Toyota got tired of people saying its products were boring. So, in 2020, it began adding Gazoo Racing (GR) performance models to its lineup.
First came the resurrected Toyota Supra, based on the BMW Z4. Then, a redesigned 2022 GR86 arrived, continuing the company’s collaboration with Subaru, which sells its version as the BRZ. After that, the 2023 GR Corolla hatchback went on sale to battle sport compacts like the Honda Civic Type R.
Aside from some griping about the GR Supra’s BMW connection, driving enthusiasts have embraced the GR lineup, which Toyota has steadily improved over time. Now, it’s the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla’s turn to get an update.
Continuing in a five-door hatchback body style, the 2025 GR Corolla comes in Core, Premium, and new Premium Plus trim. All three models have a 300-horsepower turbocharged three-cylinder engine, standard all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual gearbox. One of the significant changes for 2025 is a new automatic transmission option, but all GR Corollas boast performance improvements.
Toyota says it has revised the GR Corolla’s front styling to improve engine and brake cooling and to enhance the car’s aerodynamics. Otherwise, it looks the same as before, except for the discontinuation of the Blue Flame paint color. If you liked the matte-finish wheels and vented bulging carbon-fiber hood of the Circuit Edition, don’t worry. They come standard on the new Premium Plus trim level, which has a name that is as boring as they come.
Similarly, the 2025 GR Corolla’s interior is almost identical to the outgoing model. Toyota says new dark interior trim and accents add a sportier vibe than before. Also, the Premium Plus trim level features artificial suede seat upholstery with red contrast stitching.
Until now, the GR Corolla has only had a six-speed manual transmission. But there are lots of car enthusiasts who can’t drive a stick. Also, modern automatics are so good that they often provide even faster acceleration. So, as much as it genuinely pains the purist in me to say it, Toyota is wise to introduce a new eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) in the 2025 GR Corolla.
The DAT isn’t a typical automatic. Gazoo Racing optimized it for enthusiastic driving, calibrating the software to respond to how the driver steps on the brakes and uses the accelerator pedal instead of reacting to changes in vehicle speed and deceleration force. That gives the GR Corolla’s DAT proactive instead of reactive shifting behavior, allowing you to focus more on the driving and less on what the transmission is doing.
You can choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom driving modes, but Toyota optimized the DAT for the Sport setting. In addition, GR Corollas equipped with the DAT have standard launch control.
The car’s turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine carries over but with an increase in torque. Output now measures 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet, reflecting an increase in torque over the 2024 model’s 273 lb-ft. Every GR Corolla has an all-wheel-drive system, which now benefits from standard front and rear locking differentials, enhancing cornering and grip.
In addition to improved airflow through the restyled front bumper, a sub-radiator is an option with Premium trim and standard on the GR Corolla Premium Plus. Toyota says that the upgrade allows you to drive the GR Corolla hard for an extended period. All DAT-equipped cars also have an automatic transmission fluid cooler, and Toyota also reports improved brake cooling thanks to redesigned brake ducts.
Toyota has also revised the GR Corolla’s suspension. The changes help to reduce squat under hard acceleration, limit inner wheel lift when driving the car hard, and improve grip when cornering—all good things.
Toyota reports no changes to the GR Corolla’s technology. The car continues with a configurable 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia software, and the safety features of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). With Premium Plus trim, the car has a standard head-up display.
The 2025 GR Corolla is a relatively rare automobile, competing in a sport compact car segment full of relative rarities. Perhaps the most common alternative is the Mazda Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Hatchback, but that’s more refined and less raw, aimed at the same entry-luxury car buyers as the Volkswagen Golf R.
Rivals offering greater driver engagement than the Mazda and VW include the Acura Integra Type S, Honda Civic Type R, and Hyundai Elantra N (the latter available only as a sedan). None offers all-wheel drive, and the Acura and Honda are available only with a manual transmission. That gives Toyota an opening thanks to its new DAT option.
Last on the list of GR Corolla alternatives, but certainly not least, is the legendary Subaru WRX. Available only as a sedan, the WRX can’t match the GR Corolla’s outright performance, but amongst this collection of sport compacts, the Subaru is the only one that drives like a rally car, similar to the Toyota.
Toyota is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of August 1, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
Check out our list of some of the best lease deals on a new car, truck, SUV, or van in July 2026. The list below includes a mix of models from domestic and foreign brands, mainstream and luxury ...See More
Read the Full Article
Are you looking for the best deals on the hottest new cars in July 2026? Look no further. We researched the latest car incentives and offers for the top 10 best-selling cars in America. Here, listed ...See More
Read the Full Article
If you are searching for the best deals on the most popular new trucks in July 2026, your search ends here. We researched the latest incentives and offers for the 10 top-selling trucks in America. ...See More
Read the Full Article
If you are searching for the best deals on the hottest new SUVs in July 2026, your search ends here. We researched the latest car incentives and offers for the 20 top-selling SUV models in America. ...See More
Read the Full Article