It won’t be long before we see an all-new Toyota Corolla. At least that’s according to reports from Japan. It’s said that it will be out by late 2025 for the 2026 model year.
However, that isn’t stopping Toyota from giving the current model what could be one final update. For the 2025 model year, the Corolla Altis hybrid gets a lithium-ion battery pack.
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It’s a big deal for the Altis hybrid as it’s the first dramatic change in its hybrid system. For decades, Toyota has stuck with nickel-metal hydride batteries for the longest time, even in Lexus model. The shift to Li-Ion could be the shape of things to come for Toyota hybrid vehicles.
Mind you, the new Altis hybrid is not the first Toyota to get the Li-Ion upgrade. In Southeast Asia, the first mainstream model to get it is the Yaris Cross. Still, it’s a vital change that could see improvements in efficiency. Toyota says battery capacity is up from 3.6 Ah to 4 Ah. Claimed fuel economy is rated at 23.8km/L.
Aside from the new battery pack, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Altis also gets a facelifted GR Sport version. It includes a totally redesigned front bumper that’s now inspired by the GR Yaris and CR Corolla. It also gets new clear tail lights, a trunk lip spoiler, and a black roof.
The interior gets a few updates as well. It now gets eight-way power adjustable seats, plus a GR-badged steering wheel. Red seatbelts cap off the changes inside.
New battery aside, the powertrain hardware is the same as before. It’s a 1.8-liter Atkinson Cycle engine with 97hp and 142Nm. It’s then paired with a 71hp/163Nm electric motor. Total system output is rated at 121hp.
The new Altis is now available in Thailand. With the Philippine market sourcing its units from there, it might only be a matter of time before it arrives here.
