Toyota’s GR Corolla has quickly become a hot hatch icon, and with the 2025 model arriving, many are wondering about the real differences compared to the initial 2023 and 2024 GR Corolla models. Is the new version a significant leap forward, or are the earlier models still incredibly compelling? We got behind the wheel of both a 2025 GR Corolla and a 2024 GR Corolla to deliver a back-to-back comparison that reveals some surprising truths.
Automotive journalist Michael S. Palmer standing between a 2025 GR Corolla and a 2023 GR Corolla
Automotive expert compares the 2024 GR Corolla and 2025 GR Corolla models side-by-side.
The GR Corolla burst onto the scene a couple of years ago, and for 2025, Toyota has introduced a mid-cycle refresh. This includes the much-anticipated automatic transmission option, a redesigned front bumper for improved cooling, and tweaks to the suspension system. Automakers often tout year-over-year improvements, particularly with performance divisions like Gazoo Racing. But are these changes truly noticeable to the average driver, or are they only appreciable by seasoned track enthusiasts? We aimed to find out if you need to be a suspension engineer to feel the evolution from the 2024 GR Corolla to the 2025 model.
Toyota provided us with a striking Supersonic Red 2025 GR Corolla Premium Plus, fresh off the production line. To get a real-world comparison, we connected with the 2023+ GR Corolla Group on Facebook. Kevin Quijano, known online as GR Corollas on Instagram & YouTube, generously offered his 2023 GR Corolla Core for our test. His Core model is mostly stock, except for Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and a Circuit Edition hood, providing an excellent baseline against the new 2025 version.
Kevin Quijano stands with his 2023 GR Corolla Core and the 2025 GR Corolla Premium Plus
Kevin Quijano, owner of a 2023 GR Corolla Core, alongside the 2025 GR Corolla Premium Plus used for comparison.
We devised a driving loop around Los Angeles International Airport, encompassing highways and on-ramps with varied road surfaces. This area, known for its grooved concrete and imperfections, is ideal for exposing any nuances in suspension performance and ride quality, allowing us to directly compare the 2024 GR Corolla‘s feel to the updated 2025 model. The results of our back-to-back drives were immediately apparent and quite surprising.
Key Updates to the 2025 GR Corolla Over the 2024 Model
Before diving into the driving impressions, let’s outline the specific changes implemented for the 2025 GR Corolla compared to the 2023 and 2024 GR Corolla models:
- New 8-speed Automatic Transmission (Optional): Introduces paddle shifters, launch control, and a transmission cooler for the first time in a GR Corolla.
- Increased Torque: Engine torque is bumped up to 295 lb-ft across all grades, a slight increase from the 2024 GR Corolla.
- Premium Plus Trim Level: Replaces the Circuit Edition, featuring a head-up display but omitting the larger rear spoiler and forged wheels found on the 2024 GR Corolla Circuit Edition.
- Supplemental Engine Radiator: Standard on Premium Plus and optional on Premium trims, enhancing cooling capacity.
- Rebound Springs in Shocks: Added to all four shocks to improve handling and control.
- Revised Front Grille: Features larger radiator openings and active heat extraction for better engine cooling.
- Fog Lights Removed: Fog lights are no longer included in the design.
- Revised Rear Coil Springs and Rear Axle Mount: Suspension components refined for improved ride and handling characteristics.
- Updated GR Four All-Wheel Drive System: Subtle retuning of the AWD system for optimized performance.
- Active Exhaust Tuning: Exhaust note slightly adjusted, now closes audibly in ECO mode.
- Toyota’s Updated Audio Multimedia System: Minor software update with persistent menu options during wireless CarPlay and Android Auto use.
While the 2025 GR Corolla brings notable enhancements, it’s more of an evolution than a revolution compared to the 2024 GR Corolla. These refinements aim to make an already exceptional hot hatch even more dialed-in.
Driving the 2025 GR Corolla: Are the Improvements Noticeable Compared to the 2024?
2025 GR Corolla vs 2023-2024
Earlier in the year, we had the opportunity to discuss the 2025 GR Corolla redesign with Toyota engineers, including a detailed look at the revised suspension and GR FOUR tuning. The primary goal, they explained, was to elevate the GR Corolla’s track performance and overall sharpness. This led to changes like denser rear coil springs, rebound springs inside all shocks, a modified rear axle mount bracket, and recalibrated torque-vectoring modes for the GR FOUR system.
The most immediate and significant difference between the 2025 GR Corolla and the 2024 GR Corolla lies in the suspension damping and springs.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core Edition
The 2024 GR Corolla (and the 2023 model we tested) is undeniably fun and agile, reminiscent of a high-powered go-kart. The suspension on Kevin’s 19,000-mile 2023 GR Corolla was surprisingly smooth and compliant, striking a balance between comfort and performance. It offers quick turn-in, ample grip, and more than enough power for its weight class. “Plush,” in a relative sense for a performance hot hatch, is a fitting descriptor for the pre-2025 suspension.
However, switching directly into the 2025 GR Corolla, the suspension differences became immediately and clearly apparent.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus in Supersonic Red
While a deeper dive into the Automatic vs. Manual debate is for another time, the 2025 GR Corolla‘s suspension tuning feels firmer. It transmits more road texture and vibrations into the cabin, felt through the seats and steering wheel. Importantly, this increased firmness doesn’t translate to harshness or a lack of refinement. Turn-in felt marginally sharper, possibly aided by the optional rear chassis brace introduced in the 2024 GR Corolla model year. While perhaps less forgiving on poorly maintained roads, the 2025 GR Corolla imparts a greater sense of connection and plantedness.
For those seeking the most focused and sharpest GR Corolla experience, the 2025 GR Corolla edges out the 2024 GR Corolla. It feels like a subtly more hardcore version, a “Morizo Jr.” if you will.
The increase in peak torque for the 2025 GR Corolla—up to 295 lb-ft from 273 lb-ft in the 2024 GR Corolla (excluding the Morizo edition)—was less immediately obvious in our subjective testing. Whether the automatic transmission in our test car contributed to a sensation of increased speed due to optimized gear selection is hard to isolate. Without precise back-to-back instrumented testing against a 2024 GR Corolla, discerning the impact of the torque bump alone is challenging from a seat-of-the-pants perspective.
GR FOUR All-Wheel Drive System: 2025 vs 2024
2025 GR Corolla parked next to a 2023 GR Corolla
Having driven various GR Corolla models, including the Core, Circuit, Morizo, and now the 2025 GR Corolla Premium Plus, my experience with the GR FOUR all-wheel-drive system has largely been on dry Southern California roads. While spirited, these conditions are well below the traction limits where the torque-vectoring AWD would be maximally challenged.
Consequently, pinpointing significant differences in the GR FOUR system’s behavior between the 2025 GR Corolla and the 2024 GR Corolla in typical driving is difficult. However, there are some nuances worth noting for potential buyers.
2025 Toyota GR Corolla with the rear hatch open
In the 2024 GR Corolla and earlier models, Track Mode (now renamed Gravel in the 2025 GR Corolla) with its 50-50 front-to-rear torque split was my preferred setting. It provided a confidence-inspiring sense of all-wheel traction and plantedness. The rear-biased 30-70 mode, in my dry-road experience, didn’t feel as optimally balanced for outright grip. (Its benefits in snow are well-documented elsewhere).
The 2025 GR Corolla introduces a revised Track Mode that dynamically adjusts torque distribution between 60-40 front-biased and 30-70 rear-biased depending on sensor inputs and driving conditions, aiming to send power where it’s most effective.
side shot of the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla
In everyday spirited driving, the 50-50 split “Gravel” mode remains highly effective. Discerning the nuances of the new dynamic Track Mode without track driving is challenging. However, some informal 0-60 mph testing with the automatic 2025 GR Corolla yielded interesting results.
Without launch control, the 2025 GR Corolla achieved 60 mph in 5.55 seconds in Gravel mode, but slightly slower at 5.71 seconds in the new Track mode. Engaging launch control improved both, with Gravel mode at 5.25 seconds and Track mode edging slightly ahead at 5.20 seconds. This suggests the updated Track mode might offer subtle advantages in specific performance scenarios.
Value Proposition: 2025 GR Corolla vs Used 2024 Models
2023 Toyota GR Corolla Core parked next to a 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus
Looking at the used market in Southern California, 2024 GR Corolla models and especially 2023 versions with low mileage (under 20,000, many under 10,000 miles) are appearing in the mid-$30,000 to low-$40,000 range. Pricing for 2025 GR Corolla models is yet to fully stabilize, and dealer markups may still be a factor. However, the overall car market has shifted since the GR Corolla’s initial launch. Unless you are specifically after a rare Morizo Edition, paying over MSRP for any GR Corolla is generally not advisable in the current climate.
For those considering a manual transmission GR Corolla, opting for a used 2024 GR Corolla or 2023 model could yield significant savings of $10,000-$15,000 while still delivering an exceptional driving experience. If the automatic transmission, sub-radiator, or head-up display of the 2025 GR Corolla are priorities, then the newer model becomes more compelling.
2025 vs 2023/2024 GR Corolla Specifications
2025 GR Corolla engine bay, 1.6L turbocharged 3 cylinder engine
Visual comparison of the 2024 GR Corolla (left) and 2025 GR Corolla (right) models.
Here’s a concise specification comparison highlighting the key similarities and differences between the model years:
2025 GR Corolla
- Grades: Core, Premium, Premium Plus
- Pricing: $40,000 – $50,000 (estimated)
- Engine: G16E-GTS 1.6L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 300 hp
- Torque: 295 lb-ft (all grades)
- Transmissions: 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed DAT (Direct Automatic Transmission)
- GR FOUR Modes: Normal (60-40 front), Gravel (50-50), Track (dynamic 60-40 to 30-70)
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (Morizo), Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (all others)
2023 & 2024 GR Corolla
- 2023 Grades: Core, Circuit, Morizo
- 2023 Pricing: $37,000 – $53,000
- 2024 Grades: Core, Premium, Circuit
- 2024 Pricing: $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 grades)
- Transmission: 6-Speed Manual only
- GR FOUR Modes: Front (60-40 front), Rear (30-70 rear), Track (50-50)
- Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Upgrade Decision: 2025 GR Corolla or Stick with a 2024 (or Earlier)?
2025 GR Corolla
If you currently own a 2024 GR Corolla or a 2023 model, is trading up to a 2025 GR Corolla worthwhile? Conversely, if you are a first-time buyer, should you target a 2024 GR Corolla or the latest 2025 version?
The 2025 GR Corolla presents a demonstrably different driving experience compared to the 2024 GR Corolla and earlier models, primarily due to suspension refinements. While all GR Corolla iterations are incredibly engaging and capable, the 2025 GR Corolla is a noticeably sharper tool.
The upgrade decision hinges on several factors:
- Budget: Used 2024 GR Corolla models offer a compelling value proposition.
- Road Quality: For rough roads, the slightly more forgiving 2024 GR Corolla suspension might be preferable.
- Intended Use: Track enthusiasts prioritizing ultimate sharpness will appreciate the 2025 GR Corolla‘s enhancements.
- Comfort Preference: Drivers sensitive to a firmer ride might find the 2024 GR Corolla more comfortable for daily driving.
For buyers prioritizing value and daily driving comfort, or those on a tighter budget, a 2024 GR Corolla remains an outstanding choice. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of GR Corolla performance and track capability, or who desire the new automatic transmission option, the 2025 GR Corolla is the definitive pick.
Images: Michael S. Palmer
Tags: Gr Corolla 2024, 2025 GR Corolla, GR Corolla, Toyota GR Corolla, GR Corolla Review, GR Corolla Comparison, Hot Hatch, Performance Car, Gazoo Racing, Car Review, Automotive Comparison
