With the FX Edition Corolla, Toyota is looking back to one of the coolest versions of the car from the 1980s. No, it’s not the drift legend that is the rear-drive AE86 model. This is the front-drive hatch model that was sold at the same time — the FX16 Corolla that came with a sweet-singing twin-cam four from the MR2. It gave Toyota a viable alternative for buyers who wanted a VW Golf GTI.
1980s Cars Are, Like, So Hot Right Now
An original late-’80s Corolla FX16 hatch had a 1.6L four that made 108 horsepower. That’s a figure that is nearly nothing by modern standards, but in 1987, it was more than 50% higher output than a regular front-drive Corolla. Even better, it could rev to 7,500 rpm. The car came with Goodyear performance tires (in the now-laughable size of 175/70R13) and a firmer suspension.
The 2026 Toyota Corolla FX Edition starts with a Corolla SE hatchback. It has the same 2.0L four as the rest of the hatch models, making 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
A little more power would have been nice. What would have been even nicer was a manual transmission like the original. Instead, the Toyota Corolla FX Edition will only come with a CVT automatic.
Toyota Corolla FX Edition: More Style Than Substance
Without engine or suspension changes, this retro special is more about styling than performance. At least it offers plenty of extra style, by way of twin-spoke wheels painted white as well as a taller black-painted rear wing. Toyota is also adding new retro-inspired badges to the car.
Open the doors and you’ll find new sport touring seats. They have suede inserts and subtle orange accents, with more stitching and more orange throughout the cabin.
Toyota will build 1,600 copies of the Toyota Corolla FX Edition for the U.S., and they’re set to arrive in the fall. It will be available in three colors: Inferno (orange), Ice Cap (white), and Blue Crush Metallic. And yes, the blue cars will still offer orange trim.
Aside from those changes, the FX gets the same kit you’ll find on a standard Corolla SE. That includes an 8.0-inch center screen and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. It also has Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a driver assist suite with radar cruise, lane departure assist, and all of the usual goodies.
Expect pricing and some more details later this year. Toyota said it will share the info along with the rest of the 2026 Corolla lineup.
Read the full article here