2026 Toyota GR Corolla

Price Range: $40,520 - $48,565

Keith Buglewicz

Good

The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is one of just three hot hatchbacks on sale. With wide bodywork, all-wheel drive and 300 horsepower, it's an exciting proposition that delivers a fun experience, one that's made better with the optional manual transmission, even if the GR doesn't have all of the latest tech.Read full review

Shop vehicle inventory at dealers near you

Toyota GR Corolla for Sale

Pricing

Select year

Edmunds suggests you pay

$41,689

1 for sale near you

Edmunds suggested price is based on sales in IA thru 9/21/26, including destination fee, but not other dealer fees. Final assembly in Japan.

Pros

Quick acceleration
Standard all-wheel drive
Entertaining and engaging to drive

Cons

Basic Corolla interior for a GR Corolla price
Noisy on the highway
Smallish cargo capacity

What's new

Midrange Premium trim discontinued
Improved structural rigidity
New secondary air intake for cooler engine operation
Enhanced JBL premium audio system
Part of the 12th Corolla generation introduced for 2020

Toyota GR Corolla Video Shorts

by Edmunds Test Team

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

Updated: 9/23/2026

There are a lot of smart and logical reasons to buy a Toyota Corolla, but "it's fun to drive!" isn't one of them. That's where the 2026 GR Corolla comes in. Partnering with Gazoo Racing, Toyota's motorsport division, Toyota's engineers start with a Corolla hatchback and give it a full performance makeover that includes a spicy 300-horsepower engine, all-wheel drive, a sport-tuned suspension and more. It results in a wholly entertaining car at a price that's entirely reasonable considering what you're getting in return.

This year, ordering your GR Corolla is simplified thanks to the discontinuation of the midrange Premium trim. That leaves you to choose between the base model and the top Premium Plus, the latter of which gains an upgraded JBL audio system with a subwoofer and augmented engine noises through the speakers. Less obvious improvements for the 2026 GR Corolla include additional structural adhesives for improved rigidity (benefiting handling and ride comfort) and a secondary air intake that Toyota says helps to keep the engine cooler.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Gabriel Vega Cortés

Good

6.9

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

8.6/10

How does it drive? The GR Corolla proves that the hot hatch is alive and well. It may rely on a tiny engine running a tremendous amount of boost pressure to make its 300 horsepower, but that's enough for a 5.8-second 0-60 mph time, or close to what you can expect from a Honda Civic Type R. The Toyota also managed to stop from 60 mph in just 107 feet, making it the leader in the hot hatch segment even though the Honda is over 100 pounds lighter. Performance aside, the GR Corolla combines excellent steering that provides good feel and isn't overly heavy with a ride quality that's sporty enough to tackle a bumpy back road without sacrificing daily comfort. It strikes a balance that the overly stiff Type R and the overly soft Volkswagen Golf R can't seem to find.

While its manual transmission is excellent, it can take some time to adapt since the revs don't drop as quickly between shifts as you'd expect, though overall drivability is quite good. The brakes are easy to modulate, and since it's a Corolla hatchback, it's effortless to see out of. While it may not have the latest 360-degree cameras or advanced driver assist systems, the GR is reasonably well equipped, and the kit it does have works well.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is it? Comfort is an area in which the GR Corolla unexpectedly excels. Although it's slightly lower than a standard Corolla, it's still very easy to get in and out of it. Its front seats strike a nice balance between supportive enough to hold you in on twisty roads and comfortable enough for daily driving. Adults shouldn't have a tough time sitting in the front seats thanks to the decent legroom, though the rear seats aren't quite as comfortable. And while its second row is also slightly more challenging due to the short doors, the GR Corolla offers good car seat accommodation, though you'll want to skip the optional chassis brace since it gets in the way of the top tethers.

Unlike most modern cars, the Corolla's cabin is filled with physical buttons and switches, which make interacting with it a real joy. Everything is logically laid out and has a satisfying feel to use. Even though it rides on sporty tires, interior noise is about on par with what you get from a Civic Type R, while this Toyota's small cabin means it has no issue quickly cooling or heating it on demand.

In-cabin tech

6.4/10

How’s the tech? The GR Corolla feels decidedly old-school from a tech perspective. In a world where most modern cars have huge displays, this Toyota's 8-inch screen feels a little small by comparison. While this is a welcome sight for those of us who don't want flat-screen TVs aimed at our faces, its infotainment software is purely functional and not particularly interesting to interact with. The menus are easy to navigate, but you don't get any high-def graphics as you do in the VW Golf R. The GR Corolla did score well in terms of device integration with wireless smartphone integration and plenty of USB-C ports, although it lacks charge ports in the second row and a digital key.

Storage & cargo

5/10

How’s storage and cargo? Among its rivals, the GR Corolla is by far the smallest. As such, you'll give up a little in terms of outright cargo space, although since it's a hatchback, it's easy to load stuff. Both the Civic Type R and Golf R offer significantly larger cargo holds, so they would be more practical for most buyers. The Toyota also struggles with small-item storage due to its lack of a center console, and its door pockets are far from the most spacious.

Value

7.9/10

Is it a good value? As you'd expect from a Toyota, the GR Corolla scores well in the value category. It has a lower starting price than both the Civic Type R and the Golf R, yet it still offers heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, a carbon-fiber roof, and a premium sound system. From a quality perspective, the GR Corolla we tested seemed to be bolted together quite well, both inside and out, with no noticeable flaws or excessive squeaks. While the Toyota excels in terms of cost, its warranty is fairly average, offering three years/36,000 miles of basic coverage, five years/60,000 miles of drivetrain coverage, and two years/25,000 miles of included maintenance.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? While the GR Corolla may rely on a tiny three-cylinder engine running a lot of turbo boost pressure to deliver all 300 horsepower, this doesn't hold it back from a fuel economy perspective. The manual-equipped model manages 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, for a combined 24 mpg. (The automatic knocks down the combined mpg to 22.) This is exactly what the Civic Type R delivers, and it's only 1 mpg behind the Golf R. While this means it's "average" among all cars, it's fairly competitive in its segment.

X factor

10/10

While the GR Corolla may not have the best tech or the largest interior space compared to its rivals, this Toyota is a hot hatch in the truest sense. It's small, very fun to drive, and arguably the best-looking of the bunch. It has a bit of an old-school feel, which means you get physical buttons and switches and a basic cabin that feels tightly bolted together, even if it doesn't have the fanciest materials. The GR is a powerful manual-transmission-equipped, all-wheel-drive hatchback and a true joy among the current crop of sub-$50,000 enthusiast cars.

Compare dealer price quotes

2026 Toyota GR Corolla pricing in Des Moines, IA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla for October

The 2026 GR Corolla is still moving fast, with new cars selling in about 18 days, so expect modest discounts rather than a big bargain.

Buyers are paying about $1,200 below MSRP on average, or roughly 2.8% off sticker, and there are no general customer cash rebates right now. That means the Edmunds Suggested Price is meaningfully under MSRP, but not by a huge amount.
New inventory is fairly limited at about 1,050 vehicles nationwide, which keeps pressure on shoppers. The Premium Plus is easier to find than the Base, so it may be the simpler trim to shop if you want more choices.
Lease deals look decent for this segment, at around $560 a month with about $3,800 due at signing on a 36-month lease. With no special APR offers showing, compare lease and finance quotes carefully before you commit.

Was this information helpful?

2026 Toyota GR Corolla trim level differences

The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is the high-performance variant of the compact Corolla Hatchback. It's offered in base GR Corolla and Premium Plus trim levels, and both are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (300 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque). You can choose between a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. Compare the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla trim levels in-depth.

Which GR Corolla trim level does Edmunds recommend?

Get the base GR Corolla. It's a lot less expensive than the Premium Plus trim and comes with just about everything you'll need in a performance hatchback. The only reason we'd steer you to the Premium Plus is if you plan on subjecting your GR Corolla to regular track days or high-performance driving, in which case the Premium Plus trim's secondary radiator is advantageous for keeping the engine cool.

Alternatives to the GR Corolla for 2026

The Honda Civic Type R is the GR Corolla's archrival. The Civic Type R hatchback is larger and has more passenger and cargo space, so it might be the way to go if the GR is too small for you. On the other hand, the GR Corolla has superior all-weather capability thanks to its all-wheel drive. Toyota also offers an automatic transmission, which is something not offered on the Type R. Other performance car alternatives include the nimble Toyota GR 86 coupe, the muscular Ford Mustang and the refined Volkswagen Golf R hatchback.

Toyota GR Corolla Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

12 reviews

5(75%)

4(8%)

3(8%)

2(9%)

1(0%)

Owners Say

Overall, owner sentiment is mixed. Owners love how fun, quick, and sharp this car feels, and many say it makes daily driving more exciting. Some owners also like the looks, the manual shift, and the way it handles in dry weather. But others complain about high road noise, stiff ride, weak gas mileage, poor storage, and trouble in snow or with dealer support.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 12 reviews of the Toyota GR Corolla

Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Review

Fun Drivers Car

J Grimaldi, 12/31/2023

2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M)

Fantastic little car that makes a great all season driver. Power is excellent but boost doesn’t build until about 3000 rpm. After that the power comes on strong but is linear. It loves running to redline but is easy to drive when just tooling around town. Comfort level is good but the suspension is stiff. Still I have no problem using the car as my daily driver. Handling is superb and …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla, so we've included review for other years of the GR Corolla since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Toyota GR Corolla videos

Toyota GR Corolla vs. Volkswagen Golf R: Hot Hatch Showdown

NOTE: This video is about the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, but since the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Two AWD turbocharged hot hatches. One big question: Which one’s more fun when you’re not shifting gears? In this video, Edmunds’ Brian Wong compares the automatic Toyota GR Corolla to the dual-clutch VW Golf R to see which delivers the better performance, tech, everyday usability and — most importantly — the highest fun factor.

2026 Toyota GR Corolla Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$40,520
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$259/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 2 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Where the Toyota GR Corolla ranks:

#4 in Hot hatches

Select up to 4 cars below to compare.

Honda Civic Type R
Starting at $47,395
Compare
1
Volkswagen Golf R
Starting at $49,455
Compare
2
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Starting at $34,590
Compare
3
Toyota GR Corolla
Starting at $40,520
Compare
4
MINI Cooper
Starting at $25,500
Compare
5
Add any vehicle to compare

Compare selected vehicles

Safety

Key safety features on the GR Corolla include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

Research other GR Corolla years

2026
2025
2024

FAQ

Is the Toyota GR Corolla a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 GR Corolla both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 GR Corolla gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 12 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the GR Corolla has 17.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota GR Corolla. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla:

Midrange Premium trim discontinued
Improved structural rigidity
New secondary air intake for cooler engine operation
Enhanced JBL premium audio system
Part of the 12th Corolla generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Toyota GR Corolla reliable?

To determine whether the Toyota GR Corolla is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the GR Corolla. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the GR Corolla's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 GR Corolla and gave it a 6.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 GR Corolla gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 12 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 GR Corolla is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Toyota GR Corolla?

The least-expensive 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,520.

Other versions include:

4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $40,520
4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $42,520
Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $46,565
Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $48,565

Learn more

What are the different models of Toyota GR Corolla?

If you're interested in the Toyota GR Corolla, the next question is, which GR Corolla model is right for you? GR Corolla variants include 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M), 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 8A), Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M), and Premium Plus 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of GR Corolla models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

$259/mo

$235/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Toyota GR Corolla Video Shorts

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

Base Editors' Pick

Premium Plus Most Popular

Buying Tips for the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla for October

2026 Toyota GR Corolla trim level differences

Which GR Corolla trim level does Edmunds recommend?

Alternatives to the GR Corolla for 2026

Toyota GR Corolla Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2026 Toyota GR Corolla videos

2026 Toyota GR Corolla Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Toyota GR Corolla ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the GR Corolla include:

FAQ

Is the Toyota GR Corolla a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla?

Is the Toyota GR Corolla reliable?

Is the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Toyota GR Corolla?

What are the different models of Toyota GR Corolla?

Cost to Drive