Happy 60th, Corolla
In November 1966, Toyota introduced a car that would be instrumental in changing its fortunes and turning it into the powerhouse it is today. That model is the humble Corolla, and it celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
12 generations and over 50 million sales later, the Corolla remains one of Toyota’s top-selling models. While the RAV4 has since overtaken it, it’s still a hugely important car for the brand. We’re expecting a new generation soon, but for now, it’s time to celebrate.
Toyota
Special Models Coming Soon?
For now, Toyota Japan isn’t planning any events to commemorate its best-selling car ever, but it’s safe to say there will be one. One can also expect a couple of special-edition models coming soon as the car’s birthday approaches.
Japanese auto website Creative311 reckons that’s the case, too. According to the site, Toyota will make an announcement between spring and summer this year. In Japan, that’s sometime during the second quarter of this year. No other details were released at the time of writing, but it’s said special versions of the sedan, hatchback, and Touring (wagon) will be made.
Toyota
Recently Updated
In its home market, the Corolla recently received a slew of updates back in September 2025. All body styles and trims of the car now come with a factory-fitted dashcam, plus blind spot monitoring and safe exit assist are now standard in lower trim levels. No aesthetic or mechanical changes were made to the cars.
But the big news here is in the powertrain department. All Japanese-market models were to be hybrid-only. The specs are virtually identical to the U.S. market model, meaning a 1.8-liter engine mated to two electric motors with a combined output of 138 hp. Hybrid all-wheel drive is also an option in Japan.
Interestingly, the Chinese-market Corollas get more visible changes. It gets a Prius-like front end design, along with new wheel options available. It’s not out in the country yet, but it’s expected to appear later this year.
Toyota
What’s Next for the Corolla?
Back in October 2025, Toyota revealed a radical-looking Corolla Concept at that year’s Japan Mobility Show. It was meant to show that the compact car was ready to take a new direction, one unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s possible that Toyota could reveal the car sometime this year, just in time for its 60th birthday.
The Corolla continues to evolve to reach a new generation. The Corolla Cross’s mid-2020 premiere is good proof of that, as it adapts to a market hungry for crossovers. It’s a clever way of keeping the nameplate alive for more years to come, ensuring its legacy.
2026 Toyota Corolla Touring (Japanese Market
