The Toyota GR Corolla is helping keep the hot hatch alive and for the 2025 model year it’s received several upgrades to make it even more fun. With upgraded torque, a newly available 8-speed automatic transmission, and revised suspension tuning, the GR Corolla evolves without losing any of its raw, rally-inspired character.
Under the hood the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine still cranks out a nice 300 horsepower, but torque gets a healthy bump to 295 lb-ft (up from 273). The result is even stronger mid-range pull, perfect for tight canyon runs and quicker acceleration off the line. A new Launch Control system makes it feel even quicker off the line.
The bigger news under the hood is that there’s now an automatic transmission option. The GR Corolla is now available with an 8-speed automatic transmission (DAT). The good news is that the automatic doesn’t ruin the fun. Paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel are snappy and responsive, downshifting with urgency and holding gears when needed. Best of all, there’s hardly a performance trade-off compared to the six-speed manual—the GR Corolla retains its rowdy spirit either way. The new transmission broadens the GR Corolla’s appeal without watering down its performance credibility. It also sets it apart from the Civic Type R, which is only available with a manual.
Underneath, Toyota has fine-tuned the suspension with new rebound springs in the dampers, a slimmer rear anti-roll bar, and repositioned the trailing arms to sharpen handling. The standard all-wheel drive system gives you relentless grip in all conditions. Torque split modes let you choose how the power gets distributed: Track mode splits the torque either 60:40 front-to-rear or 30:70. In normal mode the torque is split 60:40 and 50:50 in Gravel mode. Quick, communicative steering helps you zoom around corners with ease, and the car absolutely hugs the road when you push it.
The 2025 GR Corolla has few faults, but there are a few things that could be improved. The 8-inch touchscreen feels dated, especially in a car that can flirt with a $50,000 price tag and the JBL audio system is underwhelming. Legroom in the back is tight and cargo space is limited to just 17.8 cubic feet—significantly less than the Civic Type R’s 24.5. Lastly the automatic version is slightly thirstier at 22 mpg combined (vs. 24 mpg for the manual), and the GR Corolla makes it clear.
The GR Corolla is available in three trim levels: Core, Premium and Premium Plus. The pricing starts at $39,995. The automatic transmission adds $2,000 to the price. Our Premium Plus tester with the automatic transmission starts at $48,650.
At the end of the day, Toyota has made the 2025 GR Corolla an even more appealing hot hatch. It stands out with its excellent all-wheel drive system, turbocharged engine and a driving experience that is a thrill. The other good news is that the addition of the new automatic transmission doesn’t dial down the fun, instead it makes the GR Corolla appeal to a wider audience. Whether you want to row your own gears or let the car handle the shifting, the 2025 GR Corolla delivers excitement.