Toyota’s hottest hatch is back for 2025 with some serious upgrades — including a major transmission option that opens up the GR Corolla to an even wider group of enthusiasts.
For the first time, the GR Corolla will be available with the new 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) — featuring paddle shifters and track-tuned responsiveness. Whether you’re a manual purist who lives for every gear change or a performance-focused driver who prefers to keep both hands on the wheel, the 2025 lineup delivers.
Developed and tested by Toyota’s GR team — the same engineers behind rally and circuit successes worldwide — the 2025 GR Corolla brings more torque, sharper handling, better cooling, and smarter tech, all without sacrificing the raw, raucous personality that made it an instant legend.
New Transmission, Same Pure Spirit
The biggest headline is the addition of the available 8-speed DAT, built specifically for the GR Corolla by Toyota’s racing team. Designed for maximum performance, this transmission anticipates driver inputs for lightning-quick downshifts and keeps you planted in the sweet spot of the powerband. With tighter gear ratios and sport-specific tuning, it delivers faster laps and more responsive everyday driving — while retaining the tactile, high-energy experience true enthusiasts crave.
Paired with launch control and cooling upgrades like a dedicated Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) cooler, the DAT isn’t just built for speed — it’s built for durability.
Prefer to row your own gears? The GR Corolla still offers its six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT), now enhanced for 2025 with an improved clutch feel that makes quick starts and half-clutch maneuvers sharper and more satisfying than ever.
More Power and Improved Traction
At the heart of the 2025 GR Corolla is the potent 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder G16E-GTS engine, now delivering 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and an increased 295 lb-ft of torque — matching the previous Morizo Edition’s figures.
Handling upgrades include:
- Rebound springs added to the front and rear suspension for better grip during aggressive cornering.
- Redesigned rear suspension geometry to reduce squat and maintain posture under acceleration.
- Standard Torsen® limited-slip differentials front and rear for better traction through tight corners.
- Upgraded cooling systems available on Premium trims to handle track-day abuse.
The rally-proven GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system returns, offering adjustable torque split settings for Normal (60:40), Gravel (50:50), and Track (dynamic from 60:40 to 30:70) modes — giving drivers precise control over how the GR Corolla behaves depending on conditions and driving style.
Sharper Looks, Smarter Aero
Beyond the performance hardware, the GR Corolla receives subtle but important visual and aerodynamic enhancements:
- Redesigned front bumper improves airflow for cooling without sacrificing aerodynamics.
- Enhanced brake ducts and air curtain design around the tires improve stability at high speeds.
- Available forged carbon fiber roof (standard on Premium Plus models) reduces weight up high for better balance.
New for 2025 is the Premium Plus grade, which includes standout features like the forged carbon roof, vented bulge hood, and head-up display.
Exterior colors include Black, Ice Cap, Heavy Metal, and Supersonic Red — all riding on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin® Pilot Sport® 4 tires.
Tech That Keeps Up
Inside, the GR Corolla balances its wild performance with a tech-forward cabin featuring:
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable layouts.
- 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
- Voice-activated controls with available Drive Connect for connected navigation and real-time updates.
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability and integrated streaming with Apple Music® and Amazon Music.
Safety is equally comprehensive with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across the lineup, offering features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and more. Automatic transmission models get Full-Speed Range DRCC and Proactive Driving Assist for even greater convenience and safety.
2025 GR Corolla Lineup and Pricing
Toyota will offer the 2025 GR Corolla in three trims:
- Core – Well-equipped with sport seats, 18-inch gloss black wheels, and Torsen® LSDs.
- Premium – Adds suede-trimmed seats, JBL® audio, heated front seats and steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control.
- Premium Plus (new) – Forged carbon roof, vented bulge hood, matte black wheels, and a standard Head-Up Display.
Starting MSRP is $38,860 (excluding $1,135 dealer handling fee), with vehicles expected to arrive at dealerships Fall 2024.
And for driving enthusiasts, Toyota includes a complimentary 1-year NASA (National Auto Sport Association) membership, complete with one free High Performance Driving Event.
Ready to Grab the Wheel? Before you head to the dealership, make sure you’re getting the absolute best price. Visit Quotes.EverymanDriver.com — the free, easy-to-use search engine trusted by thousands of car shoppers every day. There, you can access real-time dealer pricing for both new and used vehicles based on your ZIP code, helping you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next car purchase. Don’t pay more than you have to. Start your search at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com — and drive away knowing you got the deal you deserve.
