Toyota Corolla 2025: Variants Explanation

The first generation of the Toyota Corolla was introduced way back in the 1960s. No wonder that it has become a household name in much of the world’s auto markets. Based on the TNGA-C platform, the twelfth-generation Corolla boasts a slew of upgrades that make it the most capable one yet.

Where the Yaris and Camry have been entirely overhauled, the outgoing Toyota Corolla is still awaiting a comprehensive update. It might be older than its sedan stablemates, but the nameplate continues to carry demand in the KSA market. The Toyota Corolla 2025 competes with cars like the Honda City, Nissan Sunny, and Hyundai Elantra.

Variant overview

Saudi customers have the option of 9 variants of the Toyota Corolla 2025 available to them. Not only that, these variants are spread across three engine choices (including a Hybrid) and two transmission types. The price of the base 1.5L XLI is SAR 78,660 and that of the 1.5L XLI Executive is SAR 82,340.

These are followed by the base 2.0L XLI at SAR 82,915 and the mid-tier 2.0L XLI Executive at SAR 86,365. The 2.0L XLI Executive MR costs SAR 93,610, while the top-end 2.0L GLI MR costs SAR 98,325. The price of the 1.8L XLI Hybrid is SAR 88,090 and that of the 1.8L XLI Executive Hybrid is SAR 97,865.

Meanwhile, the range-topping 1.8L GLI MR Hybrid variant of the Toyota Corolla 2025 costs SAR 109,940. As always, the prices mentioned here take into account the inclusion of 15 percent VAT. However, you will have to pay extra for other necessities like insurance and registration.

Engine specs

Those interested in the Toyota Corolla 2025 in KSA get to choose from three petrol engines. The entry-level motor is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder that makes 119 hp between 6500-6600 RPM and 148 Nm between 4600-5000 RPM. It averages a claimed 19.6 kmpl (5.1 L/100 km) and is mated to a continuously variable transmission with 10 artificial ratios.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder uses the same transmission but produces 168 hp at 6,600 RPM and 200 Nm between 4400-4800 RPM. Despite the displacement and output going up, the fuel consumption has gone down to 19.8 kmpl (5.0 L/100 km). The four-popper also feels more refined and smoother than the base three-banger.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid matches a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with a 72-horsepower electric motor and a tiny lithium-ion battery. The combined power output is 121 hp at 6,000 RPM, with the engine torque at 3,600 RPM being 142 Nm. The Hybrid’s fuel consumption is understandably the lowest, coming in at a claimed 27.6 kmpl (3.6 L/100 km)!

When it comes to performance, the Corolla Hybrid tops out at 190 kmph. It should take less than 11 seconds to breach the 100 kmph barrier. If performance matters, the Corolla 2.0L will hit 200 kmph and goes from 0-100 kmph in a little over 9 seconds. Meanwhile, the Corolla 1.5L takes over 11 seconds to sprint to 100 kmph.

Dimensions

The Toyota Corolla 2025 is larger than both the Honda City and Nissan Sunny, but smaller than the Hyundai Elantra. It is taller than the Hyundai though, and its wheelbase is longer than that of the Nissan. The Corolla’s footprint is compact but noticeable, brought on by its sloping hood and tall stance.

The fuel capacity of the Corolla Petrol is between 47 liters and 50 liters (only on the 2.0L GLI MR). Meanwhile, the Corolla Hybrid has a tank capacity of 43 liters. The boot capacity of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is 463 liters and that of the regular model is 470 liters.

The 2025 Toyota Corolla measures 4,630 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, and 1,435 mm in height. Its wheelbase comes in at 2,700 mm, which is less than that of the Elantra.

Features

1. Toyota Corolla 1.5L XLI / 2.0L XLI / 1.8L XLI Hybrid

These are the entry-level variants of the Corolla 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Their standard kit is decent but nowhere as compelling as some of the competitors.

Exterior features of the Corolla 1.5L XLI/2.0L XLI/1.8L XLI Hybrid:

•       15-inch steel wheels
•       Halogen headlights
•       Body-colored & powered ORVMs with turn indicators
•       LED front foglights (1.5L XLI & 2.0L XLI)
•       47-liter fuel tank (1.5L XLI & 2.0L XLI)
•       Rear parking sensors w/ reversing camera

Interior features of the Corolla 1.5L XLI/2.0L XLI/1.8L XLI Hybrid:

•       Keyless entry
•       Manual AC w/ rear vents
•       Automatic climate control (1.8L XLI Hybrid only)
•       Fabric upholstery
•       Multifunction steering wheel
•       Cruise control
•       4-speaker audio system
•       6-speaker audio system (2.0L XLI only)
•       Apple CarPlay
•       USB ports
•       7-inch touchscreen infotainment

Safety features of the Corolla 1.5L XLI/2.0L XLI/1.8L XLI Hybrid:

•       4 airbags
•       ABS w/ EBD & BA
•       Rear parking sensors
•       Rear ISOFIX anchors
•       Rearview camera
•       Vehicle stability control
•       Tire Inflation Warning System

2. Toyota Corolla 1.5L XLI Executive / 2.0L XLI Executive / 1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid

There are only a few added features between the base variant and this Executive variant.

Exterior features of the Corolla 1.5L XLI Executive/2.0L XLI Executive/1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid (including 1.5L XLI/2.0L XLI/1.8L XLI Hybrid features):

•       16-inch alloy wheels
•       Chrome door handles (1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid only)
•       Chrome-plated side molding
•       Chrome ‘EXECUTIVE’ emblems
•       Powered moonroof (1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid only)
•       ‘Smart Entry System’ (1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid only)
•       Front & rear parking sensors

Interior features of the Corolla 1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid (including 1.8L XLI Hybrid features):

•       Push-button start
•       Wireless charger

3. Toyota Corolla 2.0L XLI Executive MR / 2.0L GLI MR / 1.8L GLI MR Hybrid

These represent the top-end and most expensive variants of the new Corolla.

Exterior features of the Corolla 2.0L XLI Executive MR/2.0L GLI MR/1.8L GLI MR Hybrid (including 2.0L XLI Executive/1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid features):

•       17-inch alloy wheels
•       LED headlights w/ LED DRLs (1.8L GLI MR Hybrid only)
•       Rear spoiler
•       Chrome door handles
•       Powered moonroof
•       Surround-view cameras
•       ‘Smart Entry System’
•       50-liter fuel tank (2.0L GLI MR only)
•       43-liter fuel tank (1.8L GLI MR Hybrid)

Interior features of the Corolla 2.0L XLI Executive MR/2.0L GLI MR/1.8L GLI MR Hybrid (including 1.5L XLI Executive/2.0L XLI Executive/1.8L XLI Executive MR Hybrid features):

•       Split-folding rear seats (2.0L GLI MR & 1.8L GLI MR Hybrid)
•       Leather-wrapped steering wheel (2.0L GLI MR & 1.8L GLI MR Hybrid)
•       Push-button start
•       Wireless charger
•       9-inch touchscreen infotainment
•       4.2-inch digital MID (2.0L GLI MR only)
•       12.3-inch digital driver’s display (1.8L GLI MR Hybrid only)
•       Door locking switch for the front passenger

Colors

Buyers of the Toyota Corolla 2025 are offered up to 7 exterior colors. These are Black Mica, Celestite Gray Metallic, Beige Metallic, Gray Metallic, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Silver Metallic, and Red Mica Metallic.

Which Toyota Corolla Variant Should You Buy?

The Toyota Corolla 2025 is not the most modern or fun car in its segment. However, it offers excellent fuel economy and resale value. A Toyota is known for its reliability – the Corolla is no exception to that rule of thumb. If you want the best bang for your petrol buck, go for one of the hybrids.

If you are fine spending over 100,000 riyals on a Corolla, select the fully-loaded 1.8L GLI MR. It gets features even the range-topping petrol-only variants lack. However, if you are seeking some level of enthusiasm and features, pick the 2.0L GLI MR. If you are budget-constrained but still want frugality, the XLI Hybrid will work just fine.