2018 Toyota Corolla Price and Rumors

The current Corolla hasn’t been around for all that long. Despite that, it seems a new model is already in the works. Not that long ago a camouflaged 2018 Toyota Corolla has been spied testing, and it seems the changes are rather significant. For starters, the new model will be based on an entirely new platform. The car will share Toyota’s all-new modular architecture with the Prius and the new RAV4. This new platform will allow for a lower center of gravity, a lighter overall build as well as a longer wheelbase.

2018 Toyota Corolla Release Date

Unfortunately, it still is unknown the car’s reveal date, but considering how advanced the test mule was it is safe to assume early 2018 reveal with the release coming later down the road. Its price is expected to remain mostly the same as before which has always been the case with the cars in this class.

Design: Even though the car spied a while ago was heavily camouflaged we could still see some interesting design choices. For starters, it seems that the car’s roofline won’t change all that much, at least for the sedan. However, the hatchback is definitely going to receive a coupe-like roofline which will make it quite a bit more impressive to look at than before. On top of that, it seems that the car will receive a much lower front end. This became clear from the placeholder headlights which are not only low but also quite large. This likely means the car is going to borrow design cues from the Prius which is not all that bad.

The rear is still under development, especially since the camouflaged version was mostly identical to its predecessor. Despite that, we do know the wheelbase will increase, and the car will get slightly wider as well. Not much is known about its cabin at this point, but it will likely share more than just a few cues with the likes of the C-HR.

Engine: Instead of the old 1.8-liter engine on the US market Corolla, the new 2018 Toyota Corolla is set to receive a turbocharged powertrain. It still is unclear what engine Toyota will use, but they may end up going with BMW’s 1.5-liter turbo-three. This is known to make between 132 and over 180 horsepower, more than enough to make the new Corolla quite a bit more fun to drive than its predecessor. On top of that, the old CVT automatic is likely going to be replaced by either an 8 or even a ten-speed gearbox. Either of these should be capable of delivering the fuel efficiency of a CVT with the driving characteristics of a regular automatic.

Mar 21, 2017 The Corolla is one of the best selling cars ever made, and it has been around for decades already. The car features plenty of gear for the price, it is comfortable, and it looks great. Unfortunately, the Corolla was never known to be all that good to drive. This might change, though. It seems that the upcoming 2018 Toyota Corolla might have what it takes to challenge the competition when it comes to driving characteristics.

The ongoing model has been around for four years, but it could do with an upgrade. In fact, the car would be the perfect candidate for Toyota’s new TNGA architecture which underpins the latest Prius. This would be a major step-up over their older MC chassis. The new platform would be stiffer, lighter and also more modular. All of that would allow Toyota to create one of the better cars in its class.

2018 Toyota Corolla Price and More Details

If they decide to reduce the development cycle from the current 6 to 7 years all the way down to 5 or 6, then it is safe to assume the 2018 Corolla might be the all new model. Unlike most other manufacturers, Toyota is likely going to keep the proportions and the size of the car. This would allow people to recognize the new Corolla as a Corolla instantly. The same treatment has been applied to the larger Camry, and so far it has been quite successful. On top of the new platform, they might add better engines, a more thrilling interior and possibly a better running gear. If the price manages to stay right around $20,000, then Toyota is certainly going to have a winner.

Design – a Bold Proposition?

So far most versions of the Corolla have been quite sedated in terms of looks. This changed with the latest model and particularly the US model of the car. Rumors suggest that the 2018 Toyota Corolla might borrow quite a bit from the design of the US model. On top of that Toyota may also use some of the design cues found on the latest Camry which is a very impressive car to look at.

The result would likely look a lot like a shrunk Camry which wouldn’t be such a bad thing. In fact with this type of design Toyota would get a much more competitive car than before. With this new model, we may also see a TRD version. This might include new bumpers, side skirts, wheels and exhaust and the car could have a real chance of winning over its main rivals.

Inside the Cabin

The largest change for the 2018 Toyota Corolla is likely going to be the interior space. While it won’t change much in size or overall proportions, their TNGA platform would allow for a better layout of the interior. This would likely free up some headroom and legroom for the rear seats which would make it even more impressive than it currently is. Toyota could also use some of the materials in the C-HR which are among the best for a car at that price level. These materials would further elevate the new Corolla and make it one of the most desirable models in its price range.

Under the Hood

The current car comes with different engines depending on the market. For example, the US model gets a 1.8 liter naturally aspirated mill with 132 or 140 horsepower. This is enough for most people, but the engine is certainly one of the least fun to drive in its class. It is a well-known fact that Toyota is looking to bring turbocharged engines in this class and the 2018 Toyota Corolla might be one of their first cars to get these new engines.

In Europe, they already have a 1.2-liter turbo four with up to around 120 horsepower. This is both smooth and quite efficient, and it would be a great alternative to the 1.8-liter mill. Considering their latest alliance with BMW, it might not be that far fetched to see a Corolla sporting BMW’s 1.5-liter turbo-three which is known to make more than 180 horsepower in some versions. This would easily give it enough oomph. On top of that, the new chassis, and the revised running gear should transform the Corolla in one of the most fun-to-drive cars at this price point.

Take a look at the previous version while we wait for the new Corolla: