The claim that Toyota only makes boring, milquetoast commuter cars is turning into a cliche of the past. Within the last several years, Toyota has released performance-oriented TRD versions of the Camry and Avalon, brought back the Supra (and offered it with a manual gearbox), and evolved the rear-wheel-drive 86 into the GR86. In 2023, Toyota put big power into one of its smallest cars, creating the GR (Gazoo Racing) Corolla, a hot hatchback with 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed stick.
Toyota turned up the heat for the 2025 model year. The newest version of the GR Corolla has a starting price of $39,160 and comes with a revised suspension, a more responsive and controllable clutch, and additional torque. For the first time, an eight-speed automatic is available. Thanks in part to an increase in boost to 26.3 psi, the turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-three pumps out 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from 3,250 to 4,600 rpm.
The new Premium Plus trim level, priced from $45,815, adds cosmetic and functional upgrades. Up front, the redesigned bumper provides room for the intercooler, standard sub-radiator, and brake ducts. The “bulge” hood is equipped with functional vents. Matte black 18-inch wheels and a forged carbon fiber roof give the GR Corolla a racy, sinister edge. Inside, the Premium Plus model has a head-up display, leather-wrapped GR steering wheel, and Black Brin Naub synthetic suede and leather upholstery with GR headrest logos and red stitching.
Given how aggressively Toyota tuned such a small engine, I had my concerns that the GR Corolla would be a lurching, ‘roided-out maniac. I was pleasantly surprised by both its docility and ferocity. In stop-and-go traffic, the clutch was perfectly weighted and easy to use. Despite its pronounced side bolsters, the driver’s seat was perfectly comfortable during my morning and evening commutes. The clutch pedal’s strong rebound stroke took a little getting used to, but ultimately it helped make each shift smoother. No matter which gear I was in or how fast I was going, the G16E-GTS under the hood always seemed to have more power in reserve. On-center, the steering was solid, but not devoid of feeling; on winding roads, it struck a nice balance between weight and responsiveness. Even on the roughest pavement, the suspension always communicated what it was encountering without drama or violence.
Whether or not Toyota ever says it out loud, the GR Corolla is a weapon it uses to combat its image as a manufacturer of A-B transportation appliances. Just a few years into its first generation, the GR Corolla has hit the bull’s-eye on a target that other manufacturers have missed, creating a car that’s simultaneously fun and comfortable, youthful and composed, flamboyant and focused.
To learn more about the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus, check out my video review below.
Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!
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