The Corolla is one of Toyota’s best-selling models and one of the most popular vehicles of all time. It enters the 2026 model year with sedan and hatchback body styles, an available hybrid, and a level of value not seen in many other vehicles on the market. While it’s not a strong performer, the Corolla’s fantastic fuel economy and generous standard features help make up for the lack of power.
2026 Toyota Corolla Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Toyota Corolla
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Toyota Corolla
The 2026 Corolla gained a few updates, including standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert for all trims. The XSE trim gained a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while other trims have a 7-inch unit.
Design
While the basic Corolla formula hasn’t changed much in years, the car has become more modern and sleeker in recent times. It features slim LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs), a low, aggressive-looking grille, and a range of wheel choices, depending on the trim. Toyota offers a hatchback variant with a sportier look, and the GR Corolla hatchback features wide, boxy fender flares and a super-aggressive, rally-inspired look.
Powertrain
Toyota offers a Corolla Hybrid with a punchier powertrain, but the base gas engine is nothing to sneeze at. It’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, making 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, which pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Corolla isn’t particularly quick, taking almost nine seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill, but it has enough power for around-town commuting and highway cruising. Additionally, the car offers a relatively smooth ride quality that remains surprisingly quiet in most scenarios.
Interior
The Corolla seats five people on standard cloth upholstery, but the back seat is most comfortable with two people in tow. That said, the car offers enough space for car seats without encroaching too badly on front-seat space, and the accommodations are comfortable in most seating positions. Synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats are available.
Technology
Toyota equips an 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information screen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM radio, and more. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and larger 10.5-inch touchscreen are available. Toyota’s infotainment system is light years ahead of previous versions, offering a more responsive, intuitive interface and a more visually pleasing look overall.
Safety
The 2026 Toyota Corolla hasn’t been crash-tested yet, but it comes well-equipped with driver-assistance tech. The list includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and rear-seat alert. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available.
Pricing and Release Date
As of this writing, pricing for the 2026 Toyota Corolla starts at $23,920, which includes a $1,195 destination charge. The top XSE trim costs $29,635 after destination, making the new Corolla one of the most affordable vehicles on sale today. Additionally, Toyota doesn’t offer many added-cost options to push the price higher.
