2023 Toyota GR Corolla
MSRP Range: $35,900 - $49,900 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla





+65
Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Based on the modest Corolla Hatchback, this 300-horsepower, all-wheel-drive hot hatch takes its inspiration from rally cars and is loaded with personality. If you can get past the somewhat bargain-basement interior, the GR Corolla is a keeper.
Pricing
Changing year or type will take you to a new page
Total MSRPThis price includes a $1,095 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. | $36,995 |
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Edmunds suggests you pay | $36,925 |
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2023 Toyota GR Corolla Review

byKurt Niebuhr
Senior Vehicle Test Editor
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
- Turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivers punchy acceleration
- All-wheel drive provides tenacious grip
- Six-speed manual transmission is great
- Decent number of standard advanced driver aids
Cons
- Cheap interior plastics for the price
- High levels of interior noise
- Cargo area is on the small side for a hatchback
What's new
- Rally-inspired performance model based on the Corolla hatchback
- Standard all-wheel drive, manual transmission and 300 hp
- Part of the 12th Corolla generation introduced in 2020
Overview
Is it appropriate to rejoice over a car? If you ask hot hatch enthusiasts, they will point to the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla and proclaim "Hallelujah!" This is a beefed-up and performance-focused version of the standard Corolla hatchback that boasts a turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and wide-body fenders that all tie into the rally pedigree of Toyota's Gazoo Racing (that's where the GR comes from) motorsport sub-brand.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$203/mo for GR Corolla Core
GR Corolla Core
vs
$167/mo
Avg. Compact Car
The GR Corolla is so different from anything else offered by Toyota. A six-speed manual is the only transmission on offer, and the GR's 300 horsepower is cranked out by a diminutive three-cylinder turbocharged engine — something Toyota doesn't sell in any other vehicle in North America. There's even a limited-production version that does away with the back seat altogether.
The GR Corolla is Toyota's real-deal answer to the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf R. All of those competitors go about achieving their performance levels in slightly different ways and offer far more refinement, so read our Expert Rating below to see if you like the way the GR Corolla balances performance, features and all-around fun.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
8.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Based on the modest Corolla Hatchback, this 300-horsepower, all-wheel-drive hot hatch takes its inspiration from rally cars and is loaded with personality. If you can get past the somewhat bargain-basement interior, the GR Corolla is a keeper.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
9.0/10
How does the GR Corolla drive? The GR Corolla is one of the most exciting and engaging cars we've driven in years and proves you don't need to spend big money to have a great time. Its diminutive 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine punches well above its weight. At the Edmunds test track, our GR Corolla Morizo Edition test car sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds flat and cleared the quarter mile in 13.1 seconds at over 105 mph. To put those numbers into context, that makes the GR Corolla quicker than both the BMW 230i and the Honda Civic Type R.
The GR's six-speed manual transmission is one of the best on sale today and returns satisfying, positive and direct gear changes at any speed. And despite the engine's high performance, the GR Corolla is a cinch to drive in traffic thanks in large part to the clutch's intuitive uptake and excellent feedback.
The Morizo Edition comes equipped with extra sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. These tires give the GR Corolla near supercar levels of grip and helped pull an impressive 1.1 g on our skidpad. Steering is on the heavy side but not excessively so. As for braking, our test car stopped from 60 mph in 110 feet. That's competitive for the class but perhaps a little underwhelming considering the Cup 2 tires. (The Civic Type R we tested stopped in 108 feet.) The antilock braking system during full braking was noisy; a few of our editors wondered whether Toyota had fully optimized it for the Morizo-specific Cup 2 tires.
The GR's six-speed manual transmission is one of the best on sale today and returns satisfying, positive and direct gear changes at any speed. And despite the engine's high performance, the GR Corolla is a cinch to drive in traffic thanks in large part to the clutch's intuitive uptake and excellent feedback.
The Morizo Edition comes equipped with extra sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. These tires give the GR Corolla near supercar levels of grip and helped pull an impressive 1.1 g on our skidpad. Steering is on the heavy side but not excessively so. As for braking, our test car stopped from 60 mph in 110 feet. That's competitive for the class but perhaps a little underwhelming considering the Cup 2 tires. (The Civic Type R we tested stopped in 108 feet.) The antilock braking system during full braking was noisy; a few of our editors wondered whether Toyota had fully optimized it for the Morizo-specific Cup 2 tires.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the GR Corolla? To look at it, you'd think the GR Corolla would shake your fillings loose and leave you exhausted after a long drive. But Toyota has worked a bit of magic with the GRC. The ride is stiff but there's still decent compliance on rougher roads. The front seats in the Morizo are another bright spot. They're wonderfully supportive and easy to get in and out of.
The GR also benefits from the standard Corolla's climate control system. Though nothing special, it does handle interior temperatures well and provides good airflow even when you're driving enthusiastically for long periods of time. Interior noise, on the other hand, is higher than most buyers might be willing to tolerate. Tire noise is omnipresent, as is road and wind noise. But if you're in the market for a hot hatch, you know this is typical. On the plus side, the three-cylinder's growly exhaust note and distinctive turbo whoosh are evocative without being annoying.
The GR also benefits from the standard Corolla's climate control system. Though nothing special, it does handle interior temperatures well and provides good airflow even when you're driving enthusiastically for long periods of time. Interior noise, on the other hand, is higher than most buyers might be willing to tolerate. Tire noise is omnipresent, as is road and wind noise. But if you're in the market for a hot hatch, you know this is typical. On the plus side, the three-cylinder's growly exhaust note and distinctive turbo whoosh are evocative without being annoying.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2023 Toyota GR Corolla pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? In the tradition of hot hatches, the GR Corolla is based heavily on a budget-minded compact car. And while there's nothing particularly wrong with the standard Corolla interior, it isn't exactly overflowing with refinement. That's not a problem at the Corolla Hatchback's base price, but the GR Corolla asks significantly more for essentially the same interior. To be fair, the upgraded features, such as the synthetic suede-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever, have a sporty, quality feel to them. Thanks to the GR Corolla's snub nose styling, forward visibility is excellent.
Because it's mostly a Corolla Hatchback, the GR Corolla has short, easy-to-open doors and is relatively easy to get in and out of even with the more aggressive sport seats. The front interior feels snug but is not cramped. The rear interior space, assuming you don't opt for the Morizo trim, which does away with the back seats altogether, is a bit on the tight side for adults. A Civic Type R or Volkswagen Golf R offer far more comfort for rear passengers.
Because it's mostly a Corolla Hatchback, the GR Corolla has short, easy-to-open doors and is relatively easy to get in and out of even with the more aggressive sport seats. The front interior feels snug but is not cramped. The rear interior space, assuming you don't opt for the Morizo trim, which does away with the back seats altogether, is a bit on the tight side for adults. A Civic Type R or Volkswagen Golf R offer far more comfort for rear passengers.
Technology
7.0/10
How’s the tech? There's not much tech on offer for a car with this price tag. Competitors like the BMW 230i, Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R offer far more advanced interfaces and better audio systems. Native navigation is not available, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both familiar and usually flawless in their execution. For what it's worth, the menus in the GR Corolla's touchscreen are fairly straightforward and easy to learn. Voice controls were a bit of a disappointment due in large part to the elevated ambient noise levels at every speed. Our test car was equipped with a wireless charger, but it didn't work particularly well because it simply couldn't hold the phone in place around turns.
Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 is a nice addition to the stripped-back, performance-oriented GR Corolla. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning and automatic emergency braking worked faultlessly in our testing. But we have a few gripes with the adaptive cruise control and the lane keeping assistance systems. Both seem calibrated for Toyota's far more sedate offerings and proved overly cautious in their responses, which was simply not in character with the GR Corolla. Thankfully, the lane keeping assistance feature can be shut off and will remain off even after you restart the car.
Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 is a nice addition to the stripped-back, performance-oriented GR Corolla. Blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning and automatic emergency braking worked faultlessly in our testing. But we have a few gripes with the adaptive cruise control and the lane keeping assistance systems. Both seem calibrated for Toyota's far more sedate offerings and proved overly cautious in their responses, which was simply not in character with the GR Corolla. Thankfully, the lane keeping assistance feature can be shut off and will remain off even after you restart the car.
Storage
7.0/10
How’s the storage? Cargo space is suboptimal. There's a high load floor that forces a somewhat short cargo hold, which is penned in by two storage bins at either side. Our Morizo Edition test car offered additional storage in lieu of back seats. Ringed by structural bracing, it is a useful space and looks capable of holding four tires standing up. The Core and Circuit Edition trim levels are equipped with usual folding split rear seatbacks.
Inside, drivers and their brave passengers should plan to pack light. The cupholders will do most of the work, and if you do have anything else it will need to find a home on either the wireless charging tray or the shallow pad behind the driver's right elbow on the center console. Door pockets can hold the remaining loose items but are not lined so be ready for items to rattle around.
Inside, drivers and their brave passengers should plan to pack light. The cupholders will do most of the work, and if you do have anything else it will need to find a home on either the wireless charging tray or the shallow pad behind the driver's right elbow on the center console. Door pockets can hold the remaining loose items but are not lined so be ready for items to rattle around.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? You might think that the diminutive 1.6-liter engine in the GR Corolla would deliver above-average efficiency, but you'd be mistaken. The EPA says the GR Corolla gets a mere 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We got 23.4 mpg on our real-world evaluation route, which trails the real-world fuel economy numbers we recorded from the BMW 230i, Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R.
Value
7.0/10
Is the GR Corolla a good value? GR Corolla pricing ranges between the different trims significantly. We think the sweet spot of the lineup is the midgrade Circuit Edition model as it comes with the Torsen differentials for better traction and handling, upgraded seats and a few other nice-to-have features as standard and comes in at a slightly lower price than the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R. Still, you'll always know you're paying for performance, not interior refinement with this car. While this specialized character might have some fans, the interiors from the Civic Type R and Golf R are far and away more refined than the Toyota's.
Even with all of the added performance, warranties for the GR Corolla are fairly standard. Toyota offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage as well as a six-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There's also two years of free roadside assistance as well as free maintenance for two years/25,000 miles.
Even with all of the added performance, warranties for the GR Corolla are fairly standard. Toyota offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage as well as a six-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There's also two years of free roadside assistance as well as free maintenance for two years/25,000 miles.
Wildcard
10.0/10
The GR Corolla pegs our Wildcard meter to the max. Its aggressive styling, flared fenders and low stance just ooze character even when it's parked. But when you start it up and mash the gas, the GR Corolla delivers a remarkable experience. The engine makes all the right noises, including a nifty little chirp from the turbocharger's wastegate with every shift, and the GR can make even the quickest errands a whole lot of fun. Members of our staff were nearly fighting for the keys.
It also follows the formula of all the truly great hot hatches from the past and doesn't shy away from its humble economy car roots. When compared to something like the Honda Civic Type R, the lack of refinement and straightforward nature of the GR could turn off many buyers but will have its appeal to hardcore enthusiasts. In the end, it's difficult to imagine that Toyota, the company that seemingly invented the color beige, could turn out a rorty, punchy little bulldog of a car like the GR Corolla. And we're so happy it did.
It also follows the formula of all the truly great hot hatches from the past and doesn't shy away from its humble economy car roots. When compared to something like the Honda Civic Type R, the lack of refinement and straightforward nature of the GR could turn off many buyers but will have its appeal to hardcore enthusiasts. In the end, it's difficult to imagine that Toyota, the company that seemingly invented the color beige, could turn out a rorty, punchy little bulldog of a car like the GR Corolla. And we're so happy it did.
Which GR Corolla does Edmunds recommend?
We think the Circuit Edition is the Goldilocks of the GR Corolla lineup. It has all the options we'd get on the base Core model as standard equipment but costs far less than the top-of-the-line Morizo Edition that sacrifices the rear seats in the name of maximum performance.
Toyota GR Corolla models
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla comes in two primary trim levels: Core and Circuit Edition. The GR Corolla has a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that cranks out 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Power gets to the pavement through a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. There is no option for an automatic transmission. There is also a special Morizo Edition trim that is limited to 200 units. The Morizo Edition gets more torque (295 lb-ft) plus other performance-enhancing changes. Highlighted features include:
Core
Comes well equipped with:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- Triple exhaust with brushed stainless steel tips
- High-performance brakes
- Driver-adjustable front-to-rear torque split for the AWD system
- Digital gauge cluster with GR Corolla-specific gauges
- Cloth seating
- Automatic climate control
- Height-adjustable driver's seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 60/40-split fold-down rear seats
- 8-inch center touchscreen
- Six-speaker sound system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
The GR Corolla also comes with:
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the GR Corolla and the car in front)
- Lane keeping assistance (steers the GR Corolla back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Options on the Core include:
- Performance package
- Painted brake calipers
- Front and rear limited-slip differentials (help maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
- Technology package
- Upgraded JBL audio system
- Navigation system (subscription-based)
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Cold Weather package
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
Circuit Edition
The Circuit Edition comes with the Core's three optional packages as standard equipment. It also has:
- Forged carbon-fiber roof
- Sport rear spoiler
- Special hood
- Synthetic leather- and suede-trimmed front seats with additional bolstering
- Red accent stitching
Morizo Edition
The most track-oriented GR Corolla by way of:
- 18-inch forged alloy wheels with wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
- Additional body structure reinforcement
- Revised transmission gearing for quicker acceleration
- Synthetic suede-wrapped steering wheel with red sight line
- Two-seater only; the back seat and other items have been removed to reduce weight

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla.
5 star reviews: 50%
4 star reviews: 50%
3 star reviews: 0%
2 star reviews: 0%
1 star reviews: 0%
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Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, My new toy.
Ed,
Circuit 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M)
I have not had time to break it in as yet. Great so far.
4/5 stars, Too much MVA for me.
Fun-seeker,
Circuit 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M)
Looking for fun manual for everyday driving; for me CIRCUIT ranked #2 (WRX Limited with STI pipes ranked #1). Test drove Core (same engine as Circuit). PRO: rumbly sound, front interior design, body design, intrigue 3-cyl.; drives well (feels good). CON: MVA made it over-priced for caliber vehicle; turbo lag; rear seat; not especially impressive power (would be w 4th cyl).
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2023 Toyota GR Corolla videos
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Hi, I'm Alistair. That's Jonathan. This is a Toyota GR Corolla Morizo. That is a Honda Civic Type R. And this is the Edmunds U-Drag you've all been demanding. Let's get on with it.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Well, you asked for it, you got it. We have the front-wheel drive 2023 Civic Type R with 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque blasting out of the turbo inline four mated to a succulent six-speed manual.
[CAR REVVING]
Going up against the all-wheel drive 2023 Gr Corolla Morizo with 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque coming out of a tweaked out turbo inline three also mated to a six-speed manual.
[CAR REVVING]
These two are going head-to-head on our Edmunds U-Drag track, which starts with the quarter-mile drag, then they hit the brakes, snap a 180, and power back to start/finish. At the end of the first run, to make everybody happy, we'll swap drivers and lanes and do it again.
Are you grilling like and subscribe burgers? They smell so good! You want to know what else smells good? Edmunds.com/udrags for all the snackable information your heart desires. All right, let's hit it.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: So, how do we set up the Gr Corolla for the fastest launch? Well, of course, the big difference between this Toyota and that Honda is that this has all-wheel drive. And that means we can be more aggressive with the launch. So we're going to put the drive mode into sport. Then, we're going to push this track button here and then twiddle this knob.
Our experience at our own test track and other running has told us that probably the best way of launching this car is to have 30% of the torque at the front, 70% at the rear. That's what I'm going with. Manual transmission, of course, so we're going to dial up first gear. We're going to get pretty unsympathetic with the mechanicals. So I'm going to dial up about 6,000 RPM and then pretty much slip off the clutch, side step it, off we go.
I should, in theory, get a jump on the front-wheel drive Honda. We shall see.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: All right. Civic Type R. This thing is so cool. No launch control, but we don't really need it, because we have Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which have a ton of grip. And, unfortunately, the engine is limited to 3,500 RPM, which just isn't enough power to really spin and overcome the grip of those tires. So I'm going to try my best to get those tires moving.
In order to do that, I need to select R mode. I'm going to go ahead and turn off traction and stability control, which is just a single beep. There's no two stage here. And then I'm going to rev it up to 3,500. I now have the power advantage. So I'm hoping that, with that car's all-wheel drive, it's not going to leave me in the dust.
And I think if I get off the line cleanly, then it's going to be the Type R's race to win.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Visualize the lap.
- Five, four, three, two, one.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Come on, Civic. Come on. Yeah. Going to get it back.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Come on. There's the Honda.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Got him in the quarter.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Watch for the braking. I'm going to try and brake a little bit later.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Here we go.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: [INAUDIBLE]
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Here we go.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: I'm going to use all the track.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: I got it. There we go.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Ah.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Civic.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: So, Jonathan, it's a fairly clear victory in the end.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: The Civic definitely has a power advantage. And it's just so well put together. The previous generation Type R was the best handling front driver that I had driven in a long time, maybe ever. How about the Corolla?
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Yeah, I expected to win in the places that I didn't, which means I expected to get a better launch off the line because of the all-wheel drive and the fact that I was pretty aggressive with dropping it from 6,500 RPM. But then it still bogged a little bit. And then you just came through.
When we got to like third gear, you were just pulling away. I mean, this is a really fun little thing. It's got a great little gearbox, it steers beautifully, it stops beautifully. I'm just a bit surprised that the all-wheel drive just doesn't give it more of an advantage. And maybe in the wet or on a less grippy surface it would, but not here.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: That's enough talking. Let's switch lanes. I want to try that Corolla.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: So it's weird jumping out of the Toyota into this Honda. It instantly feels a lot more grown-up, a bit less toylike, a bit less raw, if you like, which is kind of a weird thing to say about a Type R, but there you are. And it seems that the big challenge we're having with this is the car won't let us use enough revs off the line to actually generate some wheelspin and keep the momentum going.
It'll let me use 3 and 1/2 RPM, which on a grippy surface like this isn't really enough. So it's going to bog down. And I've got to hope that similar thing. I can get into third gear, and then the extra power will see me win the day.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: All right. GR Corolla time. You know, all-wheel drive-- these launches are not mechanically sympathetic. So I think if you own your car, you don't want to be doing this too much. Obviously, this is a special occasion. So we're going to we're going to give the Corolla its due and to show what it can do.
So I'm going to rev it up to around 6,000 and just kind of let it rip. Hopefully, we get some wheelspin, get off the line, get a head start on that Civic, and take the win.
- Five, four, three, two, one.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Bogged a bit. Three. That's the rev limiter. Starting to pull a little bit.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Come on, Corolla, you got it. Right there, right there, right there.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Let's nail the braking. Get it straightened up.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: So close.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Ah, he's pulling away.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Right there. Come on, you got it. Oh! Oh!
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Victory to the Honda. So, I think that's pretty conclusive. I'm not sure that was my best run in the Honda. I think one of my practice runs was better. But still enough to see off the Corolla.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: I mean, this thing was good, got a good launch. This car is a lot more physical than you expect to drive. It's got a pretty heavy clutch, especially compared to that Civic. It's just a little more rough around the edges than that car.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: If anything, it feels like it needs more power to actually make the benefits of all-wheel drive and some of the attributes-- it feels like it's a little bit underpowered for having all the hardware that it has.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: It's making some impressive power for as big of an engine as it has. But I agree with you. If it had a two liter, this thing would probably feel even better.
And it's time for the best numbers. In the quarter mile, the Civic barely takes the W at 14.3 at 104.8-- only 0.1 second faster than the Morizo. In the turn, the Civic also edged out the Corolla, pulling 1.28 Gs. The finish was close, but in the end, the Civic takes it with a 38.5 at 113 miles an hour.
Did somebody say leaderboard? Remember, each car's quickest run goes on the leaderboard regardless of pairing. In the end, the Civic Type R hits number 12 with a time of 38.5 at 113 miles an hour, with the Morizo right below at 13th with a time of 39 flat at 108.6.
Give me some of that POV data magic.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Bogged a bit. Two. Three, that's the rev limiter. Starting to pull a little bit. Four. Come on. Let's nail the braking. Down to two. Get it straightened up. Ah, he's pulling away. He's pulling away. Victory to the Honda.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Come on, Corolla, you got it. There. Right there, right there, right there. Oh! So close! Right there. Come on, you got it. Oh! Oh! Almost had it.
ALISTAIR WEAVER: So I'm a bit surprised by this.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: Yeah?
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Yeah. Because, although, on paper the Honda's got more power, I did think the all-wheel drive might make a difference both on the launch and also getting out of what is a pretty tight bend at the bottom. And, actually, it didn't.
JONATHAN ALFALAN: I'm not surprised by the result, because, I think you know, I've driven the Civic and the Corolla back-to-back, and I know the power advantage that that had. The grip was a concern. But as we found out here, not a concern out here. And so I think it took away the only advantage that the Corolla had, was grip and just like being able to use all of its power. But here, the Civic clearly could use all of its power very easily. Between the two, which one would you take home?
ALISTAIR WEAVER: Well, given that we've got like a few hours to get home, the Honda is going to be the better. I mean, if you gave me like a little scrappy road, I think I'd love the Corolla. But that's just a great all round car that, you know, you can throw the kids in.
That's it for this version of U-Drags. For all the latest races and our fabled leaderboard, head to edmunds.com/udrags. That's plural. And while you're there, check out everything else that Edmunds has to offer. And please, while we're developing the wish list, subscribe to our channel too, so it keeps us doing fun stuff. Thanks for watching. See you next time.
U-DRAG RACE: Honda Civic Type R vs. Toyota GR Corolla Morizo | Quarter Mile, Handling & More!
Edmunds U-Drags is our series of down-and-back drag races that allow us to incorporate a standing quarter mile, handling, and a rolling start all in one race. In this episode, we put two of the hottest hatches on sale — the Honda Civic Type R and the Toyota GR Corolla Morizo —… head-to-head. Will the GR Corolla's all-wheel-drive traction be enough to overcome the Civic Type R's horsepower advantage? Find out in the video!
2023 Toyota GR Corolla Features Specs
Core
Total MSRP | $36,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Compare the Toyota GR Corolla
Compare selected vehiclesCompare Toyota GR Corolla to any vehicle See full list of Hot hatches rankings
Toyota GR Corolla vs. Honda Civic
The Type R is arguably the best compact performance car on sale today. Balancing performance, refinement and comfort, it is a superlative all-around car for the enthusiast. The GR Corolla is not as refined as the Civic, but it has quicker acceleration, tons of personality, and all-wheel drive to benefit drivers in inclement weather.
Toyota GR Corolla vs. Subaru WRX
The WRX has long been a rally car for the street and has gained more and more refinement with every successive generation. Based on the Impreza, the WRX has a bigger trunk and roomier back seat than the GR Corolla, but the Toyota has the clear advantage when it comes to performance. It's worth noting the WRX can be had with an automatic transmission while the GR cannot.
Toyota GR Corolla vs. Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf R gives up very little in terms of creature comforts and refinement to produce such strong performance. More comfortable and practical than the GR Corolla, the Golf R also has the option of a manual or automatic transmission. While both are all-wheel-drive, the GR Corolla delivers more playful handling and a more engaging driving experience.

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Safety
Our experts’ favorite GR Corolla safety features:
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
- Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse.
- Lane keeping assistance
- Steers the GR Corolla back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker.
- Adaptive cruise control
- Maintains a driver-set distance between the GR Corolla and the car in front.
FAQ
Is the Toyota GR Corolla a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 GR Corolla both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.0 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 GR Corolla gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 2 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the GR Corolla ranges from 17.8 to 36.6 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 2023 Toyota GR Corolla?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla:
- Rally-inspired performance model based on the Corolla hatchback
- Standard all-wheel drive, manual transmission and 300 hp
- Part of the 12th Corolla generation introduced in 2020
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 2023 Toyota GR Corolla a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 GR Corolla and gave it a 8.0 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 GR Corolla gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 2 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 GR Corolla is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Toyota GR Corolla?
The least-expensive 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $35,900.
Other versions include:
- Core 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $35,900
- Circuit 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $42,900
- Morizo 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $49,900
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 Core 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M), Circuit 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M), and Morizo 4dr Hatchback AWD (1.6L 3cyl Turbo 6M). For a full list of GR Corolla models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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