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One other 12 months, one other Toyota Corolla.
Toyota’s evergreen small-car nameplate is about to enter 2026 with out wholesale modifications – the favored small hatch and sedan continues to be all-hybrid, front-wheel drive, and computerized, and the individuals who won’t ever purchase one nonetheless say it’s too costly.
However that’s to not say every little thing’s the identical because it was initially of 2025. Whereas the three hatchback variants stay the identical, it’s the much less widespread sedan vary through which Toyota has determined to do some pruning and shuffling.
Of observe, the flagship ZR Sedan isn’t any extra, leaving the 2026 Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid Hatch examined right here alone on the high of Toyota’s small-car hierarchy. The Japanese model says this was a logical transfer, with a spokesperson telling CarExpert that the ZR grade accounted for simply 2.4 per cent of whole Corolla sedan gross sales, “prompting a evaluation of the lineup”.
Its discontinuation has resulted in a $265 worth enhance for every of the 2 remaining sedan variants, however they’ve additionally gained a 12.3-inch digital instrument show and wi-fi Android Auto as normal.
Whereas the hatches haven’t gained something new, they’re additionally no costlier. That’s excellent news for our ZR Hatch tester, which is definitely fairly competitively priced towards different top-spec small automobiles from the likes of Mazda and Hyundai.
As with Toyota’s reluctance to introduce large modifications, repeat consumers seem as hesitant as ever to maneuver away from the Corolla.
It’s comprehensively crushing its competitors on the gross sales charts, posting practically double the figures of the second-placed Mazda 3 to this point in 2025. Which means it’s Australia’s best-selling passenger automotive, albeit nonetheless much less widespread than the entire market-dominating utes and SUVs.
So what’s it in regards to the Corolla that retains consumers coming again?
How a lot does the Toyota Corolla value?
With the ZR Sedan discontinued, the ZR Hatch is the most costly Corolla Hybrid presently on sale, at $39,100 earlier than on-roads.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid Hatch | $32,110 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid Sedan | $32,585 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Sedan | $35,185 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid Hatch | $35,260 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid Hatch | $39,100 |
Though it’s a wholly totally different ball sport, the GR Corolla sizzling hatch is price a point out, given it’s the most costly Corolla ever. It prices $67,990 earlier than on-roads for the guide, and $70,490 earlier than on-roads for the auto.
In contrast to its smaller however mechanically associated GR Yaris three-door sibling, the GR Corolla has the identical five-door physique as the usual hybrid hatch however options a number of bespoke panels, together with the entrance fenders, entrance bumper, bonnet, and roof. In fact, it additionally has a wholly totally different powertrain.
In any other case, the Corolla ZR Hybrid examined right here is finest in contrast with top-spec variations of the Hyundai i30 and Mazda 3. The usual i30 hatch (excluding N variants) tops out at $41,000 earlier than on-roads for the N Line Premium, whereas the flagship Mazda 3 G25 Astina prices $43,310 earlier than on-roads.
There’s additionally the Subaru Impreza 2.0S hatch ($38,990 earlier than on-roads), although the limited-run S-Version presently pips it to the highest spot at $42,490 earlier than on-roads. The sedan-only Kia K4 GT-Line, in the meantime, prices $42,990 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
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What’s the Toyota Corolla like on the within?
Simply as aged as the remainder of the Twelfth-generation Corolla vary, which dates again to 2018, albeit with a bit extra glitter.
That doesn’t imply it isn’t nonetheless very utilitarian although, as a result of that’s simply how the current-gen Corolla is. That mentioned, some nicer bits justify the ZR’s flagship standing, making it a pleasant place to spend time.
A part of that’s its top-notch ergonomics, one thing the Corolla is already superb at, whereas the remaining is as a result of ZR-specific seats. These are completed in a mixture of fabric and artificial leather-based, they usually look suspiciously just like the seats within the GR Corolla.
The one distinction is there’s no GR embroidery, they usually really feel a contact softer than in that efficiency mannequin. They’re nonetheless comfy and maintain you properly, whereas providing a great vary of power-assisted adjustment.
Then there’s the leather-wrapped steering wheel, once more in line with a minimum of one lower-spec variant, which is completely sized by way of rim thickness and diameter. Its buttons are completed in uninteresting black plastic and are totally bodily, a advantage of each the Corolla’s hardy bones and its age.
There are nonetheless some reminders that this can be a budget-oriented automotive, because the dashboard and steering wheel boss look low-cost, and there are different scratchy plastics on the centre console and door playing cards – although they aren’t actually high-touch areas.
In entrance of the wheel is without doubt one of the actual upgrades, although. The ZR will get a 12.3-inch digital instrument show, up from {a partially} digital 7.0-inch unit, which appears very stylish and homes a great deal of info – even when it’s buried in numerous menus that may be cumbersome to navigate.
The infotainment system, in the meantime, is unchanged. At 8.0 inches, it appears small by trendy requirements, sitting inside a thick piano-black bezel, although it’s a minimum of sharp and responsive, with a contemporary consumer interface and clear graphics.
Smartphone mirroring can be wi-fi, and we had no main points with Apple CarPlay. Our historic points with Toyota’s Bluetooth connectivity dropping out underneath Melbourne’s toll gantries didn’t crop up in our week with the ZR.
Additional down is a bodily local weather management system, characterised by a row of silver-finished buttons in a sea of shiny black plastic. It’s far preferable to any screen-focused association, however materials selection isn’t nice for a high-touch space.
There’s extra piano black across the gear selector too, an space liable to scratching. The Corolla sticks with a traditional-style gear selector accented with leather-based, whereas there’s a handful of bodily driving-related buttons close by.
This leather-wrapped gear selector sits in entrance of switches for auto-hold and the electrical handbrake, whereas there’s a single USB-C port in a mildly awkward spot on the dashboard in entrance of the passenger seat.
Storage choices embrace a passenger-side glovebox and two cupholders tucked underneath the mushy central armrest, which opens to disclose a small storage field. There’s a second USB-C port inside, making it the one actual operate that’s hidden away.
The black headliner creates a premium-feeling setting, but it surely does make the cabin really feel small – not that we dislike that.
Nowhere is that extra evident than within the rear, the place it feels fairly darkish together with the excessive belt line. There are a minimum of air vents on the again of the centre console, which is a pleasant improve from the SX beneath.
The leather-based elements of the ZR upholstery will maintain up higher to spills than the lower-spec fabric, but it surely’s nonetheless not supreme for transporting youngsters. The rear bench seat is a minimum of mushy, however house for absolutely grown passengers is tight.
Headroom is probably the most compromised, whereas legroom shall be tremendous if the entrance seats aren’t slid too far again. The center rear seat is very squishy and hardly serviceable for grown adults, particularly given the compromised legroom created by the ‘driveline’ tunnel.
The boot’s comparatively small, and the Corolla’s compact rear-end makes for a slim load house. At 217 litres, it’s a lot smaller than the boot of the i30 hatch (395L) and the Mazda 3 hatch (295L).
It’s even smaller than the tight-looking Impreza, which is quoted at 291L – although measuring requirements is probably not constant throughout the manufacturers.
There’s a minimum of a big, flat load ground with a low lip on the rear, making it straightforward to slip issues over when loading. On both facet are deep storage cubbies for unfastened cargo, however the parcel shelf does get in the way in which of taller gadgets.
Sadly, there’s a tyre restore equipment as a substitute of a space-saver (not to mention full-size) spare. You’ll be able to nonetheless hold the boot ground through the use of a hook and the parcel shelf’s string to maintain it out of the way in which, if it is advisable to entry something beneath.
| Dimensions | Toyota Corolla Hatch |
|---|---|
| Size | 4375mm |
| Width | 1790mm |
| Top | 1435mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640mm |
| Cargo capability (VDA) | 217L |
To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Powering the Corolla vary is a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a hybrid transaxle to provide peak energy output of 103kW (Toyota doesn’t state a mixed torque determine). Drive is distributed to the entrance wheels by means of a constantly variable computerized transmission (CVT).
| Specs | Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L 4cyl hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 72kW/142Nm |
| Peak electrical outputs | 70kW/185Nm |
| Peak system outputs | 103kW |
| Battery | 1.3kWh li-ion |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1400kg |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 4.0L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 5.1L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 43L |
| Gasoline requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 85g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 5 |
Our week with the automotive predominantly concerned freeway driving, together with a visit to the Lang Lang Proving Floor, which required the engine to work extra typically than common. This contributed to our higher-than-claimed gas financial system, although it’s nonetheless very environment friendly.
To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Toyota Corolla drive?
Even in flagship ZR type, the Corolla stays a usually unremarkable car to drive.
However the non-GR Corolla has been honed to excel in areas that Toyota considers essential to the common purchaser. It’s due to this fact supremely environment friendly, and although we weren’t in a position to obtain gas consumption fairly as little as we did in our current evaluation of the SX, circa-5.0L/100km continues to be very spectacular.
You’ll additionally discover the Corolla is easy and sprightly underneath acceleration, providing first rate efficiency for an financial system automotive, and making it fittingly describable as ‘zippy’.
The engine nonetheless isn’t completely refined, revving drearily like many CVT-equipped powertrains do underneath onerous acceleration. You’ll discover the hybrid system livens issues up a bit, and the general expertise nonetheless feels segment-leading.
The powertrain’s decision-making about electrical or petrol driving can be logical. You’ll be able to lock it into EV mode on the press of a button, but it surely’ll mechanically deactivate above speeds of round 40km/h – which is okay for metropolis driving, so no complaints right here.
There’s additionally a small regenerative braking impact when charging the hybrid battery in ‘B’ mode. Although there are a handful of drive modes, precise variations between them are minimal – Sport mode makes the powertrain really feel a bit extra alive, Eco mode saves gas by leaning extra into electrical driving, and Regular mode is… properly, regular.
As for dynamics, the Corolla has a well-balanced chassis, as evidenced by the very achieved GR Corolla flagship, which additionally makes the non-performance variations all of the extra gratifying to steer.
They’re remarkably properly composed – surprisingly so for anybody even remotely excited by automobiles. Whereas mainstream Corolla hybrid variants don’t really feel sporty per se, the ZR’s tuning and extra aggressive seats elevate the expertise.
Paired with direct steering and a comparatively taut suspension setup, the Corolla also can take bends with higher velocity than often appears affordable. That stronger seat bolstering means you gained’t be sliding round as a lot throughout turns both.
The Corolla is never unsettled in regular driving, even on tough Victorian roads at 100km/h or extra. It conjures up confidence, making it straightforward to foretell what the automotive will do at any second.
Including to that is sturdy outward visibility, because the Corolla’s contoured rear-end doesn’t impede imaginative and prescient in any vital approach. That is additional enabled by a wonderful driving place, with beneficiant ranges of powered seat adjustment permitting small changes on the fly.
You additionally get entrance and rear sensors and a good reversing digital camera to help with parking – sadly, nonetheless, there’s no surround-view monitor, even on the ZR.
On freeways, there’s additionally competent radar cruise management that properly adapts to surrounding site visitors. As is typical for Toyota although, it takes a second to speed up when altering lanes to overhaul, which suggests chances are you’ll must stab the throttle to match site visitors circulation.
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It’s rounded off with a lane-centring system that’s usually dependable, even when it’s hesitant to use sturdy steering pressure round tighter bends.
Lastly, refinement is nice however not excellent, because the bigger 18-inch alloys of the ZR have an opposed impact on street noise. The SX, with 16-inch wheels, is extra compliant in consequence, making it a greater match for long-distance cruising.
The smaller tyre sidewalls listed here are extra reactive to bumps, with much less rubber to behave as insulation. It isn’t insufferable on shorter drives, however you’ll discover it sporting on you because the kilometres and hours stack up.
Nonetheless, the Corolla is a convincing all-rounder, and regardless of some minor added flaws, the ZR does it with just a bit bit extra type.
To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
The Corolla Hatch is obtainable in three grades – Ascent Sport, SX, and ZR.
2026 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport tools highlights:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- House-saver spare wheel
- Computerized bi-LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Heated, power-folding mirrors
- LED daytime working lights and tail lights
- Material upholstery
- 12.3-inch instrument show (sedan)
- 7.0-inch instrument show (hatch)
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto (hatch)
- Wi-fi Android Auto (sedan)
- DAB+ digital radio
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Illuminated self-importance mirrors
- Rear seat reminder
- 6-speaker sound system
- Air-conditioning
- Toyota Related Providers (12-month subscription)
- Keyless entry and begin
Corolla SX provides:
- LED fog lights
- Electrical parking brake
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, shifter
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- USB charging port
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Auto-folding facet mirrors
- Keyless entry and begin
- Privateness glass
- Distant local weather management pre-conditioning
Corolla ZR provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore equipment
- Two-tone paint choices
- 9-speaker JBL sound system
- Entrance sports activities seats
- 8-way energy driver’s seat incl. lumbar
- Leatherette seat accents
- Heated entrance seats
- Head-up show
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Ambient lighting
To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Toyota Corolla secure?
Toyota Corolla autos constructed from January 1, 2025 are ‘unrated’ by impartial auto security physique ANCAP, because the five-star ranking it awarded in 2018 has expired.
Commonplace security tools consists of:
- 7 airbags incl. driver’s knee
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian, Bike owner, Bike detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Emergency steering help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane maintain help
- Lane Hint Help
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Reversing digital camera
- Protected exit help
SX and up add:
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Toyota Corolla value to run?
The Corolla is backed by Toyota Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, which extends to seven years for the engine and driveline supplied the automotive is serviced on time and throughout the Japanese model’s nationwide supplier community.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | $99 or $139 per 12 months, relying on plan |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years ($250 every) |
| Whole capped-price service value | $1250 |
For context, the Hyundai i30 prices $1838 to service over 5 years (averaging $367.6 yearly), whereas the Mazda 3 prices $2284 over the identical interval, averaging $456.8 per 12 months.
To see how the Toyota Corolla stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid hatch
We’ve mentioned it earlier than and we’ll say it once more: the Corolla is a transparent section chief, even because the years put on on, for good cause.
As is true with most different trendy Toyotas, the Corolla’s feels very acquainted and unintimidating, and the age of this technology gained’t be an issue for probably the most conventional motorists. Certainly, consistency is what helps make the Corolla enchantment to all kinds of Aussie automotive consumers, who will rapidly additionally start to see financial savings due to the automotive’s hybrid prowess.
Refinement, dependable security and multimedia tech, and nice-feeling inside touchpoints will make long-term possession extra satisfying, and the composed trip and dealing with are merely a bonus.
The one factor is that the ZR in all probability isn’t the decide of the vary. The thinner tyres and sportier seats that assist make it sportier should not conducive to comfy cruising, which turns into obvious after spending a few hours on shoddy Aussie highways.
It nonetheless provides surprisingly first rate worth for a flagship variant and stays impressively environment friendly, however these niggles do reinforce our sentiment that the mid-spec Corolla SX is the true candy spot in Toyota’s small-car lineup.
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