This Is What the Updated Toyota Corolla Will Look Like

Although it may not seem like it, the current generation of the Toyota Corolla has already been on the market for six years. Despite a light facelift in certain markets for 2025, the compact sedan’s age is starting to show. With no all-new generation in sight, Toyota is preparing yet another update for the current platform, at least in the Chinese market.

This is evident in images from the latest round of approvals released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), where the sedan appears under the name ‘Corolla Allion.’ The most notable change is at the front, which now features Toyota’s new design language—already seen on the latest Prius and the recent RAV4.

The headlights have a new split arrangement. The upper section includes a C-shaped outline with a continuous LED strip in the center. The high and low beams are now positioned at the outer edges of the bumper, framed by black accents. Below, a dark horizontal grille and a more prominent front spoiler complete the refreshed look.

On the sides, changes are minimal and mainly limited to redesigned wheels. At the rear, the taillights feature a new internal layout and are now connected by an illuminated strip across the center, while the bumper retains its familiar design.

As is typical with Chinese regulatory filings, there are no interior images. It remains unclear whether Toyota will retain the current dashboard—largely unchanged since this generation’s debut—or introduce an update inspired by the new RAV4, which features cleaner lines and a larger infotainment display.

Under the hood, at least for the Chinese market, the engine options mirror those offered in other markets: a full hybrid 1.8-liter and a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The hybrid setup produces up to 98 horsepower and uses a nickel-cobalt-manganese battery, while the 2.0-liter engine delivers 171 horsepower.

It’s still unclear if this particular facelift is destined for the US, but we’ll know in due time.