When Toyota says the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is “red-hot performance with ice-cold style,” they aren’t exaggerating. Built under the watchful eyes of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team, this hot hatch embodies rally DNA in a street-legal package. Returning for 2025 with refined design, updated tech, and that aggressive 300-horsepower turbocharged engine, the GR Corolla is ready to thrill enthusiasts who demand precision, speed, and everyday usability in one fiery machine.
Table of Contents
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the GR Corolla is Toyota’s legendary G16E-GTS 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, a compact powerhouse producing 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque between 3,250–4,600 rpm. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with rev-matching or an 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with paddle shifters, giving drivers complete control over their driving experience.
The GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system ensures optimum traction with selectable modes:
- Normal (60:40) for balanced city driving
- Track (60:40 to 30:70) for spirited performance
- Gravel (50:50) for rally-inspired terrain handling
With a top speed of 142.9 mph (electronically controlled) and a sharp 0.091 power-to-weight ratio, the 2025 GR Corolla is engineered to push limits on road and track alike.
Exterior – Aggressive and Functional
The GR Corolla is not just about speed; it looks the part too. Toyota has sharpened its stance with widened front and rear fender flares, flared rocker panels, and aggressive black accents.
- 18-inch gloss-black or matte-black alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 tires provide grip and style.
- Triple exhaust outlets with stainless steel tips don’t just look fierce—they deliver an exhilarating soundtrack.
- A forged carbon-fiber roof (Premium Plus grade) reduces weight while enhancing rigidity.
- Functional hood vents, gloss-black grilles, and wide air ducts improve cooling and aerodynamics.
Color choices include Supersonic Red, Heavy Metal, Ice Cap, and Black, ensuring every buyer finds their ideal match.
Interior – Sporty Yet Practical
Step inside, and the GR Corolla greets you with a cockpit designed for drivers who love performance.
- Sport seats in fabric or Brin Naub® synthetic leather trim (depending on grade) provide both comfort and grip.
- 12.3-inch digital display shows AWD settings, turbo boost pressure, and gear shift indicators with a GR-exclusive start-up animation.
- A GR sport steering wheel with integrated controls, aluminum sport pedals, and a GR start/stop button add to the performance feel.
- Premium trims add heated seats, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, JBL® premium audio, and even a Head-Up Display (HUD).
Despite its racing DNA, the hatchback remains practical with seating for five, 84.6 cu. ft. passenger space, and 17.8 cu. ft. cargo capacity—enough for a weekend getaway or a set of track-day gear.
ALSO READ: Toyota Innova HyCross – India’s No.1 Family Car in a Stylish, Hybrid & Tech-Excellent Avatar
Technology – Connected and Intuitive
Toyota equips the GR Corolla 2025 with an advanced multimedia system designed to keep drivers connected without distraction.
- A smart 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display, seamlessly integrating wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for effortless connectivity on the go.
- Available JBL® 8-speaker premium sound system.
- Drive Connect system featuring cloud-based navigation, voice-activated Intelligent Assistant (‘Hey Toyota’), and real-time Destination Assist support.
- Wi-Fi Connect with streaming support for Apple Music® and Amazon Music®.
- Remote vehicle control via the Toyota app, including door locks, vehicle locator, and status updates.
Safety – Confidence Everywhere
Performance doesn’t come at the cost of safety. The GR Corolla includes:
- Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0 with Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Road Sign Assist.
- Ten airbags for complete passenger protection.
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
- Star Safety System™ with stability and traction control.
- Rearview camera and parking sensors for easy maneuvering.
Pros & Cons of Toyota GR Corolla 2025
Pros
- Rally-inspired performance with 300 HP turbocharged engine
- GR-FOUR AWD system with multiple drive modes for any condition
- Aggressive styling with wide fenders, functional vents, and triple exhaust
- Available manual & automatic transmission options
- Track-ready hardware – Torsen® limited-slip differentials, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo-style brakes
- Modern interior tech including 12.3-inch digital cluster, JBL® audio, and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
- Practical hatchback design with usable cargo space
- Strong warranty coverage and Toyota reliability
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some hot-hatch rivals
- Fuel economy (21/28 MPG) is average for daily use
- Aggressive ride quality may feel stiff on rough city roads
- Limited colour options compared to some competitors
- Rear seat legroom is tight for taller passengers
Variants and Pricing
The 2025 GR Corolla comes in three trims:
- Core – Starting at $39,160
- 18-inch gloss-black wheels, LED lighting, GR sport seats
- Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0
- 300-hp turbo engine, AWD system
- Premium – Starting at $41,740
- Heated Brin Naub® sport seats
- JBL® premium audio, wireless charging
- Gloss-black grille and parking sensors
- Premium Plus – Starting at $45,815
- Forged carbon-fiber roof, matte-black wheels
- Head-Up Display (HUD)
- Heated steering wheel and red-stitched sport seats
Available Colours
The Toyota GR Corolla 2025 is available in four bold and sporty shades designed to match its aggressive stance:
- Supersonic Red – Vibrant and attention-grabbing, perfect for those who want their GR Corolla to stand out.
- Heavy Metal – A sleek metallic finish that emphasizes sophistication with performance.
- Ice Cap – A sharp white that contrasts beautifully with the black performance accents.
- Black – Pure aggression, enhancing the GR Corolla’s stealthy and powerful aura.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, the GR Corolla feels like a rally car disguised as a hatchback. The GR sport-tuned suspension, Torsen® limited-slip differentials, and high-performance brakes ensure maximum grip and control whether on winding mountain roads or a racetrack. Toyota even throws in a 1-year National Auto Sport Association (NASA) membership with a free High Performance Driving Experience (HPDE), encouraging owners to unleash the car where it belongs—on the track.
Conclusion
The Toyota GR Corolla 2025 is more than just another hot hatch. It’s a celebration of Toyota’s rally heritage, blending thrilling performance, daily usability, advanced safety, and modern technology. Whether you’re an enthusiast craving track-day fun or a driver who wants a stylish, sporty daily driver, the GR Corolla makes a bold case as one of the most exciting compact performance cars of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the price of the Toyota GR Corolla 2025?
The starting MSRP is $39,160 for the Core model, $41,740 for the Premium, and $45,815 for the Premium Plus.
Q2: How much horsepower does the Toyota GR Corolla 2025 produce?
It comes with a 1.6L turbocharged 3-cylinder G16E-GTS engine that generates 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. torque.
Q3: Does the GR Corolla 2025 come with an automatic transmission?
Yes, it offers both a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) and an 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) with paddle shifters.
Q4: What is the top speed of the Toyota GR Corolla?
The electronically controlled top speed is 142.9 mph.
Q5: Is the Toyota GR Corolla suitable for daily driving?
Absolutely. Despite its track-ready setup, the GR Corolla offers comfortable sport seats, modern tech features, Toyota Safety Sense™ 3.0, and practical cargo space, making it an excellent daily driver.
Q6: Does Toyota offer a warranty for the GR Corolla?
Yes, it comes with:
36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty
60 months/60,000 miles powertrain warranty
Corrosion warranty: 60 months/unlimited miles
Q7: What makes the Premium Plus variant special?
It includes premium features like a forged carbon-fiber roof, matte-black alloy wheels, red-stitched sport seats, heated steering wheel, and a Head-Up Display (HUD).
