Driving enthusiasts who are serious about the GR Corolla can choose from Core, Premium, or Circuit Edition trims. They’re all thrust into life by a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Engine output is pushed to all four corners via a rally-inspired all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Toyota incorporated selectable power settings that control torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to ensure that the GR Corolla’s performance is maximized in differing driving scenarios. Drivers have three distribution options (front:rear): Front (60:40), Rear (30:70), and Track (50:50). A rev-matching six-speed manual transmission is the sole gearbox. The EPA has estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway.
The Core grade is far from an entry-level vehicle, as proven by its widened front and rear fender flares, color-keyed rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, functional fender and rear fascia aero vents, fabric-trimmed sport seats, LED exterior lighting with automatic headlights, proximity keyless entry, automatic climate control, and triple exhaust tips. This base GR Corolla’s standard equipment also includes LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, dual USB ports, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires on 18-inch cast-alloy wheels.
Toyota upgrades the Premium with front and rear limited-slip differentials, red “GR” brake calipers, Brin Naub suede/synthetic leather-trimmed sport seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, brake-cooling ducts, and wireless device charging. The Circuit Edition goes even further with a forged carbon-fiber roof, a high-mounted rear spoiler in gloss black, a bulge hood with gloss-black air vents, black side-rocker graphics, exclusive exterior accents, and 18-inch forged-alloy BBS wheels with a black finish.
Every 2024 GR Corolla has Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 installed. This well-reputed driver-assist technology bundle contains forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, rear seat reminder, and road sign assist. The Premium and Circuit Edition also get front and rear parking sensors. A set of ten airbags is also standard, as are anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and a rearview monitor with parking aid lines.
Every GR Corolla uses an advanced 8-inch touchscreen to manage the infotainment features. Those consist of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. The Core gets a basic sound system with six speakers, while the two higher trims upgrade to an eight-speaker JBL system. All trims get access to Toyota Connected Services for a Wi-Fi hotspot, cloud-based navigation, emergency assistance, vehicle monitoring, and remote features.