2023 Toyota GR Corolla

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla comes with three trims to offer: Core, Circuit, and the Morizo Edition. The Core comes at an MSRP of $36,995 ($1,095 destination fee included), which goes up to an MSRP of $50,995. The standard features of the trim include High-performance brakes, Driver-adjustable front-to-rear torque split for the AWD system, Digital gauge cluster with GR Corolla-specific gauges, Cloth seating, Automatic climate control, Height-adjustable driver's seat, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40-split fold-down rear seats, 8-inch center touchscreen, and Six-speaker sound system. The Circuit Edition gets a Forged carbon-fiber roof, a Sport rear spoiler, a Special hood, Synthetic leather- and suede-trimmed front seats with additional bolstering, and Red accent stitching. The Morizo adds 18-inch forged alloy wheels with wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tiresAdditional body structure reinforcement, Revised transmission gearing for quicker acceleration, and a Synthetic suede-wrapped steering wheel with a red sight line.

The Core trim comes with a single configuration. However, customers can opt for several packages to customize their GR Corolla. The limited front and rear differentials from the $1,180 Performance package would most definitely be included. However, the Core lacks the optional exterior aesthetic components like the large wing and domed hood.

Performance package includes:-

• Painted brake calipers
• Front and rear limited-slip differentials 

Technology package includes:-

• Upgraded JBL audio system
• Navigation system (subscription-based)
• Wireless phone charging pad

Cold Weather package includes:-

• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel

We Recommend

With the Performance package, which adds front and rear limited-slip differentials, we'd stick with the base Core trim out of the three variants available. Priced at an MSRP of $36,995, the trim comes with an abundance of features that justifies its price as per its segment.

Release Date

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla was available at the dealerships since the fall of 2022.

The 1.6-liter turbocharged Inline 3 engine powering all three models of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla produce 300 horsepower. The torque output generated by the Core and Circuit Edition is 273 lb-ft, while the torque of the top-of-the-line Morizo Edition is 295 lb-ft. A suitable variable center differential in the standard AWD system allows for front-to-rear drive distribution in the ratios of 60:40 (Normal), 50:50 (Track), or 30:70 (Sport). The car comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Furthermore, the time that the GR Corolla takes to reach the 60 MPH mark is yet to be determined.

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla offers a less power output as compared to the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R. The torque output of both the rivals are also better than the GR Corolla. The data for acceleration for GR Corolla is not yet available but amongst the rivals, the Golf R dominates the Civic Type R. The top speed of the GR Corolla is similar to Civic Type R and the Golf R.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla Ride and Handling

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla's ability to accelerate from zero to what not on an impressive Michelin Pilot Sport high-performance summer tire is magnificent. Even with the torque split adjusted to 30:70, the 2023 GR Corolla still doesn't drift as well as its competitors. The rear bias only adds an apt amount of rear-axle steerability to the solid 2023 GR Corolla. Unfortunately, the pedals are not optimally spaced for heel-and-toe tricks, so drivers may rely on the rev-matching feature for downshifts. For the turbocharger to produce a rapid response, it needs to spin up at high speeds. Furthermore, It is the driver's sole duty to make sure they are in the right gear to taste the delightful turbo feel.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla Braking Performance

The GR Corolla comes with 4-wheel disc brakes. The brake pads last about 30,000-60,000 miles depending on the nature of the driving. It comes with 14-inch brake rotors in the front (four-piston calipers) and 11.7-inch rotors at the back (two-piston calipers). The brake pedal is responsive and imparts accurate feedback while decelerating. The is also a negligible nosedive while braking. Each and every trim of the GR Corolla comes with automatic emergency braking. The car also contains upgraded braking features such as Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Driveline Traction Control, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

The Toyota GR Corolla over has the bigger front brake rotors as compared to the Honda Civic Type R. The Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R dominates the Corolla at the rear. The brake pedal is soft and responsive among all rivals. However, the braking feedback feels better in the Civic Type R. The deceleration from 60 to 0 MPH is yet to be calculated for the GR Corolla. 

The fuel economy of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla depends on the drivetrain option. The FWD with the standard 2L Inline 4 engine gets 31 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 32 MPG combined. With the XLE AWD option, the hatchback had 30 MPG combined which is better than the average for the hatchback segment. The GR Corolla comes with a 13.2-gallon fuel tank. It can cover around 384.4 miles in a city and 409.2 miles on the highway on a full tank.

The Toyota GR Corolla is less fuel efficient than the Honda Civic Type R, and the Volkswagen Golf R, in the city. Among the rivals, the better city economy is offered by the Golf R, both in a city and on a highway, followed by the Civic Type R. The fuel tank of the GR Corolla is smaller than the Golf R. The GR Corolla also has a better range of travel than the Civic Type R.

Toyota has made an effort to style up the cabin of the 2023 GR Corolla with sports seats, pedals, and more aggressive trim and materials. The color tone is significantly predominating in black and dark gray, and the equipment level is a clear sign of its flagship status. The bottom two trims are Five-seater of the GR Corolla. The satin-silver finishing is still present on the door releases, the area around the air vents, and other elements like the horizontal dashboard trim strip. Furthermore, the Core trim boasts black fabric upholstery with gray stitching and GR headrest insignia. Leather is used for the steering wheel.

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla has less front headroom than the Honda Civic Type R. The hatchback has better front legroom as compared to the Golf R. It, however, lags in terms of the front shoulder room. The interior dimensions for the rear space are not available for the GR Corolla. Similarly, we have to wait for the cargo capacity as well. The cabin of the GR Corolla feels sturdy and functional, and it surely matches the segment’s standard.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla include:

• Fabric seats
• GR headrest insignia
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Satin silver finishing
• Aluminum sports pedal
• Automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla infotainment system?

Each and every trim of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla comes with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display with essential connectivity features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets SiriusXM with a three-month Platinum Plan trial and a one-year Remote Connect trial subscription that lets you communicate with the car using your smartphone. Furthermore, the brand provides a Wi-Fi hotspot with a 30-day/3-GB trial subscription, and two USB charging ports. The three trims have separate sound systems. The base Core has a 6-speaker system, the Circuit Edition has an 8-speaker JBL arrangement (which is available as an option for the base trim), and the top-of-the-line Morizo Edition has a 2-speaker setup with the back speakers being removed along with the back seat. 

Some of the notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla include

• SiriusXM
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 8.0-inch touchscreen
• Wifi-Hotspot
• USB Charging ports 

The front face of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is mainly one large air inlet covered by a mesh grille bearing the GR emblem. The wheel arches of the vehicle are sharply flared to suit the huge tires. Each and every trim gets Gloss black, 18-inch alloy wheels with 15 spokes are standard on the lower models. Moreover, the GR Corolla rides on Michelin Pilot performance summer tires, with the Morizo Edition using 245/40R18 Sport Cup 2 rubber while the lower two trims use 235/40R18 Sport 4. Gloss-black mirror caps, side rocker panels, triple exhausts, automatic LED headlights, and LED DRLs are standard on all Toyota GR Corolla variants.

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is longer and broader than the Volkswagen Golf R. The car has more height than the Honda Civic Type R. The brand offers excellent ground clearance which is more than the Civic Type R and the Golf R. The wheelbase of the car is also more than the Golf R. Although, we can’t deny the fact that the new GR Corolla looks absolutely stunning and is worth a thumbs up in this aspect, but, we still vouch for the Civic Type R’s styling because of its ultra-modern exterior elements.

Some standout exterior features include:

• Side rocker panel
• 18-inch black wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• Daytime running lights
• Triple exhausts
• LED taillights

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla's safety features are never ending and include 10 airbags in total, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), stability control, tire pressure monitoring, and the much-needed backup camera). The TSS 3.0 safety suite includes it as standard equipment. The trims of the GR Corolla also include automatic LED headlights with adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assistance, lane tracing, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and road-sign assistance. The hatchback is still to get rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the Toyota Corolla Sedan achieved the Top Safety Pick award in 2021.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla include

• Automatic high beams
• Blind spot monitor
• Stability control
• Lane tracing
• Pedestrian detection
• LED headlights

2023 Toyota GR Corolla vs 2023 Honda Civic Type R 

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is slightly more expensive as compared to the new Toyota GR Corolla. The Civic Type R features a bigger powertrain, which reflects in its performance figures as well. The Civic Type R offers more power and torque output than its rival. It also dominates GR Corolla in terms of the city economy. However, the GR Corolla leads with its range of travel, thanks to a bigger fuel tank. Both the cars look appealing from the outside, but we slightly like the Type R more, just because it has a more sturdy personality.

2023 Toyota GR Corolla vs 2023 Volkswagen Golf R

The Volkswagen Golf R comes with a more expensive price tag as compared to the Toyota GR Corolla. It also features a bigger engine, that generates more power and torque. The Golf R dominates the 2023 GR Corolla in terms of fuel efficiency, both in a city and on highways. It leads in terms of the range of travel as well. As of now, we can give a point to the GR Corolla for its stunning exterior, which looks a lot better than the Golf R’s old style.

There is a lot to unfold for the new 2023 Toyota GR Corolla. The initial analysis shows that it is a promising car and will stand strong in this market segment. It has the fantastic all-weather grip of the Golf, but thanks to a proper rally-derived AWD system, it adds a whole new level of drivetrain adjustability. It has the Honda's kind of fun and driver interaction, but on a snowy winter day, it will leave the Type R for dead. To start with, the cabin is equipped with user-friendly infotainment and comfortable seats. The front room is sufficient, while the rear legroom feels tight as compared to the rivals. Moreover, the exterior looks aggressive and sporty. The GR Corolla also provides an abundance of safety features to buyers to ensure their safety. Apart from the number of trims available with the line-up, one must go for the base Core variant. One can surely opt for the additional packages available with the car.