2024 Toyota GR Corolla

The Corolla has been around since 1966 with 12 different generations. This, however, isn't your typical Corolla. The GR Corolla is a hot hatch that seats five passengers and is available in three trims known as Core, Premium and Circuit Edition. All GR Corolla models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 3-cylinder engine. The high revving, compact-yet-powerful motor outputs 300 hp at 6,500 rpm and 273 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000-5,500 rpm. All models come standard with GR-FOUR all-wheel drive and pair exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.  It comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which includes features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Other standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, hill start assist control and rear seat reminder.

New for 2024:
* New Grade Structure for 2024 with Premium Grade added to the GR Corolla lineup
* Premium Grade Features Front and Rear Torsen Limited Slip Differential, Red GR Brake Calipers, and GR Logoed Suede-Trimmed Seats Standard
* GR Corolla Circuit Edition Continues for 2024 in Blue Flame or Ice Cap paint colors. It also changes to standard black forged aluminum 18-inch BBS(r) wheels, shaving weight from the already agile model.
* Circuit Editions are limited to 1,600 units in the U.S.
* An expanded lineup of official TOYOTA GAZOO Racing performance parts is available for drivers that want to dial-in their GR Corolla.

Pricing starts at $36,500 for the Core, $40,320 for the Premium, and $45,140 for the Circuit Edition. Competitors include the Acura Integra Type S, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Mazda3, and  Volkswagen Golf R. I spent a week in the GR Corolla Circuit Edition with a price tag of $46,478 and here's what stood out...

Exterior Style (+)
The GR Corolla sports widened fender flares, unique wheels/tires, and unique badging. Up front, menacing LED lights flank the wide black grille featuring integrated LED fog lamps and GR badging. The bulge hood and forged carbon fiber roof on the Circuit Editions is matched with black side rocker graphics that run up to the stamped GR-FOUR logo. The Core grade features an aluminum hood with a color-keyed roof and matching shark fin antenna, gloss black power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators and gloss black window molding. At the rear, all models feature a rear lower bumper cover with functional air vents, which come in gloss black on the Circuit Edition. Three exhaust pipes match the three cylinders with one at the center of the rear bumper.  The tapering of the roof and rear pillars are complemented by a high mounted black rear sport spoiler on the Circuit Edition and a color matched rear-lip spoiler on the Core grade. The wide track and flaring of the rear fenders emphasize the car's wide, low silhouette, with a ground clearance of 5.3 inches. Overall proportions are on point as it looks good from all angles.

Wheels / Tires (+/-)
Standard on the Core  and Premium model are 18" gloss black 15-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires. Circuit models get 18" gloss-black 10-spoke BBS forged-alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40R18  Michelin Pilot Sport 4 high-performance summer tires. Plan to purchase a second set of winter tires in the Midwest.  

GR Factory Quality Control (+)
All GR Corolla's are built in a dedicated Gazoo Racing Factory in Motomachi, Japan. It is the birthplace of the Lexus LFA and Supra A80 and is now home to the first GR production line, where the GR Corolla and GR Yaris are assembled. The body and component assembly lines comprise several different cells connected by automatic guided vehicles rather than conveyors featured in conventional car plants. This fully flexible method of working, with many manual assembly techniques, enables precise body and suspension alignment, with variations in vehicle dimensions and weight kept to a minimum. Being assembled by experts means that each GR Corolla takes longer than a conventional mass-produced car. The assembly line has been streamlined for precision, with elements such as body alignment and weld checks to ensure that each GR Corolla is crafted with meticulous care and attention.

Power (+)
All models come standard with a 300-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 273 lb.-ft. of torque. This impressive output attributes 100 horsepower to each cylinder and can get from 0-60 MPH in just about 5 seconds. Pushing it to the floor will evoke a nice exhaust tone to remind others this isn't just any Corolla. Peak torque output on the Core grade and Circuit Edition hits between 3,000-5,500 rpm, with max horsepower at 6,500 rpm. It is so well-tuned to be a driver's car. Power distribution is natural at all speeds around town and on the racetrack. It's spunky off the line and eases into turns. I drove this on the Road America Racetrack and was beyond impressed with its trackability. As a lightweight car, the power feels amplified and more than sufficient.  An available performance package for $1,180 includes front and rear Torsen Limited Slip Differentials , 4-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes, red-painted calipers with GR logo; 14-in. x 1.1-in. ventilated and slotted rotors (front), and 2-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes with red-painted calipers and GR logo; 11.7-in. x 0.7-in. ventilated rotors (rear).

Manual Transmission (+)
A car like this should come in manual and Toyota did not disappoint, in fact they made it the only option.  The intelligent manual transmission in engaging with a short throw shifter and moderately tuned clutch. Rev-matching is available but can also be turned off.  Additionally, drive modes consisting of Eco, Sport, Track, and Custom will alter the dynamics for the various driving conditions. Rumors are swirling that Toyota will offer an automatic version for 2025.

Handling (+)
With a low center of gravity and standard Independent MacPherson-type strut front suspension with circuit-tuned coil springs, shock absorbers, and stabilizer bars, the GR Corolla's suspension is designed to maximize power delivery to all four wheels and provide optimum cornering capability on all surfaces. The rear suspension uses a double wishbone type multilink system that also accommodates the AWD system's goal of maximum agility and stability.

Toyota's GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive drivetrain brings rally-inspired engineering to the GR Corolla. With the twist of a dial or a push for Track mode, drivers can adjust the GR-FOUR system to fit a variety of road conditions and driving styles with 60-40, 50-50, or 30-70 torque distribution to the front and rear wheels. Passing and merging on the highway is easy (and fun) in this car. It's a small, unassuming hatch that zips in and out. It's smooth through the shifts and rides like a fancy go-kart. The tires are grippy around corners with minimal weight shift.  Steering is light, but it feels confident and grounded to the pavement. Its tuned suspension manages road imperfections well, but with just enough feeling. And the fixed caliper disc brakes  with ventilated and slotted rotors are well-matched with ample stopping power.  

Up front, side air curtains are placed beside the grill so air can flow to outlets behind the front wheels and escape from the wheel wells. For 2024 the shape of the air curtain duct has been redesigned and aluminum sheets have been placed under the front and rear wheel wells to help support vehicle stability. On the Circuit Edition, the bulge hood vents, and fender ducts provide airflow through the engine bay. Overall, Toyota has found a sweet spot in the GR Corolla's tuning that make it fun enough for an enthusiastic drive, but also calm enough for daily driving.

Fuel Economy (+/-)
Fuel economy is average for the segment. EPA estimates 21/28/24 MPG city/highway/combined. It has a 13.2-gallon fuel tank that will offer around 300 miles of driving range on premium grade fuel. After a week of suburban driving, I averaged 22 MPG.

Interior (+/-)
Hopping inside, the GR Corolla sports a simple, but well-built cabin. For the most part, it is nearly identical to any other Corolla which is satisfactory, but not nearly as impressive as what is under the hood. Materials are average and feel less premium than some competitors. Drivers face a 12.3" digital multi-information display cluster with GR start-up animation. Popping up at the center of the dash is an 8" multimedia touchscreen. The slim center console features a wireless phone charger tucked under the dash and the manual gear shifter positioned where the driver's arm is naturally positioned. The wireless charger location is a bit out of reach and lacks convenience. Some mixed materials would better differentiate the GR Corolla from a standard one. Storage options are minimal and primarily in the pockets of the doors. There are two cup holders next to the parking brake lever, but no center console storage.

Seats (+)
While much of the interior is like the rest of the Corolla lineup, GR models do get sport seats that keep the driver and passenger snug . Core models are finished with black and silver details, fabric trimmed sport seats with gray stitching and GR badged headrests.  The seats are comfortable with a good amount of cushioning, bolstering and space for adults. Head, leg, and shoulder room were all sufficient. A 6-way adjustable driver's seat with suede covered sheet seatback pocket; 4-way adjustable front passenger seat with seatback pocket are standard on the Core grade. Rear seats comfortably accommodated three kids, but leg room would be tight for three adults. Heated front seats and heated steering wheel are standard on the Circuit Edition and are available with the Cold Weather package option on Core grade.

My Circuit Edition's interior was finished in black with blue trim stitching around the door handles, center console, steering wheel, and side air vents. It also comes with a leather-trimmed shift knob with blue accent stripe and forged carbon insert. Drivers and front passengers are cradled by Brin-Naub suede and synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats with blue stitching, mesh inserts, seat back pockets and GR badged headrests. I found the seats to be just right for this kind of car that make the driver feel like they're behind the wheel of a true sports car.

Cargo (+/-)
There is 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats which is less than the Golf R (19.9 cu. ft.) and Civic Type R (24.5 cu. ft.). There is some hidden cargo space under the rear floor and storage bins on either side if needed. Rear seats do fold down for expanded  cargo room.

Technology (+)
One of the major tech differences for the GR Corolla compared to the regular Corolla is its 12.3" digital cluster behind the steering wheel.  It incorporates a display for the turbocharger boost levels, gear position, tachometer, and AWD mode. The brightly lit display is designed for easy viewing in any condition and even features a start-up GR animation. Graphics are average. All GR Corollas feature Toyota's Multimedia system displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen. It wirelessly connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with ease and functions well. The system is intuitive, easy to navigate and can also be controlled via the steering wheel or the "Hey Toyota" virtual assistant. Core models come standard with a 6-speaker stereo while the Circuit Edition offers an enhanced audio experience with an available eight speaker JBL Premium Audio system including an eight-channel, 800-watt amplifier. Overall, it offers everything you need without too much flash.

Final Statement
The GR Corolla is built to be a performance car and it does so very well. Its impressive 3-cylinder engine packs sufficient power to engage the driver both on the track and on the streets. The standard manual transmission is pure fun, and the car sounds good too. The interior is acceptable, but not overly impressive. The value in the GR Corolla is under the hood and with its subtle, but impactful exterior styling upgrades. The Circuit Edition amplifies the fun with additional upgrades that are worth the extra money.

First Impression Summary

Test Vehicle: 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition
Exterior Color:  Blue Flame
Interior Color: Black Synthetic Leather
Notable Options: Carpet Floor Mats($289), Door Sill Protectors ($179), and Frameless Homelink Mirror ($175)
Price as tested: $46,478 (with destination charge)

Pros: Pure fun to drive, turbocharged power, manual transmission, build quality
Cons: Average interior, cargo volume, and fuel economy