Starts at $38,860
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Pros
Cons
What's New for 2025?
The GR Corolla gains the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control alongside the standard six-speed manual, while the engine adds 22 pound-feet of torque with either transmission. Toyota says the suspension has been retuned to minimize inner rear wheel lift during hard cornering, reduce squat when accelerating and generally promote stability. Additionally, the front bumper has been lightly restyled, and a new top-of-the-line Premium Plus trim adds matte black wheels, a carbon fiber roof, a "vented bulge hood" and a head-up display.
FAST FACTS
"Forget what you think you know about modern Corollas. The GR Corolla's wild turbocharged three-cylinder engine, track-tuned suspension and adjustable all-wheel-drive system have turned Toyota's housecat into a tiger. You can get an eight-speed automatic transmission now if you want it, but thankfully the six-speed manual still comes standard, and either way you're hitting 60 mph in less than five seconds. We could think of some more spacious and refined options at this price point, but if your tastes run to sport compacts, and the more unhinged the better, the GR Corolla arguably stands alone. It's only trying to please a small slice of hardcore enthusiasts, and that's a big part of its appeal."—Ranked #2 out of 5 Super Sport Compact Cars
Publisher and Donkey-in-Chief
Josh has been reviewing cars professionally since joining Edmunds.com fresh out of grad school in 2008, personally driving most new cars on the market every year since. He also served as the project manager for Edmunds' expert vehicle rankings from their inception in 2018, building the product out from the back end to the front end. Josh is a card-carrying member of the Motor Press Guild and a lifelong car nut who has tested, compared and critiqued a ridiculous number of cars in his career.
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