Toyota Details the New Hybrid System Bound for the Next-Gen Corolla

• Toyota has provided some details on the new hybrid system set to appear in the next-generation Corolla.
• The hybrid powertrain is centered around a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which will offer naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.
• The engine and electric drive units are more compact than before, allowing for sleeker, more aerodynamically efficient bodywork, and Toyota is aiming for 15 percent better fuel economy.

An important new Toyota is on the way. The Corolla—Toyota’s fourth bestselling vehicle in the United States last year—is expected to enter its 13th generation for the 2028 model year and will bring with it a new array of powertrains. Toyota previously confirmed that the next Corolla will take a multi-energy approach, and now the company has revealed more details about the hybrid and gas powertrains that will live under the compact car’s hood.

Toyota

While Toyota didn’t explicitly state that these next-generation powertrains would be used in the Corolla, the graphic provided by the automaker shows the silhouette of a vehicle that strongly resembles the Corolla concept car shown at last year’s Tokyo auto show. The graphic shows a traditional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, and a fully electric powertrain, and the Corolla may follow the Camry and RAV4 by ditching its gas-only option.

The Corolla, along with other future Toyota hybrids, will be propelled by a new family of 1.5-liter four-cylinder engines that have been designed from the outset for use in a hybrid system. The inline-four will come in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms, and the engines are designed to be smaller and more efficient than the ones they replace. The engines will be paired with new electric drive units—consisting of the electric motor, power control unit, and inverter—that are lighter and more compact than before.

Toyota says the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter inline-four hybrid is designed to succeed the current 1.8-liter four-cylinder and 1.5-liter three-cylinder engines. The Corolla Hybrid currently pairs the 1.8-liter engine with two electric motors for 138 horsepower. The 1.5-liter inline-three is currently used in the gas-only Corolla sold overseas.

Toyota

The focus on shrinking the footprint of both the gas engines and electric drive units is due to aerodynamics. With the Corolla set to gain a fully electric variant for its 13th generation, a more aerodynamically efficient design will let Toyota eke out as much range as possible. Creating a more compact hybrid system also allows Toyota to use the same platform for hybrid and EV variants without needing to make changes to the overall shape of the car or its interior packaging. If the concept car is any indication, the lower hood and sleeker shape will also give the Corolla a more stylish appearance.

All told, Toyota says it’s aiming for more than 15 percent better fuel economy from the new hybrid system. Toyota claims the gains will come from lower mechanical friction, better thermal management, reduced electrical losses, and the improved aerodynamic drag provided by the sleeker bodywork.

Toyota also says that by having electric, PHEV, and hybrid variants sharing the same platform, it can save money on development and production costs, with more flexibility to adjust the manufacturing process to match customer demand for whichever powertrain proves most popular.

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Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.

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