2025 Auto Toyota GR Corolla Review

Once the exclusive playground of manual purists, the Toyota GR Corolla now welcomes a new player into the mix: an 8-speed automatic. For the first time since launch, Toyota’s rally-bred hot hatch is giving buyers a choice: keep the traditional three-pedal setup or opt for something a little more user friendly in the daily grind.

But don’t think this is just a gearbox swap. The automatic variant brings with it extra torque, revised cooling hardware, and upgraded tech inside the cabin. All this comes at a price, with the auto pushing well past $70K before on-roads, putting it in direct line with some seriously competent competition.

So the question is simple: does adding convenience dilute the experience, or does it make the GR Corolla a more complete package for Aussie drivers looking to blend thrill and usability? Let’s dive in.

Pricing & Value: A Hot Hatch with a Hefty Tag

The GR Corolla is far from your average hatchback, and the price reflects that. While the standard Corolla range offers affordable entry points, the GR variant starts at $67,990 for the manual and climbs higher with the newly introduced automatic. Tick the auto box and you’re looking at over $70,000 before on-road costs.

That figure puts it in the same financial territory as established Euro hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf R and performance sedans like the Subaru WRX tS. Sure, the GR Corolla justifies some of its ask with high-performance components, rally-bred engineering, and Toyota’s motorsport pedigree, but it’s still a lot of money for a small hatch.

If value is top priority, there are better-equipped or more spacious options out there for similar money. But if you’re after exclusivity, proper AWD grip, and a car that’s been bred for fun first and foremost, the GR might just make a compelling case, provided you’re happy to stretch the budget.

What’s New for 2025: The Key Updates

The big headline for 2025 is the introduction of an 8-speed automatic transmission, finally giving buyers an alternative to the manual-only setup that launched the GR Corolla. But that’s not all Toyota has tweaked for this updated version.

Under the skin, there’s extra torque on tap for improved responsiveness, and the front bumper has been redesigned to enhance airflow to critical components like the radiator, intercooler, and brake ducts. Automatic models also benefit from an upgraded transmission fluid cooler and a larger cooling fan to handle the added workload.

Inside, there are a few meaningful upgrades designed to boost livability:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, allowing seamless smartphone integration without messy cables.
• New safety tech includes all-speed adaptive cruise control and parking support brake with object and vehicle detection, features exclusive to the automatic variant.

It’s a targeted refresh that makes the GR Corolla more usable, more refined, and a bit more approachable without sacrificing its raw, rally-inspired character.

Exterior Design: Still Aggressive, Now Smarter

From the outside, the GR Corolla remains a compact weapon with a wide-body stance and flared arches that scream performance. For 2025, the updates aren’t just cosmetic, they serve a functional purpose.

The reshaped front bumper improves airflow to the intercooler, radiator, and brakes, while the auto version gains additional cooling hardware tucked neatly behind those aggressive intakes. Even subtle touches, like the stick-on extensions at the rear doors, are there to accommodate the wider track and chunky wheel arches.

• New front-end aero tweaks enhance engine and transmission cooling without sacrificing the car’s muscular look.
• Rear end remains flared and planted, with functional vents and sculpted surfaces designed for both looks and stability.

It still looks every bit the rally-bred hot hatch it set out to be, but now with sharper intent baked into the bodywork. Whether parked or pushed hard, it doesn’t hide its purpose.

Boot & Practicality: Big on Speed, Not Space

While the GR Corolla nails its performance brief, practicality isn’t its strongest suit. Pop the hatch and you’re met with a compact boot that feels more suited to weekend duffle bags than family road trips. The space is tight, and the high load lip doesn’t help.

There’s also no spare wheel, instead, you get a tyre repair kit and the 12V battery tucked under the floor to aid weight distribution. It’s a neat performance-focused setup, but less ideal for long-distance peace of mind.

• Boot space remains limited, just like the standard Corolla hatch, and definitely not class-leading.
• Rear seat practicality is modest, with tight knee room and no rear air vents, fine for short trips, but not ideal for taller passengers or families.

If you’re single or a couple who pack light and prioritise driving thrills over cargo room, it’s probably enough. But if space matters, several rivals, like the Golf R or even the Civic Type R, offer more flexibility.

Cabin Experience: Familiar Vibes, Minor Gripes

Step inside the GR Corolla and it’s instantly recognisable to anyone who’s spent time in a recent Toyota hatch. The layout is familiar, the materials are solid, and there’s a clear focus on driver engagement, but there are still a few oddities.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers customisable displays, and the steering wheel is fitted with logical, tactile controls. The 8-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus sat nav and basic media features. It’s functional, but the interface feels a touch dated and lacks the slick polish of some rivals.

• The seats are a highlight, with deep bolstering and solid comfort, though they’re manually adjustable and might not go low enough for taller drivers.
• Storage is limited, with open cup holders, no covered centre console, and awkwardly placed seat heater buttons near the wireless phone charger.

There’s a proper manual handbrake and GR-specific drive mode selectors within easy reach, which will please enthusiast drivers. But the lack of an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and the flick-style sun visors feel like missed opportunities in an otherwise purpose-built interior.

Back Seat Reality: Space-Squeezed for Passengers

While the front of the GR Corolla is geared toward the driver, rear passengers get a less impressive experience. Space is tight, especially if the front seats are set for taller occupants, and the dark headliner doesn’t help the sense of roominess.

Knee and foot space are both limited, and although headroom is acceptable, it’s not exactly generous. Comfort is passable for short trips, but longer drives will leave adult passengers wishing for more legroom.

• Missing amenities include rear air vents, a major omission for anyone riding in the back seat.
• You do get rear charging ports, map pockets, and a fold-down armrest, but it’s far from family-friendly.

There are ISOFIX mounts on the outer seats and three top-tether points, but fitting child seats, especially rear-facing ones, will require compromises. Simply put, this is a hot hatch built for the driver, not the whole crew.

Under the Hood: Turbo Triple & AWD Goodness

At the heart of the GR Corolla is a compact but mighty 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, punching out a serious 221 kW and up to 400 Nm of torque in automatic guise. That’s an astonishing figure for an engine this size, and a big reason why this hot hatch punches well above its weight.

Power is sent to all four wheels via Toyota’s clever GR-Four all-wheel drive system, which lets you dial in your preferred torque split depending on your driving scenario, whether it’s daily commuting or track-day fun.

• Choose between a 6-speed manual or the new 8-speed automatic, with the latter bringing smoother low-speed manners and quicker shifts than you might expect from a traditional torque converter.
• Front and rear limited-slip differentials come standard, helping you put the power down confidently and precisely, no matter the surface.

It’s a drivetrain setup that’s rare in this segment. One that blends rally-inspired engineering with real-world usability. Whether you’re carving up backroads or just trying to find grip in a wet carpark, the GR Corolla has your back.

On the Road: What It’s Like to Drive

The GR Corolla was already a riot with its manual gearbox, but the new automatic makes everyday performance more accessible without diluting the fun. Around town, the 8-speed auto shifts smoothly and intuitively, with none of the hesitation you sometimes get from dual-clutch setups. It’s composed, responsive, and happy to cruise, until you ask for more.

Dip into the throttle and the turbo triple wakes up with urgency. The transmission reacts quickly, downshifting with intent and upshifting cleanly when you need to surge ahead. In manual mode, paddle shifters offer satisfying control, especially on twisty backroads.

• The AWD system brings confidence, putting down power with serious grip in all conditions. You can choose Normal, Gravel, or Track modes depending on your mood, or terrain.
• Steering is sharp and direct, but the fixed suspension setup means there’s a bit of body roll in tight corners compared to some firmer rivals.

There’s no adaptive dampers here, but the chassis still feels alive and well-tuned. The GR Corolla auto might not deliver the razor-edge feedback of something like a Golf R, but it brings a more analog, mechanical feel. One that rewards committed driving while still playing nice in the daily grind.

Fuel Use & Efficiency: Real-World vs Claimed

With its high-strung turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive grip, the GR Corolla was never going to be a fuel miser, and the addition of an automatic gearbox doesn’t help the numbers.

Officially, Toyota claims the manual version sips less fuel than the auto on the combined cycle, but in spirited real-world driving, both will lean heavily into the tank. On test, the auto version returned over 13L/100km when pushed hard, well above the official figures.

• Fuel tank capacity is 50 litres, and yes, it requires premium 98RON unleaded.
• Expect higher consumption if you’re regularly exploring the performance envelope, especially on track or in heavy traffic.

Drive it gently and you can get closer to the official numbers, but this isn’t a hot hatch for those watching every dollar at the pump. You’re paying for performance, and the fuel bill is part of that experience.

Safety Features: The GR Goes High-Tech

The GR Corolla might be built for thrills, but Toyota hasn’t skimped on safety, especially in the automatic version, which gains a few extra features over the manual.

Every GR Corolla comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There’s also a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition.

• The auto variant adds all-speed adaptive cruise control, making it better suited to commuting and highway drives.
• It also includes parking support brake, which can actively stop the car from hitting obstacles or vehicles at low speed.

Seven airbags are included, covering both rows of seats, though there’s no front-centre airbag like in some newer rivals. There’s also no driver monitoring system or intrusive warning chimes. A small blessing for those who prefer a less nagging cabin.

While the GR model doesn’t carry a separate ANCAP rating, it shares much of its structure and safety fundamentals with the mainstream Corolla hatch, which is already a high scorer.

Servicing & Warranty: Ownership Costs

Toyota backs the GR Corolla with a 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty in Australia, with an extra 2 years of powertrain coverage if you stick to scheduled servicing. It’s a solid offering, though not quite the most generous in the hot hatch space.

Servicing is required every 6 months or 10,000 km, which is more frequent than most competitors. Costs are capped at around $300 per visit, for both manual and automatic variants, which helps ease the sting of short intervals.

• Roadside assistance isn’t included by default, you’ll need to pay around $100 extra if you want that peace of mind.
• Track use is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so make sure to check the fine print before pushing the GR too hard on weekends.

While the GR Corolla isn’t the cheapest to own in the long run, Toyota’s dealer network, capped-price servicing, and brand reputation should provide reassurance for performance-focused buyers who still want reliability.

Verdict: Is the Auto GR Corolla the One to Get?

The introduction of the 8-speed automatic transforms the GR Corolla from a track-focused driver’s toy into something more usable for everyday life, without robbing it of its rally-bred DNA. It’s still fast, still ferocious in the corners, and still one of the most exciting hot hatches on sale.

Yes, it’s expensive. And no, it’s not the most practical or fuel-efficient option in its class. But what it offers is a unique balance: proper mechanical grip, punchy turbo performance, and now, a gearbox that widens its appeal.

• If you’re after daily usability without sacrificing fun, the auto makes a compelling case.
• Manual loyalists may still prefer the purist experience, but the GR Corolla Auto proves you can have thrills without the clutch pedal.

It’s not the fastest, it’s not the cheapest, but it might just be the most characterful hot hatch in Australia right now.

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