Toyota adds features but keeps the price low
Despite its inability to get the pulse racing, the Toyota Corolla is still one of the brand’s best-selling models in the United States. Sales have been steady in 2025, with Toyota selling over 120,000 of them in the first half of the year, just as it did in 2024.
For the 2026 model year, Toyota has added a sprinkling of new features while increasing the starting price of the Corolla and Corolla Hybrid. It’s still the brand’s cheapest new car on sale, though, so let’s see what this high-value package gets you for the new model year.
Related: This Is The Cheapest New Toyota Car In America
Enhanced Safety And Infotainment Tech
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A new seven-inch digital gauge cluster finds its way into the cheaper LE and SE trims, replacing the older analog dials and 4.2-inch multi-information display. This change applies to the equivalent hybrid trims, too, and matches cheaper Honda Civics, which also have a seven-inch cluster display.
On higher-spec XSE gas and XLE Hybrid variants, there’s a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, replacing the seven-inch cluster on 2025 versions. This cluster is optional for the SE.
On the safety front, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard across the Corolla lineup. Previously, you would have had to spend at least $930 for a package on the LE that offered these features.
Sporty FX Trim Discontinued
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Toyota will drop the FX Edition for the 2026 model year. This model introduced a sportier look, with extras like bigger 18-inch wheels, lowering springs, and a rear spoiler. These aren’t typically elements that Corolla buyers care about, and if you want a properly sporty Corolla, you’re better off with the GR Corolla, anyway.
Powertrains remain unchanged, starting with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill that makes 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels via a CVT. Hybrid models use a 1.8-liter four-cylinder and electric motor combining for 138 hp. It’s slow, but it’s also remarkably efficient and can get up to 50 mpg combined.
More Attractive Pricing Than Civic
Pricing starts at $22,725 for the base LE, which is $400 more than the 2025 LE. However, the newly standard features make it even better value than before. It’s almost $2,000 cheaper than the Civic LX, and this Honda Civic trim doesn’t have blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert. The base Corolla also has 19 horsepower more than the cheapest Civic, but the Honda fights back with a bigger back seat and better handling.
The Corolla SE now costs $25,165 and the XSE goes for $28,440, both also $400 more than before. The base Hybrid LE costs $24,575, an increase of $750. From there, the hybrid lineup expands to the LE AWD ($25,975), SE ($27,015), SE AWD ($28,415), and XLE ($28,940).
Trump’s latest tariff trade deal with Japanese automakers will help Toyota keep price increases down, which is especially important in the budget segment.