It wasn’t that long ago when people complained about Toyota only making boring cars. Clearly, the company listened and did something about it. That explains performance-oriented models such as the Camry TRD, Supra six-speed, and Toyota’s hottest hatch, the 300-horsepower, all-wheel-drive GR (Gazoo Racing) Corollla, which has come exclusively with a six-speed stick. Toyota has made several suspension, cooling system, and engine upgrades to it for 2025, but don’t worry – it’s not killing the manual gearbox. However, an automatic is being added to the options list.
Considering the GR Corolla came out as a 2023 model, it’s surprising Toyota has so thoroughly updated it just two years later. It starts with the new Premium Plus trim level, which joins the Core and Premium grades, and builds on the Premium spec by adding a sub-radiator for additional cooling, a “bulge hood” with functional air vents, matte black 18-inch wheels, and a forged carbon fiber roof. Inside, the Premium Plus model gets a head-up display and GR-branded Brin Naub Suede-trimmed seats with red stitching.
The exterior design has been tweaked to keep the GR Corolla’s fluids cool. The reshaped front bumper leaves room for the sub-radiator (optional on the Premium model) and a cooler for the available eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT). Toyota even altered the brake ducts to reduce turbulence around the front tires and increase handling stability.
Toyota is aware many GR Corolla owners will track their cars, so it went to the Fuji International Speedway to dial in the 2025 model’s suspension. Engineers equipped it with rebound springs to cut inner-wheel lift during hard cornering. Upgraded rear coils and stabilizers increase contact with the road/track surface, responsiveness, and control. Wisely, the engineers also opted to raise the trailing arm mounting point to keep the rear end from squatting so low when the GR Corolla accelerates (something it was made to do aggressively).
Perhaps the most surprising part of the 2025 updates is the additional output. Now, the G16E-GTS 1.6 liter turbocharged I3 generates 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque – an increase of 22 lb-ft compared to the 2024 GR Corolla.
That extra oomph reaches the road through the GR-Four All-Wheel-Drive system that alters the front/rear torque split depending on which of the three modes is selected and either a revised six-speed manual gearbox or the available eight-speed DAT. The row-your-own choice’s clutch now has a snappier feel to it and better dynamics on the clutch pedal’s return stroke. The close-ratio DAT was developed with the fastest possible downshifts in mind and is paired with launch control and software that anticipates the driver’s desired gear change based on factors such as braking and throttle inputs.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will zip into Toyota dealerships this fall with a starting MSRP of $38,860. The full price list is below, but it doesn’t include the $1,135 Dealer Processing and Handling fee.
Source: www.classiccars.com