Seven years into its lifecycle, Toyota’s 12th-generation Corolla is getting a significant design update — at least in China.

A Second Facelift in the Works

The current-generation Corolla (codenamed E210) has been on the market since 2018. Despite its age, the compact sedan has only received one facelift so far. However, it has seen incremental improvements over the years, including the introduction of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid variants and Toyota Safety Sense on higher-end models like the GR-S.

Leaked Images Reveal Major Design Shift

New images published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) suggest that a second facelift is imminent. At first glance, the sedan might appear to be a next-generation model, but closer inspection reveals it to be a heavily refreshed version of the current one.

The most noticeable changes are at the front. The 2026 Toyota Corolla now sports a dynamic split-headlight design and a low-slung bumper, drawing inspiration from the latest Prius. Black accents and a more aggressive stance give the updated model a sharper and more modern appearance.

Updates to the rear are more restrained. The LED taillights now feature a revised lighting graphic and a full-width light bar, providing a cleaner, more cohesive appearance.

No images of the interior have been released yet, but minor updates are expected. These may include a larger touchscreen, redesigned seats, and upgraded technology features.

Given that these images were submitted to the MIIT, a launch in the Chinese market could happen within weeks. Other international markets may follow with localized versions of the updated Corolla.