Toyota Corolla Altis mild update quietly arrives in PH with Php 1.207M starting price

Just a few months after its Thai introduction, the mildly updated version of the current generation Toyota Corolla Altis has been quietly brought into the Philippine market.

The current generation Corolla Altis was first launched locally in 2019, receiving a few updates throughout the years. For the 2025 model year, it gets a few aesthetic changes and an important mechanical upgrade.

Let’s start with the lineup. It still starts with the 1.8 E CVT variant, followed by the 1.8 G GR-S CVT, and the 1.8 GR-S HEV. Pricing is as follows:

• Corolla Altis 1.6 E CVT – Php 1,207,000 (+Php 72,000)
• Corolla Altis 1.8 G GR-S CVT – Php 1,327,000 (+Php 25,000)
• Corolla Altis 1.8 GR-S HEV – Php 1,755,000 (+Php 25,000)

As mentioned, a mechanical update has been done, specifically to the GR-S HEV variant. The top-spec and sole hybrid variant 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 its battery. The 3.6 Ah nickel-metal hydride battery has been replaced with a new 4 Ah lithium-ion battery. This should allow for better fuel economy.

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

On aesthetics, both GR-S variants receive a wider and sportier lower front grille which is inspired by the facelifted GR Yaris and GR Corolla, and a blacked-out rear decklid spoiler, and smoked lenses for the taillights.

“Hybrid” badges have also been taken out in favor of Toyota’s Beyond Zero “HEV” badge which is already seen on other models such as the Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross, among others. 

Exterior colors remain the same with the HEV exclusively available in Platinum White Pearl Mica, while the non-HEV GR-S gets Attitude Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, and Metal Stream Metallic.

The interior of the GR-S also receives a slight update with red seatbelts, a GR-badged steering wheel, 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. There are also fully-digital gauges, a larger infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, which were added in a previous update.

These updates surely adds a few years to the current generation Toyota Corolla Altis’ lifespan. With stiff competition from the updated Honda Civic which was launched last year, it’s certainly the right time for Toyota Motor Philippines to have introduced this sooner than later.