2024 Toyota GR Corolla Review, Specs and Pricing

2024 GR Corolla: Circuit Edition uses the same turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine as last year boasting 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque with 0-60 in 4.9 sec

Salman Chaudhary, Founder Pinkywheels.com

2024 GR Corolla Review and Specs

Highlights

• Toyota is creating a buzz in the high-performance car category, and its latest offering, the GR Corolla, exemplifies the sheer excitement that Toyota can deliver.

• After initially announcing it as a trim exclusively for 2023, Toyota has decided to reintroduce the popular Circuit edition for 2024, featuring fresh paint options and an enlarged trunk spoiler.

• Enhancing the chassis with the inclusion of extra mounting bolts constitutes the primary mechanical modification for the 2024 GR Corolla, which is set to hit the market this winter.

Overview

Derived from the humble Corolla Hatchback, this spirited hot hatch, boasting 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive, draws inspiration from rally cars and exudes an abundance of character. Despite its somewhat basic interior, the GR Corolla is undeniably captivating.

Don't let the ordinary Corolla name deceive you; the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla belongs to a completely different breed. Aside from the name, the GR Corolla shares only a few fundamental elements and interior components with Toyota's renowned everyday commuter vehicle. Toyota has equipped it with a potent 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a versatile all-wheel-drive system, and a sport-tuned suspension, transforming it into a pocket-sized conqueror capable of rivaling automotive legends like the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R. The sole transmission option available is a six-speed manual, which further enhances the GR Corolla's thrill-inducing driving experience. As with other GR-branded vehicles, this hot hatch represents the pinnacle of performance within the Toyota lineup. Although it carries a hefty price tag and purchasing one can be a challenge due to its limited production, we firmly believe it's worth every penny.

What's New for 2024 GR Corolla?

The Circuit Edition trim, initially planned for the GR Corolla's debut in 2023, extends its presence to the 2024 model year, featuring updates such as the addition of a striking Blue Flame exterior color and lighter 18-inch forged wheels.
Opting for the Blue Flame color also grants the inclusion of complementary blue interior accents and black lower-body decals, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the GR Corolla.

2024 GR Corolla Trims

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is available in two primary trims: Core and Circuit Edition. Equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, the GR Corolla generates an impressive 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, with no option for an automatic transmission. Additionally, a limited-edition Morizo Edition, limited to 200 units, offers increased torque (295 lb-ft) and other performance enhancements. Key features include:

GR Corolla Core

18-inch alloy wheels (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires)
Triple exhaust with brushed stainless steel tips
High-performance brakes
Driver-adjustable front-to-rear torque split for the AWD system
Digital gauge cluster with GR Corolla-specific gauges
Cloth seating
Automatic climate control
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
60/40-split fold-down rear seats
8-inch center touchscreen
Six-speaker sound system
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration

The GR Corolla is also equipped with:

Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
Adaptive cruise control
Lane keeping assistance

Optional Core Package include:

Performance package

Painted brake calipers
Front and rear limited-slip differentials (help maximize available traction during hard acceleration)

Technology package

Upgraded JBL audio system
Navigation system (subscription-based)
Wireless phone charging pad

Cold Weather package

Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel

GR Corolla Circuit Edition

The Circuit Edition comes with 3 optional packages from Core Edition as standard PLUS:

Forged carbon-fiber roof
Sport rear spoiler
Special hood
Synthetic leather- and suede-trimmed front seats with additional bolstering
Red accent stitching

GR Corolla Morizo Edition

18-inch forged alloy wheels with wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
Additional body structure reinforcement
Revised transmission gearing for quicker acceleration
Synthetic suede-wrapped steering wheel with red sight line
Two-seater only; the back seat and other items have been removed to reduce weight

GR Corolla Price

Core: $37,000 (Recommended, Just add the optional package)
Circuit Edition: $44,000
Morizo Edition: $52,000

*Estimated MSRPs. Watch this space for pricing updates down the road.

GR Corolla Specs

GR Corolla Powertrain

Potent Engine: Powering the GR Corolla is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine sourced from the GR Yaris, generating an impressive 300 horsepower. This remarkable output translates to an impressive 185.4 horsepower per liter, surpassing its GR Yaris counterpart by 43 horsepower.
Manual Transmission and AWD: The GR Corolla exclusively offers a six-speed manual transmission, ensuring an engaging driving experience. Complementing this is Toyota's GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, allowing drivers to select from different power-distribution modes for various driving conditions, including a 60/40 front-to-rear split for everyday use and a 30/70 split for drifting maneuvers.

GR Corolla Performance

Enhanced Performance: Unlike regular Corolla models, the GR Corolla receives notable upgrades to its suspension and powertrain, elevating its sporty capabilities. These improvements position it as a strong contender in the sport-compact segment, delivering a thrilling driving experience.
Circuit Edition Highlights: The Circuit Edition variant of the GR Corolla boasts front and rear limited-slip differentials as standard equipment, further enhancing its performance-oriented nature. These differentials provide improved traction and handling capabilities.
Impressive Acceleration: During performance tests, the GR Corolla Circuit Edition exhibited impressive acceleration, achieving a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds and reaching 100 mph in 11.4 seconds. This performance puts it on par with esteemed competitors such as the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R.
Exclusive Morizo Edition: The limited-edition Morizo model focuses on track performance, featuring lighter forged wheels, a retuned engine producing 295 pound-feet of torque (compared to the standard model's 273 pound-feet), a specially calibrated suspension, and high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

GR Corolla Handling

Superior Handling: The GR Corolla delivers exceptional grip and precise handling, striking the perfect balance between confidence-inspiring stability and refined driving dynamics. It rewards drivers with a thrilling yet composed experience on twisty roads.
User-Friendly Manual Transmission: Although pedal placement may not be ideally located, the six-speed manual transmission is intuitive and easy to operate. Additionally, a standard rev-match feature ensures seamless downshifts, adding to the overall driving pleasure.

GR Corolla Interior

Cabin Features: The GR Corolla largely shares its cabin with the standard Corolla hatchback, offering excellent build quality, soft-touch materials, and a range of features. However, the GR variant adds racier trim and sport seats for a more dynamic appearance.
Standard Equipment: The GR Corolla comes equipped with ambient interior lighting, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, a push-button start, and aluminum pedal covers as standard features.
Circuit Edition: The Circuit Edition stands out with additional standard features, including automatic climate control, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and suede and faux-leather upholstery for a premium feel.
Morizo Edition: The Morizo Edition prioritizes excitement over practicality, shedding weight by removing the rear seat, rear speakers, and hatchback-mounted window wiper. The front seats receive an exclusive red-and-black upholstery scheme, while racy faux suede accents adorn the shift knob, parking brake lever, and steering wheel rim.
Infotainment and Connectivity: The GR Corolla comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa capability, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The Circuit Edition includes the Technology package as standard, adding an eight-speaker JBL stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and in-dash navigation.

GR Corolla Dimensions:

Wheelbase: 2,640 mm (103.9 in)
Length: 4,410 mm (173.6 in)
Width: 1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Height: 1,450–1,455 mm (57.1–57.3 in)

· For actual 2024 dimensions we need to wait and watch for latest updates from Toyota.

GR Corolla Fuel Economy

The GR Corolla's smaller 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine offers relatively decent fuel economy but falls below the regular Corolla hatchback's EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.The GR variant prioritizes maximum performance rather than fuel efficiency.

GR Corolla Highs and Lows

HIGHS

· Energetic 3-cylinder engine

· Reliable and precise handling

· Dynamic AWD system

LOWS

· Pedal placement could be better

· Power delivery issues at low RPMs

GR Corolla Safety Features

Toyota ensures that the GR Corolla, like many of its models, includes a comprehensive set of driver-assistance technologies as standard. Across the lineup, features, such as adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic high-beam headlamps come as standard. Here are the key safety features of the GR Corolla: