a touch… compromised for such constant contact.

The gear selector is nestled in a sea of scratch-magnet piano black. Unlike some rivals, the Corolla retains a classic, leather-accented gearshift. A cluster of tactile driving-mode buttons sits within easy reach, a welcome contrast to burying functions in touchscreen menus.

The leather-clad gear selector rises like a sculpted baton, presiding over the auto-hold and electric handbrake controls. A lone USB-C port, tucked away on the passenger side of the dashboard, hints at connectivity while maintaining a clean, driver-centric focus.

Forget fumbling for cords! Cleverly concealed within the central armrest, a secret storage compartment awaits, complete with a second USB-C port – a hidden haven for your tech. Beyond this clandestine cache, you’ll find a classic passenger-side glovebox and a duo of cupholders nestled beneath the plush armrest, keeping your essentials organized and within easy reach.

The black headliner cocoons you in a cockpit-like embrace, amplifying the sense of luxury. Some might find it snug, but we find it undeniably alluring.

The rear cabin feels like a stylish cave, deepened by a high beltline. At least passengers back there get their own climate control, thanks to the console vents a welcome step up from the budget-friendly SX.

The ZR’s leather upholstery laughs in the face of accidental spills, a definite upgrade over its cloth-clad cousins. However, picture this: sticky fingers, rogue juice boxes, and the unpredictable chaos of childhood. Still not a perfect match. The rear bench offers a welcome plushness, but legroom? Let’s just say your adult passengers might be playing a real-life game of Tetris.

Headroom suffers most, while legroom plays nice as long as front-seat occupants don’t hog all the space. The middle rear seat? Think sardine can, not limousine. Adults back there will be fighting for space, especially with the driveshaft tunnel stealing precious legroom inches.

Packing for a weekend getaway? Think Tetris, not cavernous comfort. The Corolla’s boot is undeniably petite. Its 217-litre capacity shrinks in comparison to rivals like the Hyundai i30 (boasting a generous 395L) and the Mazda 3 (offering a respectable 295L). Prepare to pack light, or perhaps invest in a stylish roof rack.

Forget squeezing in groceries! This car makes the Impreza’s already compact cargo space (a mere 291L by the book) look positively cavernous. Just be warned: comparing luggage space between brands can feel like comparing apples and… well, miniature oranges.

The cargo area boasts a wonderfully flat expanse, practically begging for you to slide in anything you’ve got. Forget strained backs – the low rear lip makes loading a breeze. And tucked away on either side? Clever, cavernous cubbies swallow up smaller items, keeping them from rolling around. The only snag? The parcel shelf can be a bit of a hurdle for those extra-tall hauls.

Flat tire? No spare. You get a repair kit. On the bright side, accessing the under-floor storage is still manageable. Prop the boot floor open with its clever hook-and-parcel-shelf-string contraption.

| Dimensions | Toyota Corolla Hatch | | — | — | |Length| 4375mm | |Width| 1790mm | |Height| 1435mm | |Wheelbase| 2640mm | |Cargo capacity (VDA)| 217L |

To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Beneath the Corolla’s familiar skin lies a surprisingly clever heart: a 1.8-litre petrol engine working in perfect harmony with a hybrid system. Think of it as a tag team; the petrol engine brings its dependable punch, delivering 103kW, while the electric motor adds a near-silent boost. This dynamic duo channels its power through a seamless CVT, ensuring that every journey is smooth.

| Specifications | Toyota Corolla Hybrid | | — | — | |Engine| 1.8L 4cyl hybrid | |Engine outputs| 72kW/142Nm | |Peak electric outputs| 70kW/185Nm | |Peak system outputs| 103kW | |Battery| 1.3kWh li-ion | |Transmission| e-CVT | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Kerb weight| 1400kg | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 4.0L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 5.1L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 43L | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane regular unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 85g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 |

The open highway became our car’s playground this week, culminating in a pilgrimage to the legendary Lang Lang Proving Ground. This extended workout meant the engine got more of a flex than it typically would, nudging our fuel consumption above the advertised figures. Even so, the car proved to be remarkably frugal, mile after exhilarating mile.

To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How does the Toyota Corolla drive?

Even in flagship ZR form, the Corolla remains a generally unremarkable vehicle to drive.

Forget roaring engines and track-day thrills. The everyday Corolla sings a different tune: efficiency. While we couldn’t quite match the sipping-fuel performance of the SX we tested recently, hovering around 5.0L/100km is still a wallet-friendly win for the average driver. This isn’t about adrenaline; it’s about stretching every drop.

The Corolla shrugs off its economy car label with surprising agility. Its acceleration is eager, injecting a dose of fun into everyday driving, feeling less like a budget-friendly ride and more like a caffeinated pocket rocket. Call it zippy? Absolutely.

"The engine, while competent, sings a rather monotone tune, especially when pushed – a common lament for CVT-burdened powertrains. Thankfully, the electric motor injects a welcome jolt of energy, elevating the driving experience to a level that still sets the standard in its class."

The powertrain’s electric/petrol dance is surprisingly smart. A dedicated EV button lets you glide silently through city streets, but it seamlessly hands over to petrol power above 40km/h. Perfect for emission-free urban commutes, and honestly, we can’t fault the logic.

Switching to ‘B’ mode coaxes a whisper of regenerative braking while juicing up the hybrid battery. Drive modes? Think of them as faint flavors. Sport mode adds a dash of spice, awakening the powertrain. Eco mode sips fuel, prioritizing electric glide. And Normal? Predictably, it’s your everyday default.

The Corolla’s nimble spirit shines through every drive, a testament to its expertly balanced chassis. Even without the roaring heart of the GR Corolla, a direct descendant, the standard models inherit a playful responsiveness that transforms mundane errands into moments of pure driving pleasure.

Forget beige. Think bold. The Corolla ZR Hybrid isn’t just sipping fuel; it’s serving up a driving experience that’ll raise an eyebrow, even for seasoned petrolheads. Sure, the standard hybrid is sensible, but the ZR? It’s been injected with a shot of adrenaline. Enhanced suspension and hugging sports seats transform the mundane into something genuinely… engaging.

Forget everything you thought you knew about the Corolla. This isn’t your grandma’s grocery-getter. Point its nose into a corner, and the direct steering and surprisingly firm suspension transform it into something…fun. You’ll be carving through bends at speeds that seem almost audacious. And thanks to those unexpectedly supportive seats, you’ll stay planted and confident, not sliding into the passenger seat.

Even when tackling unforgiving Victorian roads at 100km/h and beyond, the Corolla remains composed. It’s a confidence-inspiring ride; you’re always a step ahead, intuitively knowing how it will respond.

Rear visibility is excellent. The Corolla’s sculpted rear doesn’t create blind spots, and the superb driving position, enhanced by readily adjustable powered seats, lets you fine-tune your comfort and sightlines on the move.

Parking is made easier with front and rear sensors, plus a respectable reversing camera. Yet, even on the ZR model, a surround-view monitor is surprisingly absent.

On the open freeway, the radar cruise control anticipates traffic like a seasoned pro, smoothly adjusting your speed. However, classic Toyota: overtaking requires patience. That lag when you hit the gas to pass can leave you feeling like you’re stuck in molasses. A quick tap of the accelerator might be necessary to slingshot you into the fast lane.

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The lane-centering system is a trusty co-pilot, mostly. Though around hairpin turns, it hesitates like a shy dancer, a gentle nudge rather than a confident lead.

While the ZR trim boasts a refined feel, its imposing 18-inch alloy wheels introduce noticeable road noise. For those prioritizing a serene journey, the SX model, riding on more forgiving 16-inch wheels, emerges as the superior choice, transforming lengthy drives into tranquil escapes.

Low-profile tires transmit every road imperfection directly to your spine. Short hops are tolerable, but extended journeys become a relentless assault on your comfort. The miles melt away, but so does your tolerance.

The Corolla ZR: Still a champion, now with a dash of rebellious charm. It embraces familiar excellence while daring to flaunt its own unique flair.

To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The Corolla Hatch is offered in three grades – Ascent Sport, SX, and ZR.

Corolla SX

2026 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport equipment highlights:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel
• Automatic bi-LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Heated, power-folding mirrors
• LED daytime running lights and tail lights
• Cloth upholstery
• 12.3-inch instrument display (sedan)
• 7.0-inch instrument display (hatch)
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto (hatch)
• Wireless Android Auto (sedan)
• DAB+ digital radio
• Satellite navigation

• Illuminated vanity mirrors
• Rear seat reminder
• 6-speaker sound system
• Air-conditioning
• Toyota Connected Services (12-month subscription)
• Keyless entry and start

Corolla SX adds:

• LED fog lights
• Electric parking brake
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, shifter
• Wireless phone charger
• USB charging port
• Satellite navigation
• Auto-folding side mirrors
• Keyless entry and start
• Privacy glass
• Remote climate control pre-conditioning

Corolla ZR adds:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Tyre repair kit
• Two-tone paint options
• 9-speaker JBL sound system
• Front sports seats
• 8-way power driver’s seat incl. lumbar
• Leatherette seat accents
• Heated front seats
• Head-up display
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Ambient lighting

To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

Is the Toyota Corolla safe?

The Toyota Corolla, a name synonymous with reliability, faces a bump in the road. Models rolling off the assembly line from January 1, 2025, will be flying under the radar of ANCAP, the independent auto safety watchdog. Its previously stellar five-star safety rating, awarded back in 2018, has officially timed out, leaving future Corolla buyers in the dark.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 7 airbags incl. driver’s knee
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking

• Pedestrian, Cyclist, Motorcycle detection
• Junction assist

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Emergency steering assist
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Lane Trace Assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Reversing camera
• Safe exit assist

SX and up add:

• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear cross-traffic alert

To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How much does the Toyota Corolla cost to run?

Drive with confidence! Your new Corolla comes standard with Toyota Australia’s comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. But that’s not all! Keep your Corolla serviced on schedule at any authorized Toyota dealer nationwide, and we’ll extend that peace of mind to a whopping seven years of coverage for your engine and driveline.

| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota Corolla Hybrid | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| $99 or $139 per year, depending on plan | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5 years ($250 each) | |Total capped-price service cost| $1250 |

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To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid hatch

The Corolla: Still reigning supreme, year after year, and it’s no accident.

Step into the Toyota Corolla, and you’re instantly greeted by a sense of comforting familiarity – a hallmark of the modern Toyota experience. Even with this generation’s tenure, it remains refreshingly approachable, particularly for drivers who appreciate time-tested reliability. But the Corolla’s appeal goes beyond mere dependability. It’s a car that resonates with a wide spectrum of Australian drivers, offering not just peace of mind, but also the enticing prospect of significant savings at the pump, thanks to its impressive hybrid technology. It’s a smart choice wrapped in a familiar package.

Sink into long-term satisfaction: thoughtful refinements, rock-solid safety, and intuitive multimedia make every journey a pleasure. The well-appointed interior elevates the experience, while confident handling and a smooth ride are the delightful cherry on top.

While the ZR might tempt with its athletic flair, think twice before choosing it for long Aussie hauls. Those skinny tires and sporty seats that deliver nimble handling become enemies on less-than-perfect highways. After a couple of hours on those unforgiving roads, comfort quickly gives way to regret.

While the flagship Corolla packs a punch in value and efficiency, those minor drawbacks whisper a truth: the Corolla SX is where the magic truly happens. It’s the sweet spot in Toyota’s lineup, hitting all the right notes.

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