The New Toyota Corolla Concept Is So Radical You’ll Struggle To Recognize It

Toyota has stolen the limelight at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 with a varied selection of premieres across its range – including a new Corolla concept. The sedan previews the next chapter for one of the brand’s best-selling and longest-standing nameplates, with sharp styling and multiple powertrain options.

The concept is part of a new campaign titled “To You, Toyota,” and was penned by the company’s European design center in Nice, France (ED²). At first glance, it bears little resemblance to the current 12th-generation of the Corolla.

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Instead, it features crisp, modern lines and proportions more in tune with an electric vehicle, hinting at a new design direction for the familiar compact, much like Toyota achieved with the latest generation of the Prius.

A Sharp Exterior Design

The front end introduces a refined take on Toyota’s hammerhead design, with full-width LED headlights merging horizontal and vertical lighting signatures. Gone is the traditional grille, replaced by a narrow lower intake on the bumper and a subtle vent at the base of the windshield.

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From the profile, the car presents itself as a sleek four-door sedan that could carry forward the Corolla nameplate. The front fenders appear to host a charging port beside a new vertical accent beneath the mirrors. Other notable features include a descending window line, sculpted side panels, and conventional door handles.

The rear view is defined by a clean, integrated ducktail spoiler extending from the sloping roof. Sharp shoulders lead to full-width taillights with pixel-like illumination, and “Corolla” lettering sits across the flat tailgate. The rear bumper adds some depth with a sculpted finish and centered license plate placement.

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The interior is just as a radical rethink as the exterior. The dashboard has a clean design with modestly-sized screens for the digital instrument cluster and the passenger display. There is also a floating center console with a gear selector is shaped after the vehicle, along with futuristic seats and ambient lighting. Basic controls for the media and the HVAC are grouped on steering wheel and on each side of the instrument cluster.

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Toyota didn’t share the specifications of the “reinvented” Corolla but confirmed it will stay true to its multi-pathway approach. This means it will offer a variety of powertrain options including fully electric and hybrid, answering to the needs of buyers in different markets around the world. Crucially, there won’t be any compromise on space or functionality independently of what lies under the hood.

Despite the clear production intent of the Corolla concept, the automaker didn’t announce a set date for the debut of the new generation. Still, with the current model having been around since 2018 with a facelift in 2022, a successor could arrive in 2026.

More Concepts in the Spotlight

Beyond the main reveal, Toyota has also unveiled a collection of other intriguing concepts. Among them are colorful, futuristic capsules intended for children (Kids Mobi), a tennis-capable mobility device for people with disabilities (Boost Me), spider-like transporters for goods (Chibibo) and individuals (Walk Me), a treadmill on wheels (Walk Me), a rugged wheelchair with off-road aspirations (Challenge Me), and a boxy lounge area on wheels (Love Me).

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Furthermore, the company presented various light commercial vehicle concepts including a tiny single-seater EV for last-mile delivery (Coms-X), a minimalist cab-over pickup envisioned for developing markets (IMV Origin), an autonomous minivan that could serve as a taxi (Kago-Bo), a similar van version for professional use (Kayoibako).

Last but not least, Toyota showcased a new HiAce concept in both regular and high-roof bodystyles, featuring modern styling cues and fortress-style side windows.

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