Buy One Quick, Or MISS OUT! (Toyota GR Corolla 2023 review)

We review the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla on track, skid pad and briefly road to see whether this five-door 4WD sports car is the new king hot hatch.
The Toyota GR Corolla builds on the GR Yaris foundations with a longer wheelbase, more doors and more power, and the recipe makes it a little better to drive thanks to greater stability and feel from the chassis, in our view.
In Australia, 700 examples of a $62,300 GTS model will likely be snapped up quickly while the 25-unit special edition $77,800 Morizo may even end up being collector’s items.
The GR Corolla competes with the Volkswagen Golf R, Hyundai i30 N, Honda Civic Type R and other hot hatches.
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
1:14 - Track driving
6:39 - Road driving
7:37 - Front seat
10:14 - Back seat
10:47 - Running costs
12:27 - Boot space
13:50 - Verdict
As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct - so this is an independent, honest review of the Toyota GR Corolla.
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[@w00t777]

geez , never thought I'd see a 60k corolla 😂

[@EnShinNoi]

Hot hatch megatest? Yes please!

[@MatchFixah]

Great review Tom. Damn that backend is soooo good lookin!

[@hondacar]

Yep, a mega hot hatch test would be great. Honda used to be THE Japanese car company that catered for the enthusiast, now it only has the Type R. Good on Toyota for producing such cars.

[@Crownleyian]

Indeed please do compare it to the other hot hatches but add a special guest GR Yaris Rallye please! 😉

[@liborva7468]

Taking into account the price, the i30N will still be a strong opponent

[@jasoncee666]

Different vehicles altogether once you compare awd and fwd

[@recursion.]

20g aint worth it

[@Showmetheevidence-]

@@jasoncee666that’s about the only difference worth noting. I’d take the i30 myself.

[@markchesterfield6118]

Thanks Tom. Go the mega test!!!

[@jdmbren13]

Yoo how did u send it into that drift in the intro? U pull the hand brake? I really hope it can still do that on dry concrete I saw they couldn’t in a Canadian review

[@Sarncho]

Hoping for one in grey…A050 tyres and you’ve got a serious track weapon.

[@AKA001]

Excellent review! Looks like a great car too. Too bad very few can buy it.

[@Mexxx65]

As Toyota always intended.

[@wltdo6930]

You are very lucky in Australia to get both the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, enjoy!

[@TheCaesarChris]

When is the civic type r going to be reviewed, keen to hear your thoughts and please add it to the mega test!

[@JBOsurf]

When are you driving the Type R?

[@planbparadise2046]

How does it hold up against the GR Yaris?

[@deganellis]

Great review, Tom. Looks awesome. It was on the short list, but got a n sedan as there's a bit more space and auto available. One thing, Morizo. It's pronounced mo-ri-zo not moritzo. Pedantic, I know, but just letting you know...

[@siquanwu3131]

I am sure all have been sold😂 when the video is available. Or $15k mark up is already on if you decide to call your local Toyota dealer in the morning.😂

[@MrMdub87]

Yes please, bring on a hot hatch mega test! This is a market i'm very keenly watching. Agreed, the price is probably about right (CTR and 8R are too $$ imo), the fact it can only be had with a manual is sensational and really the only miss for me is the tiny boot and low supply numbers. As the current owner of an E82 135i (manual), i don't want to give up the thrills but do conceded i need some more practical, with a far better half, a 2yr old and german shepherd to travel with on a regular basis. GR Corolla wagon, where do i sign?? 😉

[@tinhinnh]

they should do a gts here in the states too for around $30k usd?

[@marcpacey]

Finally a Corolla that’s dramatic ( for all the good reasons ) but the cost and low service intervals MAY be an issue for some - will sell like hotcakes ( even with the markups that will surely happen). Great review as usual, looking forward to seeing it on your own test track.

[@christopherbassit2757]

Got mine 🎉 fully loaded

[@Showmetheevidence-]

Gotta be honest, the i30n still does it for me. (Assess warranty case by case 😂… yeah right). The Hyundai is better in quite a few area that are nb to me.

[@NANGSGARAGE]

I’m saving up right now 🤑

[@norm2655]

What happened to the carbon roof🤔🙁

[@gbw28]

Megatest? Yes please!

[@kieranmccann7823]

Would you race out and buy that or a gr 86 Tom 🧐

[@rallymosm3331]

That's thanks

[@benrussell917]

213l boot.....not the most practical, but how much tofu can you really deliver in one hit anyway?

[@laureus31]

enkei wheels as standard, the bbs one will be an expensive option I guess

[@antoniolin1055]

Get the Type-R into the mega test too!

[@Rooster1717]

Modern day STI??

[@mirceamunteanu4791]

too few, world wide. Dream car for me, but I want the Circuit Edition, for here in Canada. Too difficult to get one. Looking at a Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrofoglio twice the $$ but it available to buy and test-drive, twice the power too about 500 BHP

[@boskojovanovic2770]

I’m still waiting for my GR Yaris

[@DukeBen316663]

Please include the Civic Type R in your hot hatch mega test.

[@akwurd]

Hoping I can get my hands on the Circuit Edition. Not holding my breath, but reaching out to dealers next week.

[@cebtropico]

No circuit edition coming here sorry only GTS & MORIZO

[@akwurd]

@@cebtropico the CE is being released in the spring... To the US

[@dougmaverick3287]

How did you find the ride quality of the gr Corolla compared to other hot hatches like the I30N, the VW Golf R, Focus RS, and the Honda Civic type-r?

[@liudxdx]

I have both the type r FK8 and the corolla, the corolla is similar to the sport mode on the FK8, +R mode feels a little bit more stiffer than the GR corolla. if you have to pick one go with the type r i would say because you can adjust the steering, suspension, the sitting position is lower and it got more space. nevertheless both drives like a dream.

[@dougmaverick3287]

@@liudxdx I'm in Canada we get a lot of snow here so I need to get all-wheel drive for good traction, so it's the gr Corolla for me.

[@Philbyyyy]

Needed some city driving in there too since it will be most peoples daily car and not everyone lives near the twisties

[@Blaze2992]

If it's already not a practical car, I see no reason not to grab the lighter Yaris instead. Thoughts?

[@planbparadise2046]

Yeah, agree. I would only use the rear seat for my speargun anyways. You get Carbon roof standard in the Yaris, it is lighter, and has sexy frameless doors.

[@3bertface01]

I want one

[@Chif_GT]

If Australia is getting so much hatchbacks, surely here in South Africa we'll get some too. Nevermind the boot space, this is the best second car an enthusiast can buy.

[@spiro5327]

To think you could buy a GR Yaris for $40k drive away (yes I know it was a promotion)is this really worth $30k + more ? Also Toyota dealers are choosing buyers who won't try and make a profit yet these very same dealers are doing exactly that with whatever showroom stock they can get. My local dealer trying to sell a base model corolla for the price of a top of the range What a disgrace 😤

[@Mexxx65]

Underrated comment here.

[@tepidtuna7450]

Agreed. Saw a second hand Corolla for $45k the other day, I laughed and left.

[@shanecompston5790]

Keen to see a megatest. I have the Leon VZX and keen to see how it stacks up directly against its main rivals.

[@cebtropico]

Not even close 0-100 GR Smokes it, I was looking at a LEON as well.

[@mesuttasdemir4618]

This is evo XI in Toyota shell :)

[@seanocallaghan7844]

Must've been filmed in Melbourne? Four seasons in one d̶a̶y̶ minute!

[@MrWisda04]

Need mega test

[@BennyStLeger]

Makes the M140i I just picked up look like a bargain.

[@Xenogenesis_]

M140i 😂

[@OfficialMINIm]

So the normal variant costs about 70k and the morizo over 80k? I understand car prices have gone up but this is just getting fucking ridiculous. Worst part is this is meant to be somewhat affordable for a performance car.. Thank fuck you can still buy Hyundai i30N and/or i20N under 60k & 50k respectively. Car prices are just out of control

[@Mexxx65]

Underrated comment.

[@w00t777]

that money for a corolla 😂😅

[@steamroller231]

Im sure they are probs already sold out 🤣

[@mmccbb7mcb278]

Love the Corolla. And too think this is what the WRX could of being. Subaru missed the boat here. Instead of a knockout blow Subie produced an also ran.

[@DjDLLM]

I’ve given up trying to get one due to limited availability and market adjustments from stealerships. Subaru or VW is getting my business.

[@goran2009]

Digital cluster looks nice, but for 60k, I was expecting nicer interior. Personally if I was in the market to buy hot hatch, Megane RS would be my top choice.

[@zaamuro8408]

Megane RS are like $70k+ driveaway...

[@michaelk1051]

@@zaamuro8408 Given the pov spec Corolla interior that seems reasonable..

[@cebtropico]

FWD 😂can’t even compare to this lol 😆

[@Philbyyyy]

The vertical screen looks strange and interior isn't very ergonomic

[@cebtropico]

@@Philbyyyy actually REAL owners comment on the seating and interior being good and practical for the size of car. The Digital screen my Best part I like about the car 🚗

[@gcm747]

Won’t be difficult to get one at all. Just need to be prepared to pay the scalpers who’ll probably start asking around $80k for their brand new, just delivered car which they now ‘must sell due to a change in circumstances’.

[@chasingcars]

Sadly true.

[@zaamuro8408]

Why no armrest for the GR? Edit: apparently aftermarket solutions already exist.

[@Mexxx65]

Cheap and nasty...oh wait this is the GR model

[@zaamuro8408]

@@Mexxx65 Apparently an order from Akio himself to not get in the way of the gearchange. Cheaper models have it...

[@rjbiker66]

Manual handbrake

[@angelapotter8332]

I have a manual Corolla, same generation/shape, the armrest gets in the way. Better without.

[@cebtropico]

Yes there is A/MARKET ones available

[@midlifeparty]

Wait... Ferrari dealerships sell corollas? Didn't know that.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

9:40. Just supply more cars… I mean now they want to “screen buyers”. If there’s demand, why not fill it better…

[@djizzah]

Pinnacle of reliability and. Performance in the hot hatch category, would have to be the best

[@rjbiker66]

Looks like the manual handbrake means a povo spec centre console is used meaning no armrest

[@venividivici1982]

Nice car, I'm sure they are going to sell more than 10 units 😂

[@ekhoury1000]

GR Yaris is 200kg lighter, a massive difference. Making it the superior sportscar

[@recursion.]

also looks better imo

[@cebtropico]

Sour apple, would rather a 5 Door to take people in easy. No thanks. Also engine is built stronger that Yaris not the same parts.

[@WildDanHibiki]

Would buy this over a Golf R. Fun and reliable.

[@Alby911]

Golf R's have been very reliable for a fair while now, and you can still have fun in them

[@WildDanHibiki]

Golf Rs (all EA888 cars honestly) are unreliable when n the warranty runs out. That's when you'll start to feel it. Gearbox issues, water pump failure, PCV valve, rear main seal to name a few issues on issues.

[@Alby911]

@@WildDanHibiki - That is completely false LMAO

[@WildDanHibiki]

@@Alby911 if you actually own one with the ea888 2.0t engine you'll find out soon enough.

[@cebtropico]

@@Alby911 my friend blew a Golf R Motor up😅

[@Stevegrande1]

I’ll wait for an auto

[@rickdias1981]

Just need to wait for someone to resell it for over $100k

[@elbri7971]

Makes the original Australian offer on the GR Yaris $40k driveaway look like a crazy bargain

[@rallymosm3331]

So like & Beautiful

[@jdmbren13]

And the fact that this weighs as much as a cheap Korean fwd n actually means this car is very light lol

[@washout04]

Civic type R is still the king. Love that this exists though.

[@TmPGEO923423421]

Wonder how this would fare on the track against a Model 3

[@nchia]

Hot hatch.

[@nikchris69]

Imagin buying a corolla at 60k lol

[@Hansanaw]

Imagine not having the brain capacity to understand the importance of this car lol

[@GTIclubdport9462]

Still the MK 8 GOLF R is the king its faster in straight line and roll race.. so the faster car is the king in this segment of car..corolla gr is fun car but GOLF R is more fun way faster top end..

[@nsfx]

Rather get a model 3.

[@petergazarek9466]

😎👍🏻

[@shaneanderson1036]

Time bomb ! 300 hp from a 3 cyl ??? Lol 100 hr life span till it goes bang

[@cebtropico]

Nope, over 100,000km already and 450rear HP Reliably already over 1.5 years.

[@tepidtuna7450]

Ducati were killing everything with twins, and Triumph makes brilliant triples. As long as it is more than one cylinder you can make anything haul. Now add a turbo... Good call Toyota.

[@cebtropico]

@@tepidtuna7450 I had a 3Cyl 400 HP SEADOO RXP Reliable & used to beat every 4cylinder ski Even when stock. Much less issues that the Japanese Counterparts as they were Hand Assembled in Europe back then.

[@justinthestringer]

better buy the Cupra leon VZx.

[@bobanppvc]

Bloody expensive for what it is...This car should be affordable not 60k..

[@cebtropico]

It well sell out in 5’min don’t worry 😅

[@unknown1859]

That price is ridiculous 🙄

[@darrenprior6339]

It’s cheap mate. Small volume car so Toyota can’t rely on sales of millions to bring a cost down. That motor is hand-built in the same Factory as the Lexus LFA and the gearbox is bespoke. Oh…and what other AWD hot hatch can you buy with a manual box right now?

[@paulklp8262]

​@@darrenprior6339 Golf R, WRX, GR Yaris

[@darrenprior6339]

@@paulklp8262 Golf no longer comes in manual mate. WRX is a turd so no one cares. Yaris. Good luck buying one

[@paulklp8262]

@@darrenprior6339 Carsales literally has the Yaris for sale at 50k

[@TmPGEO923423421]

Model 3

[@gs98999]

And I thought these were expensive in Canada and USA... you Aussies pay a lot more it looks like.

[@tepidtuna7450]

Oz tax. We are apparently at the end of a Golden Brick Road (or is that Yellow?). I used to work for MB and corporate were stunned at how much we will pay for things. We don't look for value here.

[@googleuser6440]

Too many doors on it, they should of made it 3 door

[@chasingcars]

That’s why they have the GR Yaris

[@onth3hous3]

Not gonna buy a $72,000 Corolla. That’s for your passion Toyota but I’m not a rich boi like the majority of your target….

[@Xenogenesis_]

Looks cheap from outside and in. Front is good but overall not impressed esp considering the value for money of an i30N or power of a golf r

[@53glowe]

What sort of car do you drive....a $70,000 hot hatch. Wow...what is it??? A Corolla. Everyone in the room chuckles. Who in their life wants that humiliation 🤔

[@norm2655]

Why does it matter what people think?

[@53glowe]

@@norm2655 90% of the population think like that. The majority of people who buy expensive cars like Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Porsche are to impress other people. When you say who cares, a damn lot of people do 🤔

[@terrystarr3012]

$68k for a corolla

[@TheCaesarChris]

Be careful with comments like these, it’s clear indication that you don’t know anything. (just because someone shares the same name as you doesn’t mean they are you 😂)

[@nebtriv]

Seriously.... meh!

[@Senninha1960]

This review lacks effort and detail, just like he's reading us a broucher!

[@tepidtuna7450]

So you would be the competition then. Taking too many views from you??

[@Senninha1960]

@@tepidtuna7450 Competition? No chance, I'm not reviewing cars or claiming to.

[@Mexxx65]

...us guys....all know the first gen of a car, is not the one to buy....unless its for sale for rock bottom dollar on carsales etc. People who get in early and buy a new sports car model. All do so to turn a profit, flip them. Unfortunately thats the way of the car world these days, and its the car manufacturers doing it. Oh my actual comment about this new Corolla GR. Looks so low rent inside the cabin, its a bread and butter Corolla afterall. 62k+ for a Corolla? Though the GR 86 has a gorgeously designed interior? Hyundai N's give you a great interior, and at a cheaper price....

[@Senninha1960]

This has a bespoke gearbox and engine hand built in the same factory as Lexus LFA mate, it's not like the others in this sector at all.

[@Mexxx65]

@@Senninha1960 So what. LFA is ancient history and so its manufacturing process. certainly different engineers are being used on the Corolla GR than who were used on the LFA. And its packaged as a Corolla derivative. It will never get away from that. Not convinced of the "bespoke" claim either. It has a parts bin Rav4 rear diff slapped on. The Yaris GR has a bit more bespoke credibility, as its a homologated version of the Yaris. This new Corolla GR is just a beefed up Corolla, with bits from other Toyota models ie Yaris and Rav4's.

[@Senninha1960]

@@Mexxx65 The point is u claim to not buy the first gen of any car, which is not relevant with the GR Corolla. I mentioned the LFA factory as the engineers and hands on process is far better and differs from other mass production vehicles. The engine is tried, tested and proven as is the Rav 4 diff, which I'm not sure if that is even factual that it's from a Rav 4.. I did hear a reviewer claim that though. So your point is invalid due to these factors, understand now?

[@bobanppvc]

Manufacturers need to sell cars directly to people and push lazy greedy dealers out of bussines

[@udeshhhhhh]

What a joke they make an awesome car that a normal person can't go out and buy even if they have the money 😂 so is Toyota even really back? Shame

[@tinhinnh]

its not a normal car 😊

[@Senninha1960]

Why? I'm on order and payed deposit, others can have one too.. they just have to wait. First allocation is 750 units.

[@tinhinnh]

@@Senninha1960 just sayin its not a regular corolla so they cant or dont want to make a ton of them

[@Senninha1960]

@@tinhinnh oh, I commented to the original comment mate, not yours. I agree with you 100% 😁👍🏼

[@bondmcnugget]

like make more money??? or afford what you can?

[@miatand1156]

Why would you pay that price for an ugly corolla? I'd be looking at a Nissan Z or Supra for that kind of dosh.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Please tell me where in the 8 trillion m² of Speed Camera Obsessed Nanny Dobber SUV Breeder Right Hand Lane Hogging Muppet Stralia can I POSSIBLY use even half of this cars potential? One gear one a freeway on ramp? WOW! There's seventy thousand bucks well spent. Completely pointless car in Australia. Strip the entire guts out of it and it might get light enough to make a half decent track day toy. Just buy a Caterham (But make sure you convert it to EV so buying nappies for landfill is more eco friendly🙄)

[@Senninha1960]

Where... country roads, track days, motorkanas, sprints etc. Not everyone lives in the CBD, I have country roads all around me just 10-15 mins out of town, I fog my cars daily in suburbia also. Pretty dumb comment bro.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@Senninha1960 I also live in buttfuk nowhere Sralia but still have the same pissy 110kph limit as you. This thing is to heavy for track days, motorkhanas and sprints. Pretty dumb car bro. Best you stick to scale RC models to keep that sense of horology going bro 🙄

[@Senninha1960]

@@CathodeRayNipplez speed limits are optional champ, if u had balls u might explore your cars limits more? My GTR and M140i get floggings every week, u can enjoy your cars, sounds like your just insecure about something and carrying on like a muppet for no reason. Seek help champ, don't be a miserable drop kick 😉😘

[@bondmcnugget]

@@CathodeRayNipplez Dubest bullshit I've ever heard, anyone who've had any experience owning an ''interesting car'' would know where to drive these and enjoy.. and IT'S NOT THE FREEWAY! only people with absolutely no clue and jack shit skill would speed on a freeway and winge about getting a fine.I mean drive an awd car on a freeway?? jeez mate 👎 I don't know which state you are in but in Victoria there a planty of beautiful roads where you can enjoy with any good car. Maybe rather than whining about it go out, meet other like minded enthusiasts and drive bud.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@bondmcnugget Victoria. Bwahahahah.. You knob.