Toyota’s GR Corolla has quickly become a hot hatch icon, and with the 2025 model, Toyota has introduced some key updates. But do these changes genuinely enhance the driving experience compared to the 2023 and 2024 models? We dive deep into a back-to-back comparison to reveal the surprising truths about the new 2025 GR Corolla.
Two years after its initial burst onto the scene, the GR Corolla receives its first mid-cycle refresh for 2025. The headlines include a brand-new automatic transmission option, a redesigned front bumper for improved cooling, and tweaked suspension components. Automakers often tout year-over-year improvements, especially in performance divisions like Gazoo Racing. But as enthusiasts, we want to know: can you actually feel the difference between the 2025 GR Corolla and the earlier models without being a professional driver?
To find out, Toyota provided us with a striking Supersonic Red 2025 GR Corolla Premium Plus, fresh off the production line. To get a real-world perspective, we connected with Kevin Quijano from the active “2023+ GR Corolla Group” Facebook community. Kevin generously offered his personal 2023 GR Corolla Core for a direct comparison. His Core model is stock, except for upgraded Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and a Circuit Edition hood, offering a great baseline for our test.
Kevin Quijano, owner of a 2023 GR Corolla Core, alongside the 2025 GR Corolla Premium Plus.
We put both cars through their paces on the demanding highways and on-ramps surrounding Los Angeles International Airport. This area, known for its grooved concrete and uneven surfaces, is an ideal proving ground to expose any nuances in suspension performance and ride quality. The results of our back-to-back drives were immediately noticeable, surprising both of us.
2025 GR Corolla: Key Updates
Before we delve into the driving impressions, let’s outline the specific changes Toyota has implemented for the 2025 GR Corolla compared to the 2023-2024 models.
- New 8-speed Automatic Transmission: Optional for the first time, featuring paddle shifters, launch control, and a transmission cooler.
- Increased Torque: Engine torque is bumped up to 295 lb-ft.
- Premium Plus Trim: Replaces the Circuit Edition, adding a head-up display while removing the larger rear spoiler and forged wheels.
- Supplemental Engine Radiator: Standard on Premium Plus, optional on Premium trim.
- Rebound Springs in Shocks: Added to all four shocks to improve handling and control.
- Redesigned Front Grille: Features larger radiator openings and active heat extraction for enhanced cooling.
- Fog Lights Removed: Streamlining the front fascia.
- Revised Rear Coil Springs: Fine-tuning the rear suspension dynamics.
- Revised Rear Axle Mount: Contributing to improved stability and handling.
- Updated GR Four All-Wheel Drive: Subtle revisions to the AWD system for optimized performance.
- Active Exhaust Tuning: Now designed to close audibly in ECO mode for a quieter drive.
- Toyota’s Audio Multimedia System Update: Improved touchscreen interface with persistent menu options even when using wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the 2025 GR Corolla isn’t a radical departure, these modifications represent a significant evolution, refining and enhancing the already impressive performance of the earlier models.
Driving the 2025 GR Corolla: Do the Changes Make a Difference?
Earlier in the year, we had the opportunity to discuss the 2025 model year updates with Toyota engineers, including a detailed look at the revised suspension components and GR FOUR system tuning (Watch the video here). Their focus was clear: elevate the GR Corolla’s track capabilities and overall sharpness. This led to the denser rear coil springs, the addition of rebound springs within all four shocks, a revised rear axle mount bracket, and retuned torque-vectoring modes for the GR FOUR system.
Let’s focus first on the suspension changes, as the difference in damping and spring rates is immediately apparent.
The 2023 GR Corolla, even with 19,000 miles on the clock, maintains its playful and agile character – akin to a 300-horsepower go-kart. The suspension in the 2023 model strikes a remarkable balance between comfort and performance, feeling surprisingly smooth and forgiving. Turn-in is crisp, and grip is abundant. Despite slightly less torque than the 2025 model, it possesses ample power for its weight. The overall impression leans towards a “plush” ride, albeit subtly so.
Switching to the 2025 GR Corolla, the changes in suspension tuning become immediately noticeable, though not dramatically different.
While a detailed comparison of the Automatic vs. Manual transmission will follow in a separate article, the 2025 GR Corolla’s suspension feels firmer. It transmits more road imperfections and vibrations into the cabin, felt through the seats and steering wheel. However, this firmness doesn’t translate to harshness or a lack of refinement. Turn-in feels even more precise, potentially enhanced by the optional rear chassis brace (introduced in the previous year). While perhaps less forgiving on poorly maintained roads, the 2025 model feels more connected and planted, inspiring greater confidence.
In essence, the 2025 GR Corolla sharpens the hot hatch experience, pushing the boundaries of performance even further. It could be playfully considered a “Morizo Jr.”, hinting at its enhanced track-focused nature.
Regarding the torque increase, the additional 22 lb-ft of peak torque in the 2025 model is less immediately discernible than the suspension refinements. It’s challenging to definitively isolate whether the automatic 2025 model felt quicker due to the increased torque, the automatic transmission’s optimized gear selection, or a combination of both. A subsequent drive in a 2025 manual model a few days later further complicated isolating the torque difference without precise back-to-back testing against an older model. From a subjective “seat-of-the-pants” perspective, the power increase isn’t dramatically noticeable in everyday driving.
GR FOUR All-Wheel Drive System
Having driven the GR Corolla in Core, Circuit, Morizo, and now 2025 Premium Plus trims, my experience with the GR FOUR all-wheel-drive system has primarily been on dry Southern California roads, outside of a single track day in 2022. While spirited driving has been the norm, these conditions remain well within the vehicle’s traction limits, where the nuances of torque vectoring are less pronounced.
Therefore, discerning significant differences in traction feel between the updated 2025 GR FOUR system and the previous iterations is challenging in typical driving scenarios. However, some observations might be valuable for prospective buyers.
In the 2023-2024 GR FOUR setup, “Track Mode” (now “Gravel” in 2025) with its 50-50 front-to-rear torque split remains a personal favorite. It provides a balanced traction distribution, making the car feel consistently planted and secure. The rear-biased 30-70 torque split option, in my testing, never felt optimal on dry pavement. However, its effectiveness in snow conditions has been demonstrated by others.
In the 2025 model, I experimented with both “Gravel” and the new “Track Mode.” The updated Track Mode intelligently varies torque distribution, sending up to 60% to the front or up to 70% to the rear wheels based on sensor inputs and driving conditions. The aim is to dynamically optimize torque delivery for enhanced performance.
For everyday spirited driving, the 50-50 split of “Gravel” mode continues to provide excellent traction and a confident feel. The benefits of the new “Track Mode” might be more evident on a track environment. Interestingly, during informal 0-60 mph testing with the automatic GR Corolla, “Gravel Mode” without launch control yielded a slightly quicker 5.55-second time compared to “Track Mode” at 5.71 seconds. However, utilizing launch control narrowed the gap, with “Gravel” achieving 5.25 seconds and “Track” edging ahead at 5.20 seconds.
2025 vs 2023-2024 GR Corolla Value Proposition
Current online listings in Southern California indicate used 2023 GR Corollas with low mileage (under 20,000 miles, many under 10,000) priced in the mid $30,000 range. More premium trims and 2024 models are appearing in the low $40,000s. Pricing for 2025 models remains to be fully established, but it’s anticipated to be higher. GR models typically don’t qualify for significant manufacturer incentives, and dealership markups could be a factor. However, the overall new car market has shifted since the GR Corolla’s initial launch, potentially mitigating excessive premiums. Unless you can secure a rare Morizo Edition, paying over MSRP for any GR Corolla isn’t advisable in the current market.
Considering value, opting for a used manual transmission 2023 or 2024 GR Corolla could save you a significant $10,000 – $15,000 while still delivering an incredibly engaging driving experience. If an automatic transmission or the new features like the sub-radiator and head-up display are priorities, then the 2025 model becomes more compelling.
2025 vs 2023/2024 GR Corolla Specifications
Visual comparison: 2023 GR Corolla (left) and 2025 GR Corolla (right).
For a quick factual overview, here’s a summary of the key similarities and differences across the GR Corolla model years:
2025 GR Corolla
- Trims: Core, Premium, Premium Plus
- Estimated Price Range: $40,000 – $50,000
- Engine: G16E-GTS 1.6L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Torque: 295 lb-ft (all trims)
- Transmissions: 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed DAT (Direct Automatic Transmission)
- GR FOUR Modes: Normal (60-40 front bias), Gravel (50-50), Track (variable 60-40 front to 30-70 rear)
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (Morizo), Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (all others)
2023 & 2024 GR Corolla
- 2023 Trims: Core, Circuit, Morizo
- 2023 Price Range: $37,000 – $53,000
- 2024 Trims: Core, Premium, Circuit
- 2024 Price Range: $38,000 – $48,000
- Engine: G16E-GTS 1.6L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Torque: 295 lb-ft (Morizo), 273 lb-ft (all other trims)
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Only
- GR FOUR Modes: Front (60-40 front bias), Rear (30-70 rear bias), Track (50-50)
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Upgrade to the 2025 GR Corolla? The Verdict
For current 2023 or 2024 GR Corolla owners contemplating an upgrade, or for those considering their first GR Corolla purchase, the question remains: Should you choose a 2023/24 or the 2025 model?
The 2025 GR Corolla offers a demonstrably different driving and suspension experience compared to its predecessors. While all model years deliver exceptional fun and capability, the 2025 refines the formula, offering a sharper, more track-focused edge.
The decision to upgrade or choose the 2025 model hinges on several key factors:
- Budget: If cost is a primary concern, a used 2023 or 2024 model offers significant value.
- Road Quality: For areas with rough roads, the slightly softer suspension of the earlier models might be more comfortable for daily driving.
- Intended Use: If track days are a priority, the 2025’s enhanced sharpness is a clear advantage. For primarily daily driving, the difference might be less critical.
- Comfort and Health: Those sensitive to ride firmness or with lower back issues might prefer the 2023-2024 models.
In conclusion, if you prioritize value and daily driving comfort, or prefer a slightly more forgiving ride, a 2023-2024 GR Corolla remains an excellent choice. However, if you seek the ultimate in GR Corolla performance, prioritize track capability and appreciate the latest refinements, the 2025 model is undeniably the most evolved and sharpest iteration yet.
Special thanks to Kevin Quijano for his invaluable contribution and time, and to Toyota USA for facilitating this GR Corolla comparison. Stay tuned for more in-depth GR Corolla content soon!
Images: Michael S. Palmer
Tags: 2025 GR Corolla, 2024 GR Corolla, GR Corolla, Hot Hatch, Performance Car, Toyota GR Corolla, Car Comparison
