If you happen to stay within the US and desire a new all-wheel drive efficiency automotive with a six-speed handbook transmission, the Toyota GR Corolla and Subaru WRX are the one choices. And whereas the WRX nonetheless holds its floor, it’s now not supplied as a high-strung STI. That leaves the GR Corolla because the extra centered alternative for driving fans.
Whereas that’s a disgrace, the GR Corolla has at all times been excellent, and for 2025, it has been up to date with a brand new design, further energy, and the supply of an eight-speed computerized transmission. After dwelling with the brand new automotive for 2 weeks, with each the six-speed and eight-speed choices, we’re completely happy to report it continues to face aside from all different sizzling hatches.
Nonetheless, for pretty much as good as it’s, it can’t fairly match the thrills and engagement of the smaller GR Yaris.
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Photographs Brad Anderson / Carscoops
The Vary
Identical to earlier than, the GR Corolla is offered with a extremely strung 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that’s rated at a formidable 296 hp (221 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 296 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm. All-wheel drive is commonplace throughout the vary.
In Australia, Toyota sells the mannequin in a single, well-equipped model generally known as the GTS. Costs begin at AU$67,990 ($43,600) plus on-road prices for the six-speed and AU$70,490 ($45,200) for the automated. Think about charges, and also you’re taking a look at AU$73,827 ($47,300) and AU$76,428 ($49,000), respectively. Within the US, Toyota sells the GR Corolla in Core, Premium, and Premium Plus guises, with costs beginning at $38,860 for the Core and rising to $41,440 for the Premium and $45,515 for the Premium Plus. Australia’s GTS is the equal of America’s Premium Plus.
I by no means had a difficulty with how the “previous” GR Corolla seemed, however Toyota’s updates have made it look even higher. The obvious change is the brand new entrance bumper and overhauled grille, making the hatch seem like an much more ferocious pit bull terrier. A lot of the design stays acquainted, together with the intriguing three-tailpipes on the rear. All Aussie vehicles come commonplace with the solid carbon fiber roof, which was reserved for the Morizo Version.
Photographs Brad Anderson / Carscoops
A Good However Not Nice Cabin
Stepping contained in the automotive, it’s all very acquainted, and it instantly feels extra premium than the GR Yaris. Whereas just about each single sq. inch of the Yaris’ inside is produced from onerous, black plastic, its larger brother has soft-touch leather-based throughout the dashboard and door panels. Nonetheless, whereas Toyota overhauled the cabin of the GR Yaris for its mid-life facelift, it hasn’t accomplished the identical with the Corolla, so it stays primarily unchanged from the older automotive.
Sitting atop the sprint is an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system works properly sufficient when utilizing smartphone mirroring, however the native software program could be very primary, significantly in comparison with what you’ll discover in a Honda Civic Kind R, Hyundai i30/Elantra N, or a VW Golf R. This method dates the general cabin of the GR Corolla, which is a disgrace.
Elsewhere, all the pieces is kind of acquainted. There are the identical leather-based and Alcantara GR sports activities seats because the Yaris and an similar steering wheel. However, just like the Corolla’s smaller sibling, the seats are nonetheless too excessive and the steering wheel sits too low. In a Civic Kind R, it feels such as you’re sitting within the automotive, however with the GR Corolla, it nonetheless feels such as you’re sitting on prime of it.
Different necessary options embrace a superb 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a good eight-speed JBL audio system.
Photograph Credit: Brad Anderson/Carscoops
A Thrilling Sizzling Hatch
After taking the brand new GR Corolla out for the primary time, I need to admit to feeling a bit of dissatisfied. In comparison with the GR Yaris I’d been dwelling with earlier than, it felt huge and didn’t appear as particular. Nonetheless, after spending extra time with it, I started to understand its breadth of talents totally and would most likely take it over another sizzling hatch available on the market, aside from the Yaris.
As in its smaller sibling, the GR Corolla’s three-cylinder turbo is hilariously enjoyable. It produces a beautiful, throaty soundtrack accentuated by whistles on the overrun. For 2025, torque has jumped from 272 lb-ft (370 Nm) to 296 lb-ft (400 Nm), and the brand new automotive pulls properly by the gears. However if you would like the quickest automotive, go for the handbook, not the eight-speed.
Toyota claims the GR Corolla with the eight-speed can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, however we couldn’t match that, recording a greatest time of 5.39 seconds with launch management. As within the GR Yaris with the auto, the GR Corolla pulls away fairly sedately earlier than choosing up velocity, nevertheless it by no means feels significantly mighty.
At a roll between 60 – 120 km/h (37 – 75 mph), it additionally proved to be slower than anticipated, recording occasions of round 4.7-4.8 seconds, whereas vehicles just like the i30/Elantra N and Civic Kind R are within the 4.2-4.3 second vary.
By comparability, the six-speed handbook mannequin pulls noticeably more durable. You may launch the handbook a lot more durable off the road, and we additionally recorded constant occasions of 5.4 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph), and that features two gear modifications. At a roll, the six-speed additionally shaves off 0.4 of a second from the auto, matching its key rivals, however nonetheless about half a second off the GR Yaris.
Learn: Toyota’s New GR Yaris Will Have You Rethinking Every little thing You Thought You Needed In A {Car}
So far as torque converters go, the auto within the GR Corolla is nice, however not nice. There are faster ZF bins on the market, and it’s clearly no match for shift velocity with rival dual-clutches. However, at gradual speeds, the ‘field is buttery easy and does present fast modifications if you stamp on the throttle. It should positively broaden the automotive’s attraction, however driving fans ought to go for the handbook.
Geared up with an excellent rev-matching operate, the six-speed is notchy and well-weighted. It’s a pleasure to make use of, even when it could actually’t match a Kind R for really feel.
An excellent all-wheel drive system makes Toyota’s newest GR product really feel like a correct efficiency automotive hero. As within the Yaris, it consists of three modes that modify the ability break up. In Regular, it’s 60:40, in Gravel it’s 53:47, and in Monitor it varies between 60:40 and 30:70.
The Gravel and Monitor fashions are significantly well-suited to getting sideways on gravel and grime roads, making the Corolla really feel like a correct rally automotive. Throw in a correct handbrake that disconnects the rear wheels, and it’s simple to get carried away considering you’re a Gymkhana knowledgeable, performing handbrake turns and donuts with ease.
On the street, the Toyota handles fantastically. Aussie fashions are fitted as commonplace with Yokohama Advan Apex V601 tires versus the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber utilized by the GR Yaris. Nonetheless, these Yokohamas are wonderful, offering wonderful grip within the dry and good road-holding within the moist.
Photographs Brad Anderson / Carscoops
The Not So Good
It’s disappointing that Toyota solely sells the GR Corolla with mounted dampers. Make no mistake, it has accomplished job of balancing consolation and efficiency to make sure the automotive is a good every day, however at this value level, adaptive dampers ought to come commonplace. In any case, most rivals have them.
The steering really feel is nice, however actually not class-leading, and it may be a bit difficult to discern what the entrance wheels are doing. However it does supply three completely different settings for the burden, which is sweet.
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Whereas the GR Corolla solely has three cylinders, it makes use of simply as a lot gasoline as its four-cylinder rivals. Toyota quotes 8.4 l/100 km (28 mpg) for the handbook and 9.5 l/100 km (24.7 mpg) for the automated. We noticed figures nearer to 10.0 l/100 km (23.5 mpg) and 11 l/100 km (21.3 mpg), respectively, and that features plenty of freeway driving.
Verdict
It’s a terrific aid that Toyota hasn’t messed with the profitable recipe that was the primary GR Corolla. The brand new mannequin has a slight enhance in energy and retains the identical boisterous character, making certain it’s simply as a lot enjoyable to drive at 30 mph as it’s at a lot increased speeds.
There are extra refined, polished, and well-rounded rivals on the market, however few can match the character of the Toyota. However, for pretty much as good as it’s, it merely can’t match the GR Yaris. Sorry, America.