by Toyota Corolla Anniversary Series: 60 years on the market
This year, the Corolla model celebrates its 60th anniversary, and Toyota could not leave this event without attention. The Japanese automaker has introduced special versions of the Corolla sedan and wagon for the domestic market. Over the coming months, the anniversary lineup is planned to expand to other models.
These cars continue the tradition started by recent anniversary versions for Taiwan. The “60th” badges on the fenders remain, but the Japanese versions have abandoned bronze-gold accents in favor of a sportier look. Both the sedan and wagon are based on the Active Sport trim, which debuted in 2024 with an updated design and chassis.
Design and equipment
The sedan received front bumper extensions and side skirts in body color. The Touring wagon, on the other hand, has these same elements finished in Neutral Black for a more aggressive appearance. Both versions are equipped with 17-inch black alloy wheels.
Toyota Corolla Active Sports 60th Anniversary (Japan)
In addition to the badges on the front fenders, the 60th-anniversary logo is laser-engraved on the leather instrument panel. The sedan features sport seats in medium gray/black, while the wagon offers a combination of black and dark gray.
Technical specifications
Under the hood is the familiar 1.8-liter hybrid engine, producing a total output of 138 hp (103 kW / 140 PS). Power is sent to the front or all four wheels via a CVT transmission. Importantly, front-wheel-drive versions receive a sportier suspension tuning and optimized steering.
The price for the anniversary Corolla Active Sport starts at ¥3,231,800 ($20,500) for the sedan and ¥3,282,400 ($20,800) for the Touring wagon.
Future plans and model range updates
Toyota has confirmed that anniversary versions of the Corolla Sport hatchback and the Corolla Cross crossover will appear later this year.
Additionally, the manufacturer introduced minor updates for the standard Corolla lineup in Japan. The Smart Entry system and the Navigation-Ready Package are now standard on the base X trim. A new sedan version has also appeared, specifically created for driving schools. It is offered with both a gasoline and a hybrid engine and features an additional set of pedals for the front passenger.
The updated standard Corolla costs from ¥2,380,400 ($15,100) for the sedan and ¥2,447,500 ($15,500) for the Touring wagon. The entire Japanese lineup remains hybrid, except for the driving school car, which is equipped with a gasoline engine and a manual transmission priced at ¥2,142,800 ($13,600).
The future of the model
The 12th-generation Corolla, which debuted in 2018 and was updated in 2022, is now entering the final phase of its life cycle. Rumors suggest the model’s successor will appear in 2027, possibly borrowing design cues from a recent concept car, although Toyota has not officially confirmed the launch date.
2026 Toyota Corolla (Japan)
Interestingly, Toyota continues to support the Corolla in the Japanese market, despite the model already being in the final stage of its generation. Anniversary versions and minor trim updates indicate the company’s desire to maintain interest in the model until a full-fledged successor arrives. At the same time, the focus on hybrid powertrains and the appearance of a special version for driving schools demonstrate Toyota’s ambition to adapt to various market needs, even during the “twilight” period of the model’s life. The anticipation of a successor in 2027 suggests that the company is likely preparing significant changes that could affect the entire compact car lineup.
