Toyota’s Corolla Cross EV has been spotted in public for the first time, offering an early look at the electric model planned for the next-generation Corolla family. The disguised vehicle was photographed near Toyota’s European headquarters and research and development center ahead of an expected debut in 2027.
Images published by Chinese outlet Autohome show a vehicle with a closed-off grille and a distinctive body design. The electric Corolla Cross is expected to retain some influence from Toyota’s Corolla Concept, while adopting a more pronounced, near-sports-car-like silhouette and a large COROLLA badge at the rear.
Toyota has said the next-generation Corolla will be offered with several powertrains, including battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and internal-combustion versions. The model will be the first to use the company’s new “multipathway” platform, designed to support different propulsion technologies.
The Corolla has been sold for 60 years and has been chosen by more than 57 million drivers, according to Toyota. The company has introduced 12 model changes since 1966, but it now plans a more substantial transformation as competition from newer and more efficient vehicles increases.
Toyota has not released technical details for the electric version, including battery capacity or motor output. The Corolla EV is expected to be available with single- and dual-motor configurations and a range of at least 250 miles, although these details have not been confirmed by the automaker.
A recent Nikkei report said Toyota plans to begin production of the next-generation Corolla in 2028 through FAW Toyota Motor, its joint venture with China’s state-owned FAW Group. Toyota has also yet to confirm whether the electric model will be launched in the United States.
The next-generation Corolla’s hybrid variant is reportedly expected to combine a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. According to estimates cited by Car and Driver, the system could produce around 134 horsepower and deliver efficiency improvements of between 10% and 20% compared with the current Corolla. The same report placed the expected pricing of the EV and plug-in hybrid versions in the $30,000 range, although Toyota has not confirmed pricing or availability.
Sources: Electrek.