Toyota Corolla Returns to Israel After Turkish Embargo Freeze

After a year-and-a-half hiatus caused by Turkey’s export embargo on Israel, Toyota Corolla imports have officially resumed. Union Motors, Toyota’s direct importer, announced that the popular model is once again available on the Israeli market—this time manufactured in Japan and built to American safety and equipment standards.

The renewed Corolla arrives with an aggressive pricing position. The base trim will start at NIS 160,000, notably cheaper than its closest competitor, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, priced at around NIS 170,000.

Before imports stopped last year, the Corolla hybrid sold locally for NIS 167,000, making the new pricing slightly lower despite the shift to a Japanese production line.

Corolla Cross Continues at Higher Price Point

Throughout the embargo period, Toyota continued selling the Corolla Cross—a hybrid crossover that shares the nameplate but not the sedan’s configuration.
The Corolla Cross remains available starting at NIS 180,000, maintaining its place as a more premium, family-oriented option.

Hybrid Powertrain Returns Unchanged

The returning Corolla offers a familiar technical setup:

• Hybrid system: 1.8-liter petrol engine + electric motor

• Combined output: 138 hp

• Fuel consumption: 21.3 km per liter (manufacturer rating)

The mechanical package remains largely the same as in previous years, known for its efficiency and reliability.

The most noticeable update is a redesigned front end, borrowing styling cues from the Corolla station wagon sold in Europe—though the wagon variant itself will not be marketed in Israel.

Aside from the refreshed look, the sedan retains the conservative, well-recognized Corolla aesthetic that has made it one of Israel’s best-selling vehicles for two decades.