Trims, Powertrain, and Performance

The members of the 2025 GR Corolla lineup are called Core, Premium, and Premium Plus. Their 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 3-cylinder can be mated to the purists’ choice of a standard 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) with rev-matching or the available 8-speed Gazoo Racing direct automatic transmission (DAT) with paddle shifters. The iMT achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway while DAT versions return slightly less at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway. The maximum output is the same for all trims: 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, with a top track speed just under 143 mph.

Every GR Corolla is equipped with front/rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, all-wheel drive (AWD), and the GR-FOUR AWD system, which distributes torque between the front and rear wheels via three selectable settings: Track, Gravel, and Normal. To further personalize this hot hatch’s performance, each trim has a drive mode selector with settings for Sport, Custom, Eco, and Normal. The standard GR sport-tuned suspension consists of a MacPherson-type strut front, a double-wishbone-type multi-link rear, and front/rear stabilizer bars. It’s worth mentioning that the Premium Plus has a sub radiator that not only helps optimize the car’s performance but also makes the cooling system more durable.

Standard Features

The Core is well equipped with a smart key system with remote keyless entry, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, cloth upholstery with gray accent stitching, sport-style front seats with GR badges on the headrests, aluminum sport pedals, single-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch digital multi-information display, two USB charging ports, and a 12-volt power outlet. Its exterior has 18-inch gloss-black 15-spoke alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires, red-painted brake calipers with the GR logo, a matte-black grille with functional air ducts and GR badging, a color-keyed rear spoiler, a triple exhaust with brushed stainless-steel tips, gloss-black power side mirrors, LED automatic on/off headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights.

The Premium gets a gloss-black grille, a gloss-black lower rear bumper cover with functional air ducts, Brin Naub and synthetic leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a second automatic climate control zone. The Premium Plus distinguishes itself with a carbon-fiber roof, a hood bulge and functional gloss-black air ducts, a gloss-black rear spoiler, and 18-inch matte-black 15-spoke alloy wheels. It gets the same Brin Naub and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats as the Premium but switches to red accent stitching.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Features

Each ‘25 GR Corolla has blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). This TSS 3.0 system has adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure assist with steering assist, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. The Premium and Premium Plus add parking sensors for both the front and rear.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every ‘25 GR Corolla is outfitted with Bluetooth hands-free phone and voice-command controls, wireless versions of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, access to Toyota connected services, and an 8-inch color touchscreen. While the Core pairs its multimedia screen with a six-speaker stereo, the Premium and Premium Plus have a JBL premium audio system with an amplifier and eight speakers. The two higher trims also gain a 1-year trial subscription to Drive Connect, a service that includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest data, Destination Assist, and Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota.