2026 Toyota Corolla
A standard in the industry continues to age well
Test Vehicle:
2026 Toyota Corolla SE Hybrid
Exterior Color: Underground
Interior Color: Black
Powertrain: 1.8L 4-cylinder Dual VVT-i
Options: SE Premium Package ($965), Door Edge Guards ($165), Door Sill Protectors ($179), Mudguards ($160), Carpet Mat Package ($309), Frameless HomeLink Mirror ($175)
MSRP as tested: $31,677 (With Delivery/Destination)
Pros: Price, reliability, available AWD, standard safety features
Cons: Limited cargo space, uninspiring power
The Corolla is among the longest running automotive nameplates in history, dating back to its introduction in 1966. It's currently in its twelfth generation which debuted in 2018. Over the course of all these years, the Corolla has seen many iterations including sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, wagons and most recently a crossover called the Corolla Cross.
For 2026, the Corolla continues to be offered as a sedan, hatchback, and the Corolla Cross crossover. Focusing primarily on the sedan, it is offered in both a hybrid and gas version. The gas version of the Corolla is offered in three trims known as the LE, SE, and XSE. Hybrid models are available in the LE, SE, and XLE. New this year Toyota introduces a 12.3” digital cluster standard on the XLE, a 7” digital cluster standard on LE and SE, and Blind Spot Monitor w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is now standard across all grades. The 2026 Corolla Hybrid comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen equipped with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, while a 10.5-inch screen is available on SE and standard on the XLE grade.
Under the hood are two powertrain options. Standard on gas models is a 2.0L 4-cylinder mated to a dynamic shift CVT that delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. Also available is a hybrid model that is equipped with a fifth-gen Toyota Hybrid System with up to a 50 MPG Combined. It pairs a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve gas engine with an electric motor to deliver 138 horsepower. Hybrids are available in either FWD or AWD while gas models are exclusively FWD.
All grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Competition includes other compact sedans such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 3, and Volkswagen Jetta. Corolla Hybrid prices start around $24,575 for an LE and top off around $28,940 for a Hybrid XLE. Gas models start at $22,725 for an LE and top out around $28,440 for the XSE. With an expansive lineup and affordable prices, it's no wonder that Toyota has sold over 52 million Corollas to date making it the best-selling car of all time. I spent a week in a 2026 Corolla SE Hybrid AWD and here's what stands out...
Exterior:
The Corolla was last refreshed in 2023 but still has a clean refined look. Its exterior isn’t radical, but it’s cohesive and contemporary, aiming for a look that’s both stylish and broadly appealing for everyday driving. Up front is a horizontal grille design with LED lighting that makes it look more premium. The LED headlights are standard across trims with a sharp or “predatory” shape, contributing to a more expressive front end. The headlights wrap around to the fenders with a slim black trim piece in between. Sportier grades (SE and above) add a glossy black mesh lower grille and sculptural fascia, giving a more athletic, dynamic visual attitude. The sedan’s silhouette is traditional but well-proportioned with crisp lines that lend a sense of purposeful motion. Available two-tone paint options add visual interest. Around back LEDs are also standard across the lineup along with a lower fascia that adds a sporty character. Overall, the design has balanced proportions with appropriate wheel designs that suit the Corolla’s identity. Exterior color options include Blueprint, Wind Chill Pearl, Ice Cap, Ruby Flare Pearl, Underground, Classic Silver Metallic, Celestite and Midnight Black Metallic.
Wheels:
Toyota offers a variety of wheel designs and sizes to go with various models. Everything above the L and LE gets attractive alloy wheel designs while those base models come with 16-inch steel wheels paired with decent-looking wheel covers. I'm particularly fond of the variations of the 18-inch SE and XSE wheels that come in finishes such as a machined /dark gray combo or painted black. These details are what give the Corolla a more sophisticated look.
Powertrain:
Hybrid models come standard with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve gas engine with an electric motor to deliver 138 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Front wheel drive is standard, but all wheel drive is available. Acceleration is leisurely with a 0-60 time of around 9 seconds. Acceleration is relaxed compared to gas-only models, but it’s smooth and perfectly suitable for daily urban and highway driving. AWD hybrid variants are slightly slower to but offer extra traction in slippery conditions. It has enough pep for around town driving, but when getting on the highway it lags power. When trying to pass other cars, it's less powerful than you'd likely want, but will get the job done with some engine noise. It does seamlessly shift between gas and electric power. The gas model has a 2.0L 4-cylinder mated to a dynamic shift CVT that delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. It packs more power that will get it to 60 MPH slightly quicker at 8.2 seconds.
The Dynamic-Shift CVT combines the smooth, fuel-efficient performance of a CVT with the more direct driving feel of a traditional geared automatic. It utilizes a physical first gear for start-off acceleration, before handing off to the CVT's pulley system to help give more oomph. The CVT has a simulated 10-speed sequential shiftmatic along with a sport mode. Sport mode gives the Corolla a bit more pep and higher revs, but it sounds labored as you hit the gas and get into higher speeds. There is a sport mode that increases the throttle response for a little more driving thrill.
Handling:
As an affordable, entry-level car I was impressed with the Corolla's ride. Around town it felt lively zipping around corners and through traffic. The car feels solid and grounded to the pavement rather than light and all over the road. Steering is precise and easily controlled, which makes this a very comfortable car to drive. The suspension is appropriate and provides a smooth ride with minimal body lean. The suspension absorbs road imperfections, and the available AWD is a nice bonus for anyone needing to battle inclement weather or uneven terrains. The eAWD system uses a dedicated electric drive motor to automatically supply power to the rear wheels for instant improvement in traction.
Fuel Economy:
When the Corolla Hybrid arrived with a full 11.4-gallon fuel tank it offered a range of over 500 miles. EPA estimates for the AWD model are 47/41/44 MPG city/highway/combined and after a week of routine suburban driving, I averaged 45 MPG. FWD models do slightly better at 50/43/47 MPG city/highway/combined. Ratings are good for the class but there are other hybrids that do better.
Interior / Technology:
The layout is simple, modern, and well-built. The materials are better than average and it's an easy car to get acclimated to. Standard is a 7" digital gauge cluster that provides safety alerts, vehicle health information, and more. An upgradeable 12.3” digital gauge cluster is available on higher trims. At the center of the dash is a standard 8" touch screen that wirelessly integrates with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa while a 10.5” touchscreen is available on mid and higher trims (standard on top trims). The infotainment system is basic, but also both responsive and intuitive. The touchscreen is flanked by ancillary buttons and knobs to navigate the screen and make adjustments to both audio and climate controls. Upgraded features include wireless device charging, JBL premium audio, moonroof, USB-C ports, and automatic climate control. Other impressive available features include a Qi wireless charger and a power tilt sliding moonroof.
Seating:
The Corolla seats five with sufficient head and legroom for the class. Two adults would be most comfortable in the back seats, three would feel tight. Rear seat headroom is even more limited in the hatchback. Standard seats come with durable cloth upholstery and require manual adjustments. The XLE grade has a SofTex-trimmed 8-way power-adjustable and heated front driver’s seat and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat. The seats offer class-appropriate comfort and the driver's positioning is comfortable with good visibility all around.
The front seats of the SE and XSE grades feature a unique shape with a headrest that nestles into the shoulder area as well as broader shoulder supports, while the LE and XLE grades offer a seatback with a U-shaped pattern. This change from a conventional square seatback design gives it a sportier appeal and hints of a bucket seat versus basic economy car.
Cargo / Storage:
There's limited storage inside with only a smallish center console compartment and two cup holders up front. The sedan's trunk offers 13.1 cu.ft. of storage and the hinges on the trunk further limit what will fit in the back. As I'm often hauling kids around, I found this trunk to fill up quickly with backpacks and gear. The rear seats do fold down, but not flat, which is really only beneficial for slimmer items. Opt for the hatchback if you're looking for better cargo flexibility as it has both a wider hatch opening and accommodates 17.8 cu.ft behind the seats.
Standard Safety Features:
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is now standard across the line up. It is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes, with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning.
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The suite includes:
* Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
* Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
* Daytime Bicyclist Detection
* Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
* Lane Tracing Assist
* Automatic High Beams
* Road Sign / Assist
* Proactive Driving Assist
Proactive Driving Assist is the latest technology added. When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle's camera and radar, this system provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.
Also available is brake hold which is a convenient technology that helps reduce driver workload while waiting at a traffic light or while driving in traffic. When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal, Brake Hold releases. Other safety features include ten airbags and the Star Safety System.
Final Statement:
The Corolla is a well-known nameplate for a reason, and its no-nonsense approach continues to work well. This car wraps all your basic needs in a sporty looking package (especially in SE and XSE grades). The hybrid model is even more efficient and powerful than it has been in the past. Prices continue to be reasonable while offering a lengthy list of safety features and a long history of value and reliability. The car itself is built to last with quality materials and good craftsmanship. It may not be the most powerful member of the class, but it has enough spirit to be enjoyable.
