Not long ago When people complained that Toyota only made boring cars. Apparently, the company listened to them and did something about it. That explains performance-oriented models like the Camry TRD, the Supra Six-Speed, and Toyota’s hottest hatchback, the 300-horsepower, all-wheel-drive GR (Gazoo Racing) Corolla, the latter of which comes exclusively with a six-speed stick shift. Toyota has given it several suspension, cooling, and engine upgrades for 2025, but don’t worry—it’s not killing off the manual transmission. An automatic transmission is, however, being added to the options list.
Considering the GR Corolla was launched as a 2023 model, it’s surprising Toyota has updated it so thoroughly just two years later. It starts with the new Premium Plus trim level, which combines the Core and Premium grades and adds a sub-radiator for additional cooling, a “raised hood” with functional vents, matte black 18-inch wheels and a forged carbon fiber roof to the Premium specification. Inside, Premium Plus models get a head-up display and GR-branded Brin Naub suede-trimmed seats with red stitching.
The exterior design has been tweaked to keep the GR Corolla’s fluids cool. A redesigned front bumper makes room for a sub-radiator (optional on Premium models) and a cooler for the available eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). Toyota even changed the brake ducts to reduce turbulence around the front tires and improve handling stability.
Toyota knows that many GR Corolla owners will track their cars, so it went to Fuji International Speedway to tune the suspension for the 2025 model. Engineers gave it rebound springs to reduce inner-wheel lift during tight turns. Upgraded rear coils and stabilizers increase contact with the road/track surface, responsiveness, and control. Wisely, engineers also chose to raise the trailing arm mounting points to prevent the rear end from squatting too low when the GR Corolla is accelerated (which is something it is designed to do when accelerated aggressively).
Perhaps the most surprising part of the 2025 update is the extra output. The G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged I3 now produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque — an increase of 22 pound-feet over the 2024 GR Corolla.
That extra power is delivered to the road via the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, which varies the front/rear torque split depending on the three modes selected, and a revised six-speed manual transmission or available eight-speed DAT. The bank-type clutch now has a more responsive feel and more dynamic clutch pedal return. The close-ratio DAT was developed with the quickest downshifts in mind and works in conjunction with launch control and software that predicts the driver’s desired gear changes based on factors such as braking and throttle inputs.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will be available at Toyota dealerships this fall with a starting price of $38,860. The full price list is below, excluding the $1,135 dealer processing fee.
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