LOOK: 2026 Toyota Corolla to get a Prius-inspired makeover?

Believe it or not, the 12th-generation Toyota Corolla (codenamed E210) has been in the market since 2018. Since it was launched seven years ago, the compact sedan has only gone through a single facelift, but has gone through significant updates like new lithium-ion batteries for the hybrid version, and introduced Toyota Safety Sense to high-grade models, such as the GR-S variants.

However, it looks like the current generation Corolla will undergo another facelift, at least in the Chinese market. The country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) recently released new pictures of what appear to be the 2026 Toyota Corolla. While it appears to be the next-generation model, a closer view of the vehicle has revealed that the sedan might receive a second update.

Despite the grainy quality of the pictures, the 2026 Toyota Corolla appears to get a Prius-inspired makeover. Not only does it resemble the latest hybrid, but the heavily redesigned front fascia, featuring a split headlight design, gives the Corolla a more dynamic look. Combined with the low-slung bumper and black accents, the 2026 Corolla looks lean and mean despite its age.

Changes to the side and rear are minimal at best, although we did notice that the LED taillights now feature an updated graphic and a full-width light bar. It's not much, but it does give the rear of the 2026 Corolla a fresher look.

Interior images of the updated Corolla are not yet available, but we won't be surprised if it gets some minor updates here and there. Perhaps it will get a bigger touchscreen infotainment system, new and upgraded features, and redesigned seats.

Since the images of the supposed 2026 Toyota Corolla are already available from the MIIT. Perhaps we're only several weeks away from its launch in the PRC. With that, perhaps we can also expect other markets to reveal an updated Toyota Corolla.

Source: MIIT via Motor1