Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla

Bro, do you even stunt?

Alright, we’re stereotyping the sports compact owner. One that flexes at the car meet with his boys and girls. One that thinks he’s better than the other dudes at the lot. One who wants to take it on the track and show how much they learned from a YouTube or TikTok video.

This is why people were falling over each other when Toyota announced the arrival of the Gazoo Racing-massaged Corolla hatchback. 

It is a point of interest for us. Not only because of you. It is because it is within our realm in automotive enthusiasm. We may have seen our share of neutered muscle and pony cars as kids but seeing how the compact hatchback can be transformed into something desirable and fun-to-drive certainly shaped our post-high school days. 

In its second year of sale in the USA, this 2025 GR Corolla came with plenty of hype. Toyota added an eight-speed automatic transmission for the 2025 model year to entice those of us who are left foot challenged to enjoy this hunky little brute. 

We should just cut to the chase here. The main attraction is what lies underneath its vented hood. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine only has three cylinders. It is also port and direct fuel injected. The G16E-GTS engine is rated at 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharger puts out a maximum boost pressure of 26.3 PSI.   

This test vehicle also came with the aforementioned automatic transmission, which transfers power to all four wheels through the GR Four system with torque vectoring. Gazoo Racing also added a triple exhaust port system with a valved system in the middle. 

You probably figured that this GR Corolla is all about numbers. Toyota achieved a top speed of 143 MPH. They also clocked a 0-60 MPH sprint in 4.9 seconds. Just remember to feed it anything from 91 octane and up. 

This is not just about the driveline. Gazoo Racing went further to turn this Corolla hatchback into a boy racer. The chassis was tuned to deliver exceptional handling characteristics. This package includes double wishbones at the rear. The brakes were enlarged and given more than enough stopping power for the road and track. They sharpened the “circuit-tuned” steering for precise turns and control. 

The best way to put this together is to simply drive it. This is not a “set it and forget it” kind of sports compact. The GR Corolla beckons you to engage with it. Even if it’s a run to the grocery store, it should be as exciting as a bluff carving excursion. Everything about the chassis is as advertised, as it delivers the promise of motorsport in a compact hatchback. 

It’s not exactly perfect. Turbo lag is real. It’s not excruciatingly long, but you will notice when the turbo kicks in as soon as you leave an intersection. Yet, you do not have to work the throttle too hard to get through the rev range to gain speed.

The plus side of the ledger includes a responsive transmission. While you debate the merits of a third pedal and rowing your own gears, you should not be surprised that the eight-speed automatic can deliver the shifts competently with vigor. 

In every review, we have to talk about fuel economy. In the 2025 GR Corolla, we did achieve an average of 24.1 MPG using the required Premium fuel. 

It is worth repeating that you do not drive a GR Corolla like any other compact. The exterior alone would not let you. The aggressive front clip, extended fenders, ground effects, vents on the hood and front fenders, rear spoiler and diffuser are invitations to log off social media and make new memories. Not to mention the 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber and the carbon fiber roof panel that is part of the Premium Plus upgrade. 

If you strip all of that away, it is a Corolla hatchback. The “boomerang” headlamps include a series of LED beams. The exterior design above the body kit includes a series of curved shapes throughout the body ending with a bubbly rear end. The rear doors are a bit small. Whilst the hatch does open high for loading of items.

Inside the GR Corolla is a mix of considerations. The seats are upholstered in what Toyota calls Brin Maub. If you ask me, it is that sporty cloth that feels like suede or Alcantara. The materials certainly lock you in, while bolstered and trimmed in leather. These racing-style seats add red stitching and GR logos to let you know what you’re about to drive. The same materials are found on the rear seats. 

The driver gets an exclusive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that changes formats with the drive mode. There’s plenty of displays and bits of information to disseminate. Add a wide head-up display to keep your eyes on the road – and to the next curve. 

If you have been in various Corolla models during this current generation, the controls should be very familiar. The only thing that is new is the knob that controls the GR-Four system. This enables a set torque split between the front and rear axles, depending on the mode. Press the button in the middle, and you get Track mode, which variates between the two axles for grip and traction. You can also twist the knob to activate Gravel mode to fulfill your WRC fantasy. 

On top of the center stack is an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen and the shifter for the automatic transmission. The Premium Plus package adds eight JBL speakers to spread the soundtrack around. There are wireless smartphone integration and device charging on board, as well. 

Rear seat room can be a bit tight for taller people. Although the rear seatbacks split 60/40, they’re great for very flat and narrow items. The reason is the exposed rear strut brace that frames the back of the cargo area restricts some items to fit in the back. That includes a rollator or a standard wheelchair. In all, there is 17.8 cubic feet of usable cargo space. 

You have a choice of three trim levels available on the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, all of which come with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Pricing starts from $39,160. Our Premium Plus test vehicle came with a sticker price of $50,144.

With everything in consideration, the purpose of the 2025 GR Corolla is to entertain the inner boy/girl racer. Not just by stunting, posing, hard parking, or thinking you’re the kingpin of your car community set. It invites you to engage with it.

That’s the key. A sports compact must be driven. Find a good winding road. A rural sweeper. Something. Just don’t think you’re cool by doing pulls on the freeway. Because…you’re not. 

For some, this may not be the sport compact of choice. If you’re curious, bro, take one for a spin. Just be responsible when you do. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – our opinions are our own. 

Photos by Randy Stern and George Torline