What engines are used in the Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla's engine options vary by market and generation. Core choices in the latest lineup include a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a hybrid system based on a 1.8-liter petrol engine, a 1.2-liter turbo in select regions, and a high-performance GR Corolla with a 1.6-liter turbo. In short, the Corolla is offered as petrol, hybrid, and a dedicated performance variant with a turbo powerplant.
Overview of current engine types
The following sections outline the main engine families available in recent Corolla models, noting market-specific differences and the notable GR Corolla variant.
Gasoline engines
Gasoline-only variants of the latest Corolla rely on two primary engines, with a regional turbo option in Europe.
- 2.0-liter Dynamic Force inline-four (M20A-FKS); approximately 169 hp (126 kW) and about 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) of torque. This engine is typically paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is the standard modern petrol option in many markets.
- 1.8-liter inline-four (older 2ZR-FE/FAE family in earlier generations); around 139 hp (104 kW) with roughly 126 lb-ft (170 Nm) of torque. This engine has been phased out in many markets for the current generation but appeared in older Corolla models and some regional trims.
- 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine (EU markets)
Gasoline options focus on a balance of efficiency and power, with the 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine serving as the core modern choice in many regions and the 1.2-liter turbo available where regulations and tax structures favor smaller turbo engines.
Hybrid powertrain
The Corolla Hybrid combines a petrol engine with electric motors in a single, seamless system designed for efficiency and smooth operation.
- 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine + electric motor; total system output around 121 hp (90 kW). This hybrid setup is paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, delivering strong fuel economy across urban and highway driving.
Across many markets, the hybrid is pitched as the efficiency-focused option, offering markedly better fuel economy than petrol-only variants while maintaining familiar Corolla driving characteristics.
GR Corolla — high-performance variant
A distinct, performance-oriented variant sits at the top of the lineup with its own engine and drivetrain configuration.
- 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-3 (G16E-GTS); about 300 hp (224 kW) and roughly 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. This engine powers the GR Corolla, which uses a 6-speed manual and Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system for enhanced performance and handling.
The GR Corolla is a separate model within the Corolla family, built specifically for enthusiasts and not offered as part of the standard petrol/hybrid lineup.
Market differences and notes
Engine availability can vary by region and model year. Notably, diesel engines are not offered in the current Corolla lineup in most markets, and plug-in hybrid variants have not been introduced for the Corolla as of the latest models. The European market has seen a 1.2-liter turbo as a regional option, while the United States and many other regions primarily offer the 2.0-liter petrol, the 1.8-liter hybrid, and the GR Corolla’s 1.6-liter turbo as appropriate. Always check local dealer specifications for the exact engine choices tied to a given trim and model year.
Summary
In its latest form, the Toyota Corolla offers a 2.0-liter gasoline engine as the mainstream petrol option, a 1.8-liter hybrid system for efficiency, a 1.2-liter turbo in select European markets, and the GR Corolla with a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder for performance. Engine availability depends on market, trim level, and model year, with the GR Corolla representing a separate performance-focused variant within the family.
