2025 Toyota Corolla FX Edition Revives Cool Old Name, But Is It Lame?
Toyota resurrects the sporty FX16 hatchback's name for... a special edition with a bigger touchscreen.
Justin Westbrook Writer Manufacturer Photographer Jun 04, 2024
The new Toyota Corolla has been around for a couple of years now, but it seems Toyota found something it really wanted to improve: the interior touchscreen interface. New for 2025 is the FX special edition trim, which blends sportier accents inside and out, a larger 10.5-inch screen for connectivity and navigation, and a nod to classic Corolla from the 1980s.
The new FX trim for 2025 is said to be inspired by the "iconic and sporty" Corolla FX16 that debuted back in 1987, which took the tuned 1.6-liter engine from the rear-wheel-drive '84 Corolla GTS and applied its power to the front axle of a hatchback version. Use of that Corolla's name therefore is slightly confusing, given the 2025 Corolla FX doesn't get a new engine, it's just more of an appearance pack for the existing SE trim line and, well, a bigger screen. Which is something of a disappointment for anyone who remembers the sporty FX16 original. This new Corolla keeps the same 169-horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine generating 151 lb-ft of torque as every other non-hybrid, non-GR Corolla.
The new FX special edition does add 18-inch satin black alloy wheels with matching lug nuts, black badges, black mirror caps, a large rear spoiler, and a black roof for a contrasted look on models with appropriate paintwork. The FX is offered in Midnight Black Metallic, Ice Cap white, and Underground grey colors.
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But, hey, more touchscreen! Where the standard Corolla only measures in with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, the new FX's unit grows to 10.5 inches, offering noticeably more screen real estate. You'll also get a 7.0-inch digital driver display and the XSE trim's wireless phone charger inside. The 10.5-inch screen will also now be available on other 2025 model Corollas soon as an upgrade. The interior is also treated to Moonstone sport fabric seats with orange accent stitching.
