Bold & Compact: The 2026 Toyota Corolla Raises the Bar in Standard Tech and Safety
Toyota has unveiled the 2026 Corolla, delivering upgrades in tech, safety, and interior refinement across all trims—gas and hybrid—while maintaining its reputation for affordability, efficiency, and reliability.
The new model receives standard advanced safety features, bigger digital displays, improved hybrid fuel economy, and more connectivity options, making it one of the smartest compact sedans in its class.
🔹 Safety Features Now Standard
For the first time, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross‑Traffic Alert is standard across the lineup.
Included in Toyota Safety Sense 3.0:
- Pre‑Collision System (Pedestrian/Cyclist/Motorcycle Detection)
- Full‑Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert + Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
🔹 New Digital Displays & Tech Upgrades
Interior tech sees a major boost:
Toyota Audio Multimedia System includes:
- 8-inch touchscreen (10.5-inch SE/XSE)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- “Hey Toyota” voice assistant
- Wi‑Fi Connect support
- Apple Music / Amazon Music integration
- JBL Premium Audio (XSE exclusive)
🔹 Power, Hybrid Efficiency & Performance
2.0L Dynamic Force Gas Engine- 169 hp / 151 lb‑ft torque
- ~35 MPG combined
- ~50 MPG combined
- AWD optional on LE & SE hybrids
Sport refinements:
- SE/XSE sport suspension
- XSE paddle shifters w/ 10 simulated shifts
- Drive modes: Normal / Eco / Sport
🔹 Exterior & Interior Refinement
Trim differences:
| Trim | Visual Identity |
|---|---|
| LE | Horizontal grill, 16" steel wheels |
| SE / XSE | Black mesh grill, rear diffuser, 18" alloys |
Comfort upgrades:
- Heated SofTex seats (XSE)
- Wireless charging + moonroof options
- Two‑tone paint available (SE/XSE)
Color options include Ice Cap, Ruby Flare Pearl, Celestite, Wind Chill Pearl, Silver Metallic, Midnight Black.
🔹 Price & Release
| Trim | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| LE (Gas) | $23,920 |
| SE (Gas) | $26,360 |
| XSE (Gas) | $29,635 |
| Hybrid | from $25,770 (AWD from $27,170) |
📅 Arrives Fall 2025 — FX Edition discontinued.
🔹 Warranty & Ownership
- 3yr/36k basic warranty
- 5yr/60k powertrain
- ToyotaCare — 2yr/25k maintenance
- 2yr roadside support
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About the Author
Jake Turner
Jake Turner is an ASE-certified master mechanic with over 18 years in independent shops and dealership service bays. He’s inspected thousands of used cars, from budget commuters to ex-fleet workhorses, and has a knack for spotting issues that never show up in glossy ads. On VinCheckPro.com, Jake explains how to connect what you see in a VIN report with what you should check under the hood, on the lift, and during a test drive.