Next-gen plug-in hybrid 2026 Toyota Corolla being developed to feature a bladder-busting 2100km range
The all-new 2026 Toyota Corolla will be capable of covering up to 2100km on a full charge and a brimmed tank of fuel thanks to its advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain and slippery aerodynamics.
Currently, in Australia the vehicles with the very longest estimated driving range include the soon-to-be-discontinued Toyota Prado 150-Series, which can cover up to 1890 kilometres on a single tank of diesel – not because of any advanced tech but because the Japanese 4×4 comes with a huge 150 litre tank.
When it comes to hybrids, the Lexus RX350h leads the pack (1300km) while the current Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid can travel up to 1194km.
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According to Japan’s Best Car website, the next-gen Toyota hatch will come with a high-tech all-new 1.5-litre combustion engine that boasts thermal efficiency well beyond the current car to help boost overall efficiency.
There have been rumours that Toyota will turn to up-and-coming Chinese rival BYD for its future PHEV tech; that could include the 1.5-litre hybrid system used in vehicles such as the Sealion 6 and upcoming BYD Shark ute. Such reports are yet to be confirmed by either brand, although perhaps tellingly Toyota hasn’t denied the reports.
One area that is set to use Toyota tech is the batteries.
The brand has been vocal on its development of solid-state batteries, which are expected to offer about twice the energy density of the current generation lithium-ion batteries.
It’s thought the Corolla’s anticipated 2100km range could utilise those solid-state batteries and a new electric motor design that will see it consume less power.
Toyota had originally announced that its solid-state battery tech would be rolled out on the all-electric Crown SUV that would land in 2027 and would offer drivers an impressive 1500km EV range.
However, the brand is keen to make up lost ground in the EV space.
Until now, it was thought the solid-state tech would be only deployed on flagship models but the tech is said to deliver a 20 per cent increase in cruising range compared to current lithium-ion batteries, while being faster to charge.
The final piece of the puzzle will be the Toyota’s advanced air bending that picks up where the latest Prius (the best looking one and the only one not sold in Australia) left off.
Featuring a sleek low front end and a heavily-raked screen, the Corolla could set a new standard for its low levels of drag.
Once introduced it’s thought the new long-range 1.5-litre hybrid will be offered in other Toyota models including an updated Prius Prime and next-gen RAV4 SUV.
Toyota is expected to begin officially teasing the next Corolla and its advanced PHEV powertrain from next year in the build-up to its 2026 debut.
It would be wise to include a credibility warning with Toyota announcements/predictions. Often more about an attempt to give the perception they are on the ball, just about there, and not woefully behind the rest of the industry. Just saying.