2025 Toyota GR Corolla: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2025 GR Corolla's biggest change is a new 8-speed automatic transmission option, paired with an increase in engine torque from 273 to 295 lb-ft. This is a substantial mid-cycle performance update, not a full redesign.

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About the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla

1st generation GR Corolla (2023-present), third model year, major performance update year.

Toyota positions the GR Corolla as a rally-bred hot hatch: a compact five-door that mixes real track-tested hardware with enough everyday usefulness to serve as a daily driver. The point is not luxury or fuel economy. It is a 300-hp hatch with GR-FOUR all-wheel drive, sharp handling, and a practical cargo area, aimed at shoppers who want a more playful, more involving alternative to other performance compacts while keeping all-weather traction and hatchback utility.

For 2025, Core is the no-nonsense performance trim, with a 300-hp turbo three-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive and front and rear limited-slip differentials. Premium adds everyday comforts such as heated seats, upgraded audio and dual-zone climate control. The new Premium Plus sits at the top with a forged carbon-fiber roof, vented hood, extra cooling hardware and a head-up display.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

A new 8-speed automatic transmission becomes an option, and the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine's torque rises from 273 to 295 lb-ft. Front and rear limited-slip differentials are now standard on every trim to help direct power to the tires with grip.

Structural

The suspension is retuned with new rebound springs and rear-suspension revisions to improve traction and stability while cornering.

Styling

The front bumper and brake-duct area are revised to improve cooling and stability. Premium Plus joins the regular lineup with the forged carbon-fiber roof and vented hood previously associated with special editions, while Circuit Edition is dropped.

Tech

Premium gains standard dual-zone climate control. The new Premium Plus trim adds a head-up display and a standard secondary radiator for extra cooling.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla specs and features by trim

Feature	2025 Toyota GR CorollaCore3 in stock	2025 Toyota GR CorollaPremium2 in stock	2025 Toyota GR CorollaPremium Plus0 in stock
Engine	3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter	3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter	3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter
Transmission	Manual, 6-Spd w/Automatic Rev-Matching	Manual, 6-Spd w/Automatic Rev-Matching	Manual, 6-Spd w/Automatic Rev-Matching
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	21 mpg	21 mpg	21 mpg
MPG Highway	28 mpg	28 mpg	28 mpg
Horsepower	300 hp	300 hp	300 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft	295 lb-ft	295 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	17.8 cu-ft	17.8 cu-ft	17.8 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	29.9 in	29.9 in	29.9 in
Seats	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Front & Rear Parking Sensors
Lane Departure Warning
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
LED Headlights
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla compares

The most important 2026 GR Corolla change is a stiffer body, created with 45.6 feet of added structural adhesive to improve rear grip and steering feel. This is an incremental update rather than a redesign, with better engine temperature control and a smaller two-trim lineup as the other main changes.

See the full 2026 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla?

The biggest change is the new 8-speed automatic transmission option. Toyota also raises engine torque from 273 to 295 lb-ft and retunes the suspension, making 2025 the GR Corolla's most extensive update since its launch.

Does the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla have an automatic transmission?

Yes. The 2025 GR Corolla has an 8-speed automatic transmission option, the first automatic offered for this model.

Does every 2025 GR Corolla have front and rear limited-slip differentials?

Yes. Front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials are standard on every 2025 GR Corolla trim, helping send power to the tires that have grip.

What happened to the GR Corolla Circuit Edition for 2025?

The Circuit Edition is dropped for 2025, and the new Premium Plus takes over the top performance-and-appearance role. Premium Plus has a forged carbon-fiber roof, vented hood, secondary radiator and head-up display.

How does the 2025 GR Corolla compare with the 2024 model?

The 2025 model is the more extensively updated version. Compared with 2024, it adds an automatic option, increases torque to 295 lb-ft, makes front and rear limited-slip differentials standard across the lineup, revises the suspension and cooling, and replaces Circuit Edition with Premium Plus.