The Toyota Corolla FX: What’s New and What’s Not
To truly understand the 2025 Toyota Corolla FX, we need to go back in time to 1987 and revisit the first Corolla FX16. A nifty hot-hatch that was fun to drive, the FX captured the hearts of car enthusiasts across ‘Murica due to its affordable price and unique, sporty driving performance. The Corolla FX pays homage to the FX16 and adds a sporty touch to the Corolla family.
Let’s take a look at how the Corolla FX distinguishes itself from the rest of the bunch and what Toyota plans for this baby FX.
A Look At The ‘80s Corolla FX16:
The FX16 was everything but conventional. Launched in a time period when it was difficult to buy a car with double overhead cams, much less with a four-valve cylinder, the FX16 came with both at an economical price point.
The 1987 Corolla FX16 was aptly known as a ‘pocket rocket’ for its zippy handling and fun-to-drive performance. The new Corolla FX claims to share that trait too, along with a 16-valve 2-liter engine and dual overhead cams.
2025 Toyota Corolla FX Interior Design:
So, how does the Toyota Corolla FX stand out from the performance-oriented GR Corolla? Well, the FX is mostly a cosmetic upgrade that adds a little bit of sporty flavor to the regular Corolla. It packs some fun and modern features in a neat little package and adds a bit of nostalgia to the mix.
The Corolla FX sports stunning Moonstone sport fabric upholstery. The seats are accentuated with striking orange stitching and really add to that sporty, fun vibe Toyota is going for.
Steering Wheel:
- The Corolla FX will feature electric power steering retuned for a more sporty and exhilarating drive.
Infotainment System:
- The Corolla FX will also be equipped with a smart key system, wireless phone charging, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster.
- The Corolla FX comes with an upgraded entertainment system. The larger 10.5-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen display is standard on the FX and will be an optional add-on for other Corolla models.
Sportier, Sleeker, Styled To Stand Out:
The Corolla FX features a sleek exterior that sets it apart from other models in the Corolla lineup. It is based on the mid-level Corolla SE trim and sports extensive black styling and dark accents. Toyota states that the FX will be fitted with standard lowering springs so that it rides low and shows off an aggressive, sportscar-like stance.
Spoiler Alert!
The larger black rear spoiler and 18-inch satin black wheels let you know that this car is sporty even from a distance. Up close, its black lug nuts and machined accents, along with blacked-out roof and mirror caps, lend it a mysterious yet dynamic appearance. After all, this is no ordinary Corolla.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla FX even gets black badging, something Toyota usually offers only with Nightshade trims.
Body Colors:
- The Corolla FX will be available in three exterior paint options: Ice Cap, a bright white shade; Underground, a dark cool-toned gray; and Midnight Black Metallic, a shimmering black paint that has a bluish-purple tint under direct light.
- We’d recommend getting the Ice Cap or Undergrund if you want your FX’s black cosmetic upgrades to stand out. For a sleeker, more sophisticated look, go with MGM.
Safety Features:
The Toyota Corolla FX will be equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.
Powertrain Specifications:
The Toyota Corolla FX uses a 2-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder 16-valve engine, which produces 169 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. With a manufacturer-estimated combined mileage of 34 mpg, the FX promises to be economical while still being fun to drive.
Since the FX is modeled after the SE, it also inherits the latter’s relatively sportier suspension and a comparatively more powerful engine.
Concluding Thoughts:
The Toyota Corolla FX is a great option for those who prefer their Toyota with a touch of nostalgia. It’s always nice to have a reliable commuter car that’s a bit sportier. After all, fun-to-drive cars make even mundane journeys enjoyable. And since the FX doesn’t feature major sport-tuned changes, it’s likely that it won’t demand a huge margin over the regular Corolla sedan. For those who want a regular Corolla that’s just a bit zippier, the FX seems worth the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When will Toyota launch the Toyota Corolla FX?
Fall 2024! Toyota USA plans to release the complete list of prices for the Corolla family after the FX’s launch.
What’s the difference between the GR Corolla and the Toyota Corolla FX?
The Corolla FX will include black exterior accents and sporty tweaks to improve the Corolla’s driving experience. The GR Corolla is a performance-oriented model that is fitted with a more powerful engine and a slew of interior and exterior changes to completely redefine what driving a Corolla feels like.