China’s Second Toyota Corolla Facelift – What Changed And What Did Not

Toyota is not ready to let go of the current Corolla generation just yet. Instead of jumping straight to an all new model, the company has given its Chinese market sedan a second facelift, and this time the changes are impossible to miss. The updated Corolla steps into the spotlight with a front end that clearly borrows attitude from the latest Camry and Prius, while still feeling familiar to long time Corolla owners.

At the front, the car now wears Toyota’s new hammerhead look. The upper lighting element forms a sharp C shape on each side, connected by a thin light strip stretching across the nose. The main headlamps sit lower in the bumper, framed by dark trim that visually widens the car. Beneath that, a slimmer lower grille and a cleaner bumper design give the Corolla a more modern, high tech face without going over the top. From the side, the profile stays recognizable, but new alloy wheel designs and subtle trim tweaks keep it looking fresh. At the rear, the taillights receive a darker finish and a cleaner lighting pattern, tying in well with the updated front design.

The numbers quietly reveal how much presence this compact sedan now carries. The length is 185.4 inches, width is 70.1 inches, and height is 56.5 inches, riding on a 108.3 inch wheelbase. Luggage space stays at a practical 16.6 cubic feet, so the stylish update does not cost you storage. Chinese buyers can also select 17 inch wheels and a sunroof to give the car a more feature rich, upscale feel.

Inside, the cabin finally joins Toyota’s newest wave of technology. In front of the driver sits an 8.8 inch digital instrument cluster, and in the center of the dashboard is a new 12.9 inch display that makes the whole interior feel more premium. Even base models are expected to offer Toyota’s latest driver assistance package, giving features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping support to more buyers.

Under the hood, Toyota continues with two familiar powertrain choices. The hybrid combines a 1.8 liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and a nickel cobalt manganese battery, delivering a combined 98 horsepower and excellent fuel efficiency, which is a key part of Corolla’s appeal in China. The non hybrid option is a 2.0 liter gasoline engine producing 171 horsepower for drivers who want stronger acceleration and a more traditional driving experience. Both setups focus on smoothness, dependability, and low running costs.

This second facelift shows Toyota’s strategy clearly. Instead of rushing an all new generation, the company is extending the life of a proven platform by sharpening the styling, modernizing the screens, and offering more advanced safety features. Buyers get the best of both worlds: long term reliability combined with a refreshed, more confident design.