Toyota Corolla Altis receives mild update in Thailand for 2025

The current generation Toyota Corolla Altis was first launched in the Philippine market in 2019, receiving a few updates throughout the years. Well, it looks like the Japanese automaker is not yet done with making some changes to its compact sedan offering.

For the 2025 model year, another update to the Corolla Altis has been revealed in Thailand. While most of it are purely aesthetic, there are some important bits.

Let’s start with the most important update which is in its powertrain. The updated Toyota Corolla Altis still gets a 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXS Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine making 98 horsepower and 142 Nm, with an electric motor that makes 72 horsepower and 163 Nm, with a combined total output of 122 horsepower. 

What’s new here is in its battery. The 3.6 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery has been replaced with a new 4 Ah lithium-ion battery. This allows for better fuel economy which should now average at 23.8 km/l.

Other changes to the updated Corolla Altis are mostly centered on the GR Sport (GR-S). It receives a wider and sportier lower front grille which is inspired by the GR Yaris. The 17-inch alloy wheels and roof are now finished in black, and it also gets a blacked-out rear decklid spoiler and clear lenses for the taillights.

The “Hybrid” badges have also been replaced with Toyota’s Beyond Zero “HEV” badge which is already seen on other models such as the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross, among others. A new Cement Gray exterior paint job is also now an option for non GR-S variants.

The interior of the GR-S also receives a slight update with red seatbelts, a GR-badged steering wheel, smoked silver door trim, lumbar adjustment for front occupants, and leather and suede seat upholstery. Other stuff remains the same such as red stitching throughout the interior and the GR logo stamped on the headrests.

More performance-related changes have also been given to the GR-S through retuned electric power steering; as well as GR-specific springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars.

These updates surely adds a few years to the current generation Toyota Corolla Altis’ lifespan. With stiff competition from the Honda Civic e:HEV, it’s apt that Toyota has done this. The only question now is when does Toyota Motor Philippines plan to bring these changes to our shores?