Toyota has unveiled the all-wheel drive GR Corolla hot hatch for the 2025 model year for the American market: the technical stuffing has been improved once again, the design of the front end of the body has been updated, and instead of the standard 6-speed manual transmission, you can now choose an 8-speed hydromechanical automatic.
The Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch debuted in 2022 and already in 2023 underwent a minor technical upgrade, and now another batch of updates has arrived — all of them relate to the 2025 model year hatchback for the USA, versions for other markets may have some differences.
The 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol G16E-GTS engine installed transversely under the hood produces the same 304 hp in the 2025 model year, but the maximum torque has been increased from 370 to 400 Nm — exactly the same upgrade was received at the beginning of the year by the engine of the junior hot hatch Toyota GR Yaris, which is not sold in the USA. From the same model, the Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch got an optional sports 8-speed automatic Gazoo Racing Direct with the ability to manually shift gears using steering wheel paddles and the Launch Control function for maximum acceleration at the start. The automatic has four operating modes — Sport, Normal, ECO and Custom. Versions with a 6-speed manual transmission are still available to order.
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The Gazoo Racing Direct automatic transmission is equipped with its own cooling radiator by default, and an additional radiator is available for an extra fee, so that the gearbox lasts longer on the track before overheating. An additional cooling radiator can also be ordered for the engine. The advanced cooling system required a redesign of the front bumper: it now has more holes for supplying air to the radiators, in addition, the air supply channels to the brake discs have been improved, and air ducts have appeared on the sides, reducing turbulence in the area of the front wheel arches — this, as they say, slightly improves control precision.
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Also, to improve control precision and improve wheel grip, the developers added rebound springs to the front and rear suspensions. The characteristics of the anti-roll bars and rear shock absorbers have been revised. In addition, the rear suspension has had its trailing arm attachment points shifted upwards to reduce the sag of the rear end during intense acceleration.
There are no changes in the all-wheel drive system: let us remind you that the power to the rear wheels in the Toyota GR Corolla is taken by a multi-plate clutch with electronic control, it always works with preload, so the hot hatch has a permanent all-wheel drive in any driving mode (Normal, Gravel, Track). Torsen self-locking interwheel differentials are now included in the standard equipment, you do not need to pay extra for them. Standard tires for all versions are Michelin Pilot Sport 4, size 235/40 R 18.
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The interior of the Toyota GR Corolla is essentially the same, but the trim materials have been slightly updated — in particular, the main buttons and switches have become darker.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will be offered in three trim levels — Core, Premium and Premium Plus. Previously, the top trim level was the Circuit Edition, it is no longer available, but some of its equipment has migrated to the Premium Plus trim level, namely the carbon fiber roof and the humped hood with two air vents (shown in the photos). We believe that after some time, Toyota GR Corolla will get another new top-end configuration with a developed aerodynamic body kit and other modifications.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla will go on sale before the end of the current calendar year, but prices have not yet been announced. The pre-reform hot hatch now costs from $36,500 in the US.