Toyota GR Corolla lives up to the hype, and then some

Few cars have been as hyped in recent years as the market’s newest hot hatch, the Toyota GR Corolla. We admit, we were skeptical. Could it really be that good? Isn’t it just a hopped-up Corolla? Isn’t the interior pretty lackluster? Yes, yes, and yes. But, to reduce it to just those basics would negate so much about what makes this car so great. Special, even. 

This car is so hilariously fun, we could just tell you to go buy one. But we won’t, although we think you should. Instead, we will wax poetic about its endearing charms while you queue up your KSL Cars search to find one. 

Shop all Toyota GR Corolla listings

Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

Jack-of-all-trades

We wish we had a huge garage. We also wish we had lots of money to buy cars to put in said fantasy garage. But we have neither. This means we need a vehicle that can do and be a whole lot of things to satisfy our enthusiast-bred car addiction. The GR Corolla checks nearly every box. It isn’t perfect, but it’s pretty close.

It’s practical

Be warned: The GR Corolla is small. But, it’s just big enough to fit two regular-sized adults in the rear seat. The same goes for kids in car seats. They won’t have room to lounge, but it gets the job done for shorter trips. 

The cargo space is also just enough. It’s actually less accommodating than we were expecting, due to the all-wheel drive system taking up some of the floor space. Still, you’ll have enough cargo space to put groceries or whatever other small items you need. Fold the rear seat flat and you’ll have plenty of space for larger items. 

Search all Toyota GR Corolla Listings on KSL Cars

Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

It’s comfortable enough for commuting

We commute about 50 miles per day, and the GR Corolla proved to be an excellent fit for such a task. The seats are soft and accommodating, much more so than expected. We loved them. The suspension was also a pleasant surprise. We were nervous it would be too stiff for daily driving, but it’s just right — if slightly a bit on the bouncy side. But it never felt harsh, even on uneven pieces of highway.

It’s fuel-efficient

With 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque routed through an adjustable all-wheel drive system, we were expecting pretty dismal fuel economy. Instead, we were pleasantly surprised at the regular 30 mpg runs to work and back. Even after a week of pretty hard driving, we still averaged more than 28 mpg. Talk about a win-win. 

And it’s not like the engine doesn’t let you know it's there. Start it up and you can feel the tiny 3-cylinder buzzing around, followed up by tons of turbo and wastegate sounds with any amount of acceleration. It’s all very dramatic. Same with the triple exit exhaust — it’s just the right level of rowdy without being obnoxious. The fact that it has all this attitude and still gets over 30 mpg is great news. 

Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

It will make you smile

Having spent a lot of time with the GR Corolla’s top competitors we can tell you, it doesn’t take long to realize how good this car is. It’s about as fun as a daily driver gets. 

We might be wrong, but the GR Corolla did not feel like a track weapon. Instead, it felt like a highly caffeinated friend who loves to make you laugh. And it does. It’s been a while since something like this has induced so many grins and giggles, and the GR Corolla never runs low on them. 

It’s not a one-trick pony, either. Driving to the grocery store? It’s fun. Commuting down the freeway? Also fun. Bombing up a canyon road? Very fun. Downshifting just to feel the automatic rev-matching feature work its magic? Totally awesome. The GR Corolla has an abundance of personality and it's never bashful about what it is. 

Find Toyota GR Corolla listings on KSL Cars

Drive it year-round with the right tires

Given how much fun this thing is on the pavement, I can only imagine how fun it is in the snow with winter tires on, especially with its adjustable differential. This and the Subaru WRX feel like the ultimate winter enthusiast cars. 

Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

What are the downsides? 

There aren’t many, but there are a few, starting with the surprisingly plain interior. Let’s be honest you probably won’t care that much once you start driving. But still, if you’re spending about $45,000 on a car, you’re probably expecting a nicer place to be than what the GR Corolla offers. 

It is plain-Jane, especially on the Core trim — complete with tons of hard plastic. It’s not terrible, and the seats are excellent, but it’s undeniably plebeian. Even in the top trim, with its fancy Alcantara trimmings, there’s no hiding the Corolla’s budget roots. 

High seating position

Even with the driver’s seat lowered all the way, we still felt like we were sitting on the GR Corolla, rather than in it. We got used to it, but it was still an odd sensation at times. Your results may vary. 

Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

Tall price for fun

Unfortunately, the GR Corolla is not exactly cheap. Toyota obviously knows it can get away with its pricing, given how fun it is to drive and how relatively exclusive it is. But the interior will always be there to remind you that you spent $45,000 on what is basically a souped-up economy box. How you reconcile that mentally — and to your spouse — is up to you. In the end, we do think the GR is probably worth it, if you can find one without markup. 

Final thoughts

The GR Corolla is excellent. If it weren’t for the bargain bin plastic interior, it would be a slam dunk. Even still, all of that goes away the second you start off in this thing. It may not be the best dressed or most refined friend you have, but it’s 100% one of the most fun. 

You’ll have a blast the whole time you’re out with the GR Corolla, and the only (minor) downsides will fade away as you hear the turbo spooling up before your next shift. 

Shop all Toyota GR Corolla Listings on KSL Cars

Highs

• It’s fun no matter what, but not overbearing or annoying

• A true good-at-everything personality 

• Efficient

• Practical

• Endearing and charming

Lows 

• Bare bones interior will make you think twice about the price

• Small backseat

• Surprisingly tight cargo area

• Not many cubbies or storage pockets

FAQs

What is the main competition for the GR Corolla? 

The Honda Civic Type-R, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen Golf R and the Subaru WRX. Try and drive them all before you make a final decision. Of that group, the GR Corolla is the only one besides the Golf R that offers all-wheel drive and is in hatchback form. 

Photo courtesy Toyota Newsroom

Is it good for families?

If you have another, larger vehicle as the primary family hauler, then the GR Corolla can serve smaller families on shorter drives. It should fit three small children in the back, but if one or more of them are in child seats, you’ll probably be limited to just two. Keep in mind, you probably won’t have much space for bringing along strollers, baby gear or too much else, as the hatch area is surprisingly tight.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.