Updated Color Palette for the 2026 Toyota Corolla
At the end of October, Toyota presented the Corolla concept, which gave an idea of the model’s possible future evolution. However, the series production of this idea will have to wait for now, as the current, twelfth generation of the car remains on the assembly line. Moreover, for the European market, it has just been updated for the 2026 model year.
New Paint Options for Sport and Wagon Versions
The most important change this time is the color range. For the first time, Toyota is offering Corolla GR Sport and Touring Sports versions with matte Onyx Grey paint. This is the first use of such a color by the company on a mass-produced series model. It will appear in the UK by the end of this year and will become available on other European markets shortly thereafter.
This is the first use of such a color by the company on a mass-produced series model.
Additional Metallic Shade and Interior Updates
For 2026, a second new color is also introduced – metallic Storm Grey. According to the brand, this shade suits both the Corolla sedan and hatchback perfectly.
Minor changes have also touched the interior. Toyota has expanded the use of durable Samara upholstery, made from recycled materials. It now covers not only the seats but also their backs and cushions on the Mid and Touring Sports trim levels. The Mid+ sedan model has also received a special seat design with Samara material.
Technical Specifications and Equipment Remain Unchanged
Other technical aspects of the Corolla remain unchanged. The car is still offered with 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter hybrid powertrains. The smaller engine develops 138 hp, while the 2.0-liter version produces 178 hp. Interestingly, the 2025 model with the 2.0-liter engine was listed with 193 hp in the specifications, and Toyota has not explained where the 15 horsepower went.
All equipment for 2026 continues to include the Toyota Safety Sense package, which, together with the multimedia system, supports over-the-air software updates. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, also used on the flagship GR Corolla model, remains standard for all variants.
The updates for the 2026 Corolla are focused primarily on aesthetics, reflecting Toyota’s strategy of gradually improving a proven model. The emphasis on new, especially matte, paint options and eco-friendly interior materials aligns with modern trends of personalization and sustainability, even in the mass-market car segment. The lack of explanation for the power reduction in some versions may raise questions among enthusiasts, but for most buyers, reliability, efficiency, and the refreshed appearance remain key.