2026 Toyota Corolla Has More Standard Tech, But You’ll Pay A Little Extra

The 2026 Toyota Corolla sedan and Corolla Hybrid are almost here, and despite ongoing inflation and an 11th-hour tariff deal for Japan, prices are rising only slightly compared to the 2025 models. Better still, the Corolla now has a longer list of standard technology and safety features, with the automaker democratizing stuff formerly limited to higher trim levels. That’s great news for bargain hunters who still don’t want to give up on modern creature comforts.

The Gas-Only Corolla Is Still Toyota’s Cheapest Car

The 2026 Toyota Corolla will soldier into next year as the automaker’s least expensive vehicle – at least so far – with a starting price of $22,725 for the base LE grade before destination and handling. That’s an increase of $400 relative to the 2025 model, not a bad increase considering it now comes standard with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assistance. Also standard on the LE and SE models is a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which was formerly only offered on the 2025 XSE model. Speaking of, that trim will maintain its status at the top thanks to an upsized 12.3-inch gauge display, which will be optional on the SE. The retro-tinged FX Edition sedan is gone for 2026, replaced by a Corolla hatch by the same name.

Otherwise, things are unchanged for the long-running Toyota compact sedan. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is still the only mill on offer, mated exclusively to a continuously variable transmission with 10 pre-selected gear ratios. The 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque won’t win any drag races, but it’s more than the base Honda Civic’s 150 hp. The non-hybrid Corolla musters an impressive 32 miles per gallon city, 41 highway, and 35 combined in base LE form, though you’ll have to sacrifice style since that model comes only with 16-inch steel wheels and hubcaps.

Related

The 10 Cheapest Toyota Cars You Can Buy In 2025

We look at the ten cheapest Toyotas across various segments – from 4×4 trucks to family-carrying duty, and even the cheapest for fun.

The Corolla Hybrid Remains A Solid Value

Like its non-electrified sibling, the Corolla Hybrid will suffer from a little price increase for 2026. Now starting at $24,575 before destination, the LE model is $750 more expensive than its 2025 equivalent. The larger price increase on the hybrid is a bit of a head-scratcher, considering it benefits from exactly the same improvements that only cost $400 on the gas-only model, but less than $25k for a nice, efficient hybrid sedan still strikes us as a decent deal.

As before, the Corolla Hybrid will come in LE, SE, and XLE trim levels, with the former two offering Toyota’s distinctive electric all-wheel drive. Like the non-hybrid, the LE and SE will get a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, while the XLE gets a 12.3-inch unit. And mechanically, things are pretty much unchanged, with a 1.8-liter four-banger under the hood mated to an electric continuously variable transmission – with or without the all-wheel-drive system’s e-axle on the rear, combined system output is a barely adequate 138 hp. Still, the benefit is great fuel economy. Go for the LE or XLE, which both have 16-inch wheels, and you’ll enjoy 50 combined mpg.

Related

Toyota Prius vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid: When A $160 Difference Is A No-Brainer

Which of Toyota’s compact hybrids is the best value for your money?

A Dated Design That Still Has Some Appeal

The current Toyota Corolla debuted for the 2019 model year, and despite a 2023 refresh, the compact sedan (and its Corolla Hatchback sibling) are starting to look a little tired. Competition has gotten stiffer too, with the excellent Honda Civic now offering hybrid-exclusive trim levels that are both powerful and efficient – you can get them in hatchback form too. There’s even a rivalry brewing within Toyota, whose Prius is no longer the dishwater-dull hatchback it once was. Still, as one of the cheapest sedans on the market, the Corolla still represents a solid value, with a brand reputation that’s as sterling as they come.

Related

Driven: 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE Hatchback Is Almost Perfect

Long live the Corolla hatch.

Source: Toyota