Toyota's Controversial Approach To The 2028 Corolla Is Concerning For One Key Reason, But It Will Also Bring Two Exciting New Versions Of The Bestseller

The Toyota Corolla is currently in its 12th generation, which has been around since 2018. While recently updated for the 2026 model year, the model’s production cycle is nearing its end. The 13th generation of Toyota’s bestselling global model is scheduled to debut late 2026 or early 2027, likely as a 2028 model, and a few key changes are in order. 

Toyota recently announced a $912 million investment across five of its 11 plants, based in the US. This is just the beginning as the carmaker plans to invest up to $10 billion in US production over the next five years.  This will boost production of hybrid Toyota vehicles and open new jobs. This move by the Japanese carmaker is accompanied by two exciting new variants of the Corolla, but also a potential concern for the model’s future. 

Related story: My Toyota GR Corolla Is So Fun to Drive, Capable in All Conditions and Terrain, and Has the Aggressive Looks to Match

Future Toyota Corolla hybrid-electric models will be made in the US

The current-generation Corolla’s lineup consists primarily of hybrid models. For 2026, the base LE and SE trims will remain non-hybrid. Starting in 2028, future hybrid variants of the Corolla will be manufactured at Toyota’s Mississippi plant. This props some concerns from current and future Toyota owners.

Some people on the internet comment that there is “a big difference in quality control in Japan vs America,” and that “Toyota is better-built in Japan”. 

One Toyota Corolla owner goes into even more detail on Reddit about the differences between US and Japan-built cars, as he got a Japanese-made replacement car after an accident totaled his 2023 model, after just 2,000 miles. He explains that the metal, sound deadening, and even the infotainment system are different.

Reports indicate that the next-generation Corolla will become a hybrid-only model, with a targeted fuel economy of over 50 MPG. The powertrain will revolve around Toyota’s new, 1.5-liter, inline-four engine, which alone is said to develop 99 horsepower, but will be paired with powerful electric motors, developing up to 200 horsepower. 

Related story: I Think The 2025 Toyota Corolla FX Edition Missed Out On One Key Feature

Two new Corolla models will spice things up

At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota unveiled a fully-electric Corolla Concept, which is confirmed to be part of the next generation’s lineup. There is still much we don’t know about it, but it is expected to feature a setup similar to the bZ4x and the upcoming, all-electric Toyota C-HR, which is returning to the US. 

This means a range of approximately 300 miles and possibly a variant with 338 horsepower (like the C-HR EV). If the Corolla EV scores such a powertrain, it will outperform the current GR Corolla, but Toyota might be doing something on that front, too.

Toyota is tight-lipped about the future of the GR Corolla. It is all but confirmed that the next iteration of the Japanese hot hatch will receive the company’s new G20E engine. The 2.0-liter, turbo-four will put out 400 horsepower in its most powerful street-legal form, with capabilities of a lot more. Toyota plans to shove this engine in a wide range of models, including the mid-engine GR Celica and possibly the next-generation Toyota GR Supra, if reports from Japan are true.

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The GR Corolla will continue to be built in Japan, with some manufacturing being relocated to the UK to meet demand (likely for UK and EU-bound models). A 400-horsepower engine will ensure that the hot hatchback stays at the top of the Corolla “food chain” even with the addition of a powerful EV model. I would also speculate that an all-electric and hybrid Corolla lineup may eventually render the Prius obsolete.

But I am curious to know what you think of the next-generation Toyota Corolla? Would you buy one knowing it will be made in the US instead of Japan? Will you go for the all-electric Corolla or the GR model? Let me know in the comment section below.

Image source: Toyota Corolla FX Edition, Kirk Kreifels via YouTube

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.