Toyota Corolla is a car that is long reputed as a sensible and practical commuting car. The Corolla Concept, which was unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, completely upends that image. With sharp lines, a huge windshield and a design-led cabin, it previews the next generation of the best-selling nameplate in automotive history. Here is a closer look at what makes this concept so different.
A radical new Corolla
The Corolla Concept looks unlike any Corolla before it. Designed by Toyota’s European design studio in France, it trades the soft, rounded shapes of recent models for crisp edges and a low, sleek stance. Toyota has said it previews the next-generation Corolla.
A sharper hammerhead face
Up front, the concept evolves Toyota’s hammerhead design with a flatter, more integrated look. A thin light bar stretches across the nose, and straight, chiseled lines replace the flowing curves of today’s models. The closed front panel also hints at a possible electric version.
A stretched windshield
The windshield begins far forward, almost halfway along the hood, and flows back toward the middle of the car. According to Toyota’s team, it creates better visibility and a bright, open feel inside, with the glass running into the roof above the cabin.
Low hood, sloping windows
Toyota is working on smaller engines that reduced the hood height, and shorter front overhang. Sleek, coupe-like styling from the side with thin A-pillars, a rearward B pillar and a sloping window line are rare on an everyday Toyota.
Big doors, roomy cabin
The front doors are rather large for this small car. The dashboard can be pushed forward to provide plenty of leg room, and Toyota wants the front passenger seat to be a comfortable seat to sit in, not simply a seat to get to.
A driver-focused cockpit
The cabin gives each seat its own character. The driver’s seat wraps around the body for extra support, while the passenger seat has less bolstering for comfort. The headrests are shaped around the head and are said to include built-in speakers.
A car-shaped crystal shifter
One of the most eye-catching details is a crystal-like gear selector shaped like the Corolla Concept itself. Drivers push it forward for drive, pull it back for reverse and press it down for park. It is a fun touch, though it may not reach production.
Rear seats built for comfort
The concept has two individual semi-bucket seats in the back, designed to stay comfortable on long journeys. A production Corolla would likely use a traditional bench seat. The concept also uses laminated acoustic glass, an unusual feature for a show car, to keep the cabin quiet.
Sedan or liftback
The concept’s fastback-style shape does not follow a traditional three-box sedan design. Toyota’s team said the rear can be adapted as either a sedan with a trunk or a liftback, and that public feedback will help shape the final design.
Full-width rear lighting
At the back, a slim light bar stretches across the full width of the car, with Corolla lettering spelled out beneath it. The rear lighting can also display information about the car, though, like several features on this show car, it may not make it to production.
Every powertrain possible
Toyota says the next Corolla will follow its multi-pathway approach. The platform is designed to fit gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The current Corolla generation dates back to 2018, and Toyota has not confirmed a launch date for its successor.
