Like a good wine, the Toyota GR Corolla only gets better with age.
Toyota on Thursday announced updates to the GR Corolla for the 2025 model year, the compact hatchback’s third year on the market, and the big news is the availability of an automatic transmission as an alternative to the current 6-speed manual.
The automatic isn’t an old slushbox, though. Instead, it’s the new quickshifter Direct Automatic Transmission developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsport department using years of rally experience. The transmission debuted earlier this year in the smaller GR Yaris sold overseas and, according to Toyota, will have faster track times than the manual.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is designed to shift faster by using software to predict driving behavior. While this technology isn’t new, Toyota’s software looks beyond standard metrics like deceleration g-forces and speed and integrates the driver’s own acceleration and braking style into its logic. By doing so, it’s able to anticipate when a shift is needed before a change in driving behavior actually occurs. There are also paddle shifters to allow manual control of gear changes.
Toyota GR Corolla 2025
There are changes to the powertrain, too. A 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-3 still sits up front and drives all four wheels via a driver-adjustable all-wheel-drive system, but peak torque has been increased to 295 lb-ft from the previous 273. Peak horsepower remains unchanged at 300 hp.
Toyota has also tweaked the chassis to provide improved traction during hard cornering. Key changes include the addition of front and rear return springs to reduce inside wheel lift during hard cornering, as well as revised rear coilovers and stabilizers to further improve tire contact patch when cornering. Toyota has also raised the trailing arm mounting point, which the automaker says reduces rear squat during acceleration and improves cornering stability.
Other changes include a revised front fascia that now accommodates available cooling components, such as a sub-radiator (not available on the base model), without reducing aerodynamic performance. New trim materials also appear inside, such as on the flat surfaces.
Toyota GR Corolla 2025
The 2025 GR Corolla is offered in Core and Premium trim levels, as well as a new Premium Plus model. The Premium Plus replaces the old Circuit Edition and includes that model’s special features, such as a forged carbon roof, a hood bulge and a matte black finish for the GR Corolla’s standard 18-inch wheels. All models come with 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires as standard.
The vehicles are expected to arrive in dealerships in the winter. Pricing information will be announced closer to market launch, but as a guide the 2024 model starts at $37,195, including a $1,095 destination charge.
Each purchase includes a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), which offers benefits such as discounts to NASA-approved events as well as admission to a high-performance driving day.
