Dare I say it? Has the Toyota Corolla Altis finally reached a point where driving it feels refined? It’s close to it. The 2025 Toyota Corolla Altis’ subtle enhancements reinforce its reputation for reliability, comfort, and understated style. Not breaking new ground in performance or technology, it offers a well-balanced package for Malaysian buyers seeking a dependable and efficient daily driver with a touch of sophistication.
Under the hood, all Malaysian variants of the Corolla Altis are powered by the familiar 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 139 PS and 173 Nm of torque. Its DOHC Dual VVT-i powertrain delivers smooth and relaxed acceleration suited for city driving and highway cruising. It’s not particularly sporty, but it excels in refinement and fuel efficiency, achieving practical fuel economy figures that make it ideal for commuters. For families, I must say it has improved in its ride comfort.
I did not want to review it based on just specs, but rather how it felt to drive it. But you don’t buy a car without knowing what’s under the hood, right? So here it is.
Toyota Malaysia currently offers two trims: 1.8G and the sportier 1.8 GR Sport. All variants come with front-wheel drive and the same engine, but they differ in equipment and styling. The GR Sport trim adds visual flair with a more stylised front look, black exterior accents, and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. It’s an option for buyers who want a more dynamic appearance without stepping into a performance-focused model. We based our testing on the 1.8G model, which was loaned to us for testing. Thank you, Toyota.
Inside, though, is where the Altis has received notable updates. This cockpit feels different; even from last year’s already improved dash, this feels more premium and, more importantly, feels almost flagship. Featuring a fully digital instrument cluster, all trims are equipped with a new 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. It’s responsive and works well. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bringing smartphone connectivity into a seamless experience. Cabin quality remains a strong point, with soft-touch materials, supportive seating, and intuitive controls that reflect Toyota’s user-friendly design philosophy.
Space remains ample, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. A generous boot space for most daily needs, rear air-conditioning vents and USB charging ports are available on higher trims, improving comfort for rear occupants.
Where the main difference shows is probably the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, a move that significantly boosts value. This suite includes Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Automatic High Beam (AHB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) combined with seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and a 3D Panoramic View Monitor, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control. The Corolla Altis offers strong safety credentials in its class. In short, it feels like driving a more expensive car. Though most of these features are present in other models, this just ‘feels’ more refined this time around.
With a price tag in Malaysia that starts at RM144,800 for the 1.8G, and RM149,800 for the 1.8 GR Sport, the pricing places the Corolla squarely in the mid-tier sedan segment, competing with models like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.
So, is this a good buy? For us, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Altis is probably not revolutionary in the sedan segment, but it does perfect the essentials: comfort, safety, and practicality. With its refined updates and strong reputation for long-term durability, the Altis remains one of the smartest, most dependable choices for Malaysian drivers seeking a sedan that quietly excels at everything that matters. More importantly, in out take, it’s reliable and safe, and dare I say, it is a rather fun car to drive.
This article was written by Harry Zain, a videographer and documentary producer, who is now a contributing writer at News Hub Asia with his “Dare I say it?” series.