2023 Toyota GR Corolla is the result of the brand’s performance-vehicle skunkworks division, Gazoo Racing, loose to apply the tuner treatment to the compact Corolla hatchback. And what they have done, is quite a good bit of work making a little terror. Toyota has already unleashed a GR-tuned version of its Yaris subcompact in global markets, from which the GR Corolla borrowed its turbocharged 1.6-liter, three-pot. The little triple is enhanced here to 300-hp mated only with a six-speed manual transmission and AWD. In recent years, Toyota’s been on a journey to add spice to its lineup with sportier offerings. We have already witnessed the revived Supra sports car and even more stylish designs, while this rally-racer-inspired hot hatchback will boost that effort.
Contents
What’s New?
The GR Corolla is a new member of the Toyota lineup for 2023 and will go up against popular sport compacts such as the Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Veloster N, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Jetta GLI. However, given its price and all that power, the GR Corolla will likely challenge the topmost tier of hot hatches, such as the Volkswagen Golf R and the upcoming Honda Civic Type R.
Engine & Performance
Under the hood lies a turbocharged three-pot engine picked from the GR Yaris. For the GR Corolla, it is tuned to make up to 300-hp. A heart-pounding 185.4-hp/liter, and 43-hp more than the GR Yaris. A six-speed manual is the only transmission, and every model sports Toyota’s GR-Four AWD system. The GR-Four system allows the driver to choose between different power-distribution modes. Starting with a 60/40 front-to-rear split for everyday driving to up to 30/70 to allow for drifting antics. While the 50/50 split option is intended to provide maximum traction for racing. The Circuit Edition trim comes with front and rear limited slip differentials as standard. The base Core model offers those as an option. The limited-edition Morizo is the track-focused model that comes with lightweight forged wheels, a retuned engine that produces 295 lb-ft of torque, uniquely calibrated suspension, and ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.
Fuel-Economy
| 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Mileage | City | Highway |
| GR Corolla | 24 mpg | 28 mpg |
The high-performance GR variant aims for maximum performance. the small 1.6-liter, the three-cylinder engine delivers relatively decent fuel economy. Expect an EPA highway rating of around 28 mpg and 24 mpg city.
Dimensions & Airbags
| 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Dimensions | |
| Length | 173.6 in |
| Width | 72.8 in |
| Height | 57.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in |
| Cargo Volume | NA |
| Airbags | 7 Airbags |
The 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, which also includes Amazon Alexa capability as well. So, as an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot too. The Technology package on Core models adds an eight-speaker JBL stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and in-dash navigation; these items are all standard on the Circuit Edition.
Pricing
| 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Trims | Price (USD) |
| Core | $36,995 |
| Circuit | $43,995 |
| Morizo Edition | $50,995 |
We’d recommend sticking with the base Core trim and adding on the Performance package. As this adds front and rear limited-slip differentials. The top-spec Morizo Edition trim will be built in very limited numbers—only 200 units will be produced for 2023 and it lacks a rear seat and several other components to reduce weight and maximize performance.
Specifications & Top-Speed
| 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | turbocharged inline-3 |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 300 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.6–4.7 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 11.7–11.8 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 13.3–13.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph |