The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla continues to build on its rally-inspired reputation by blending serious performance hardware with everyday usability. From its energetic power delivery and advanced GR-Four all-wheel-drive system to the added torque and clever launch control, the car is engineered to feel lively and capable in nearly any situation.
Yet it’s not without compromises, as the automatic transmission trades some driver involvement and fuel efficiency for convenience. Even with those drawbacks, the GR Corolla stands out as a hot hatch that prioritizes excitement, offering a driving experience that feels purposeful and genuinely rewarding.
PRO: Performance Oriented
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla feels alive the moment you get on the throttle, with its turbocharged punch and sharp chassis tuning working together to deliver an intensely engaging drive. It’s the kind of car that urges you to push harder, rewarding every corner with confidence and a genuinely performance-focused personality. Hood vents, forged carbon fiber roof all add to the performance nature of this machine.
PRO: GR-Four All-wheel-drive
The GR-Four all-wheel-drive system in the 2025 GR Corolla gives the car a planted, almost playful confidence by letting you tailor how the power is distributed. It grips with authority when you need traction and feels delightfully adjustable when you want to carve through corners with precision. You can easily switch between Normal, Gravel, and Track modes.
PRO: Increase Torque
The extra torque for 2025 gives the GR Corolla a stronger, more immediate surge when you lean into the accelerator, making everyday driving feel livelier. It also adds a satisfying depth to the car’s mid-range pull, helping it power out of corners with noticeably more authority.
PRO: Launch Control
The launch control system in the 2025 GR Corolla makes hard starts feel almost effortless, delivering a clean burst of power without any drama. It adds a fun, confidence-boosting edge to the driving experience by helping you get off the line quickly and consistently.
CON: Worse MPGs
The automatic version of the 2025 GR Corolla is disappointing when it comes to fuel economy, burning more gas than you’d expect from a modern performance hatch. Its lower MPG means more frequent stops at the pump, which takes a bit of shine off its everyday practicality.
CON: Less Engaging as the Manual
The automatic in the 2025 GR Corolla can feel a bit detached, dulling some of the raw, hands-on excitement that makes the car so special. It often settles into shifts that feel too polished and predictable, leaving enthusiasts wishing for the more involved experience of the manual.
