Sales have officially begun in China for the updated Toyota Corolla, which has received a mid-cycle refresh. The model comes in four trim levels and remains among the most affordable in its class on the 2026 car market.

Visually, the Corolla has changed noticeably and now follows Toyota’s current design language. A narrow LED light strip and C-shaped lighting elements up front visually widen the car and bring a sharper, more modern look. The size increase is one of the headline updates: length is up to 4710 mm and the wheelbase stretches to 2750 mm, nudging the model toward the larger Toyota Asia Lion and clearly improving interior space.

The cabin takes a more tech-forward approach aimed at younger buyers. A digital instrument cluster, a large multimedia screen, higher-output wireless charging, ambient lighting, and broader smartphone integration are part of the package. Taken together, these touches give the interior a cleaner, more upmarket feel without overcomplicating the user experience.

Safety was given particular emphasis: every version is equipped with the Toyota Pilot suite of active driver assistance features, plus the ability to receive over-the-air updates. Making advanced aids standard in all trims reads as a pragmatic step in this category.

The powertrain lineup has been reworked. A hybrid pairing a 1.8-liter engine with an electric motor delivers around 4.1 l/100 km and a driving range of up to 1000 km. The gasoline option now uses a more powerful 2.0-liter engine, while the less efficient units from the previous generation have been dropped.

Overall, the refreshed Corolla shows Toyota responding to fierce competition and price pressure without trimming back on technology. The larger footprint and focus on the hybrid broaden its appeal for everyday buyers, and with this pricing strategy the Corolla looks well positioned to rank among the strongest choices in its segment.