The Next Toyota Corolla Could Be an EV — Or Not

Concept cars often need to be taken with at least a pinch of salt rather than a simple grain of it, since much of their makeup is on the whimsical side.

From radical styling to fantastical features, they often stray rather far from reality. But when it comes to the Toyota Corolla concept, there’s at least some semblance of reality in the adaptable nature of its platform and potential powertrains, with the automaker hinting that it could accommodate a variety of options ranging from strictly internal combustion to conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or even entirely electrified.

Of course, it’s unlikely that a future Corolla would offer all four power sources, but offering a couple isn’t without precedent. Toyota’s existing Prius has for years been available with the choice of conventional hybrid or PHEV powertrains, while the current Corolla comes with the choice of gas-only or gas-electric motivation. Then there’s the upcoming 2026 Lexus ES that will be either hybrid or electric.

The styling of the Corolla concept is a little less likely to translate into reality, with an upscale aesthetic both inside and out that simply looks expensive. In fact, there are some similarities to the Lexus LF-ZC concept that was revealed at the last Japan Mobility Show in 2023, with the same wedge-like shape and low cowl line.

The interior is just as luxurious looking, with a pedestal-like centre console and passenger-side display, the latter of which in particular isn’t exactly in keeping with the Corolla’s affordable-first approach for all these years. But then much of that stuff could be stripped out of a production model to make it more in line with Corollas past and present, making this multi-powertrain concept an intriguing one.