Yahoo Autos 2025 Toyota GR Corolla: Toyota's rally-bred hatch just got hotter
Toyota’s GR Corolla has been one of the most welcome additions to the US automotive market, especially since we can’t get the even crazier GR Yaris. The hot hatches are still around and frankly better than ever with manufacturers like Hyundai tapping into a sector they were previously absent from.
Related: 2025 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser: Exploring key differences
Back on the JDM front though, Toyota will debut an enhanced version of their beloved GR Corolla for the 2025 model year with plenty of fun enhancement to make the driving experience even peppier.
Toyota
The new 2025 GR Corolla gets the GAZOO Racing automatic transmission
For starters, an 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with paddle shifters is now available as a $2,000 addition to the regular six-speed manual.
Toyota claims this will help drivers “focus on dynamic handling” rather than shifting. At the heart of that claim is Toyota’s integrated software, which basically syncs the car’s brain to yours. It analyzes metrics like deceleration g-forces, speed, and driving behavior to predict the perfect shift point. The new DAT also benefits from launch control to help you win those stop-light drag races. If the standard transmission cooler proves inadequate for your needs, a sub-radiator is available on the Premium trim but comes standard on the new Premium Plus trim level.
Toyota
2025 GR Corolla offers enhanced suspension
To further enhance handling, the suspension gets snazzy new rebounding springs in the front and back to keep the wheels planted in hard corners. The rear coils and stabilizers received some attention as well. The trailing arm mounting point is also higher to reduce rear squat during acceleration, and every GR Corolla from now on will come standard with front and rear limited-slip differentials.
If you’re on team manual, don’t worry—Toyota has not forgotten you. The clutch has been updated for the new model year to be quicker than before, especially on the return stroke.
The turbocharged 3-cylinder makes more torque and breathes better through the new bumper
The G16E-GTS 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine now growls a little louder thanks to a torque increase from 273 lb.-ft. to 295 lb.-ft., the same as the 2023 Morizo edition. The AWD system remains unchanged, with Normal, Gravel, and Track modes, because hot hatches should be adaptable too.
Toyta
On the aesthetic side, the front bumper has been redesigned with improved cooling in mind. In addition to fitting the DAT cooler and optional sub-radiator, it also houses the radiator, intercooler, and improved air curtain brake ducts.
Corolla GR offers new trim level for 2025 and higher base price
The aforementioned Premium Plus trim is new for 2025 and adds features previously seen only on special editions, like a forged carbon fiber roof, vented bulge hood, matte black wheels, and a Head-Up Display. That might spark some grumbling from current special edition owners.
Toyota
Unfortunately, color options remain relatively dull, with only Black, Ice Cap (white), Heavy Metal (gray), and Supersonic Red available. Toyota, you made the Prius C in bright happy colors—what happened here?
As one might expect, new premium features come at a new premium price. The base model GR Corolla, a.k.a. the Core, starts at $39,995 compared to the previous model year’s $37,195. The Premium trim stays at $42,575, while the new Premium Plus starts at $46,650. That’s almost $50,000 for a Corolla. You can get some full-size sedans for the same price or less. Those, however, don’t come with a complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association.
Final thoughts
The GR Corolla remains an exciting addition to Toyota’s lineup and the hot hatch segment. While the higher base price may upset some folks, at least it goes towards new parts that further improve the driving experience.
I would also argue that the new automatic transmission is a welcome addition. Not only is it the GAZOO Racing DAT—banishing nightmares of the slushboxes of yore—but it also makes the GR Corolla accessible to those who either don’t want to drive manual or are unable to due to disability. After all, aren’t we supposed to make driving more fun for everyone?
