2025 Toyota GR Corolla Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

MSRP

Overview

Envisioned and created by Toyota's Gazoo Racing entity, the 2025 GR Corolla is the Hulk to the standard Corolla's Bruce Banner. Though they share some core elements, the rally-car-inspired GR Corolla hot hatch is pumped up and fortified with a stiffer body structure, a snarling 300-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive, and a suspension designed to turn apexes into quickly fading memories. An eight-speed automatic transmission joins the six-speed manual for the 2025 model year, expanding the GR Corolla's appeal to a wider swath of buyers. Though we feel the manual is an intrinsic part of the GR Corolla experience, Toyota did at least include a launch mode for the automatic. Either way, the GR Corolla is primed for the type of action generally reserved for fellow mighty minis such as the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R. Wearing the vaunted "GR" badge carries a heavy load, however, not to mention a sizeable price increase to cover all the unique performance hardware and extra care that goes into assembling the GR Corolla at a dedicated facility. Production volume is limited, which can make locating one and negotiating the price tedious. But given the GR Corolla's performance and undeniable fun-to-drive factor, the journey is well worth it.

What's New for 2025?

An eight-speed automatic transmission joins the six-speed manual as a second transmission choice. The 300-hp turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine gets a boost in torque to 295 pound-feet. Front and rear limited slip differentials are now standard, and automatic transmission cars get launch control. The front fascia has been tweaked for better airflow, and suspension mods work to curtail squat and increase traction.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The new-for-2025 Premium Plus has some neat features including a carbon roof, a power bulge hood, and a head-up display but we feel the base Core best represents the GR Corolla's mission, particularly now that the limited-slip front and rear differentials are standard for 2025.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of the GR Corolla is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine plucked from the GR Yaris—a hatchback that the Japanese automaker sells in global markets outside of the United States. For the GR Corolla, it has been tuned to make 300 horsepower—an eye-opening 185.4 horsepower per liter and 43 horsepower more than it makes in the GR Yaris. Torque increases to 295 pound-feet, up 22 pound-feet from the 2025 model. The six-speed manual gearbox is joined by a new 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters for 2025, and all models come with Toyota's GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. The GR-Four system allows the driver to choose among different power-distribution modes, starting with a 60/40 front-to-rear split for everyday driving to up to 30/70 to allow for drifting antics; a 50/50 split option is intended to provide maximum traction for track driving. Current examples of the Corolla, even sporty SE and XSE models, don't offer remotely racy handling or performance, but upgrades to the GR's suspension and powertrain make it a legitimate contender in the sport-compact segment. Cornering grip is tenacious, and on a twisty road, the GR Corolla rewards its driver with a memorable blend of sure-footedness and civility. While pedal placement may not be ideal for heel-toe downshifts, the six-speed manual is otherwise easy to row; a rev-match feature is standard.

0–60-MPH Times

The 60 mph time for the GR Corolla we tested was 4.9 seconds and it reached 100 mph in 11.4 seconds. That's only narrowly quicker than the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R from the same test, but hey, a win's a win. We'll post results from the new GR Corolla with the automatic transmission as soon as we test one.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

While the current Corolla is both one of the more fuel-efficient options in the compact class and thoroughly somnambulant in its driving character, the high-performance GR variant is aimed purely at maximum performance. Thanks to its small 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, however, the GR Corolla still delivers relatively decent fuel economy, but its EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway are well below that of the normal Corolla hatchback. In our real-world 200-mile highway fuel-economy test—part of our extensive testing regimen—a GR Corolla Premium delivered 28 mpg, matching its EPA estimate. We'll update this section with fuel economy numbers for the automatic version as soon as they are available. For more information about the GR Corolla's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The GR Corolla shares most of its cabin with the standard Corolla hatchback, which means good build quality, a smattering of soft-touch materials, and plenty of features, upgraded with racier trim and sport seats. Standard equipment includes ambient interior lighting, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, a push-button start, and aluminum pedal covers. There are also new finishes for the flat surfaces and switchgear inside that create a slightly darker vibe. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel are all standard on the Premium Grade, which also wears suede and faux-leather upholstery in place of the base model's cloth. The Premium Plus upgrades are primarily to the exterior, but the faux leather seats get red stitching in place of the gray stitching on the Premium.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard and also includes Amazon Alexa capability and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium trim includes an eight-speaker JBL stereo system and wireless smartphone charging. The top-tier Premium Plus trim adds a subwoofer.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Toyota currently offers much of its driver-assistance technology as standard on most of its lineup, and the GR Corolla is no different. A host of desirable tech features are bundled together across the lineup and include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic high-beam headlamps. For more information about the GR Corolla's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Like other Toyotas, the GR Corolla comes with a standard warranty package enhanced by a two-year complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. All GR Corollas come with a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, a sanctioning body that conducts sports car races across the U.S. The membership includes access to a complimentary high-performance driving class.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

More Features and Specs