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The Toyota Corolla — a stalwart in the compact sedan class for more than six decades — has surfaced online in refreshed form well ahead of its official reveal. The 2025 facelift, aimed primarily at Asian markets, brings Toyota’s latest styling cues to the Corolla lineup and prepares the model to better compete in a market shifting toward SUVs and electrified cars.
Where the images came from
The updated Corolla for China first appeared on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) database, a common early sighting for cars bound for the Chinese market. The leaked images highlight a modernized front end and a split-headlight arrangement that echoes recent Toyota designs such as the Prius and RAV4.
Exterior design changes
The most noticeable visual update is the split-headlight layout: an upper C-shaped element with a continuous LED strip across the center and the primary high/low beam units mounted low at the outer edges of the bumper, each framed by black trim accents. Below, a darker horizontal grille and a more pronounced front spoiler give the Corolla a sportier, more planted face. At the rear, taillights receive a new internal structure and are linked by a full-width illuminated strip for a contemporary look. Side profile changes are subtle and largely limited to new wheel designs.
Design highlights
- Split-headlight configuration with LED signature
- Dark horizontal grille and larger front spoiler
- Full-width illuminated rear bar and revised taillight internals
- Minimal side revisions; updated alloy wheels
Powertrain and performance
For the Chinese market the facelifted Corolla retains two powertrain choices. The hybrid variant pairs a 1.8-liter petrol engine producing 98 hp (99 PS) with a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery pack. Toyota rates this Corolla HEV with a top speed of about 99 mph (160 kph) and an impressively low fuel consumption figure of 4.13 L/100 km (approximately 57 mpg). The petrol-only option uses a 2.0-liter engine that makes 169 hp (171 PS) and is capable of around 112 mph (180 kph).
Market positioning and pricing
The refreshed Corolla will launch first in China and Japan, with a U.S. introduction expected next year featuring minor market-specific tweaks. In the U.S., the Corolla remains an affordable compact sedan option, with the current model starting at $22,725; expect the facelift to arrive with a modest price increase to reflect the updates and new tech.
Sales, competition and relevance
The Corolla has been a top seller globally — crossing the 1 million units sold mark in 2024 — but the automotive landscape is shifting. In the U.S., Toyota moved 232,908 Corollas in 2024 (a slight increase of 0.23% year-over-year). Midway through 2025 U.S. sales dipped to 120,052 units, down roughly 1.6% compared with the same period in 2024, reflecting growing consumer preference for SUVs and EVs.
How it stacks up
- 2024 U.S. rivals included the Toyota Camry (309,875 units) and the Honda Civic (242,005 units).
- Globally, the Corolla remained one of the best-selling models but was outpaced by the Tesla Model Y, signaling the EV shift.
Final thoughts
The Corolla facelift brings contemporary styling and modest mechanical updates that should keep the compact sedan competitive in markets that still value fuel economy, reliability and low running costs. With updated lighting, refreshed front and rear fascias, and efficient hybrid hardware, the Corolla continues to appeal to buyers seeking value, practicality and proven Toyota engineering. Expect the U.S. arrival next year, where it will compete on price, efficiency and brand trust against both internal rivals and the expanding field of crossovers and electric vehicles.
Source: autoevolution
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