2024 Toyota GR Corolla Premium / Almost Full Potential!

While it debuted as an affordable-ish high performance hatchback, limited numbers, high mark-ups and some cheapness hurt the image of the GR Corolla. One year later, much has changed. Let's talk about that and how the 2024 GR Corolla stacks up against the VW Golf R, Hyundai Elantra N, Honda Civic Type R and Subaru WRX!
Thank you, Royal South Toyota, for letting me test drive a GR Corolla to help make this video.
Royalsouthtoyota.com
10K mile personal take review
• Toyota GR Corolla / 10...
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[@AndyDufresne4]

There’s HUNDREDS of these for sale around the US. Don’t pay over msrp

[@diegoneira97]

I've seen some core models advertised under MSRP too

[@diallo1347]

Most of the ones I find don't have the performance package.

[@user-vg3nq6hn8l]

There’s already gr Yaris in nz listed for less than half msrp

[@trigganometry168]

Spot on review I actually appreciate that it is a chitbox not sure what people expect from a Corolla. I can't wait for my 24 Circuit should be here in two weeks!

[@yasirkhan4320]

I would love a podcast! You got that charismatic tone that really could make a podcast engaging.

[@donh.5365]

Great review and have been enjoying your content! I’m a senior citizen and can’t for My preordered GR premium coming next month which I purchasing at MRSP too. All the best to you!

[@jtkent28]

Great review! This channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites.. 🙂

[@yes-zm3qx]

As a WRC toyota fan its nice to see the GR Yaris come to the US under the Corolla name

[@FriedPlacentaBurger]

I ended up getting a base GTI S because 40k+ was just out of budget, but I still really like this car. I see the standard xse Blue Flame hatches and get excited still.

[@not12listen]

I've had my 2024 GR Corolla Premium for several months now. I absolutely love the steering response and overall feedback from the chassis. I am also a 19 year long owner of a 1986 Toyota Mr2 with heavy suspension modifications, so this is right up my alley. I also used to own a 1988 Toyota Celica AllTrac (ST165), and currently have a 2006 WRX Wagon as well. I have been waiting for Toyota to make a car that is absolutely focused on driving enthusiasts, that pushes aside thoughts like 'the ride is a bit too harsh/jarring' and similar, but instead opting for a setup that is more communicative to the driver. If you want a soft ride the base Corolla will do just fine and cost a lot less. The shifting in the GR Corolla needs some refinement. I love the 'clunk' felt when selecting the next gear, but I am not a fan of it being difficult to get into gear (3rd into 4th). I need to get some braided steel brake lines as the soft brake pedal is far too soft for my liking. The clutch is pretty vague as well, and will be opting for a clutch with more clamping force in the near future, and I do strongly prefer a clutch that is more communicative in regards to engagement (a braided steel clutch line will be part of this upgrade as well). The sound system. Mediocre is a great way to describe it. Will you hear your music? Yes. Will it sound full and detailed? Nope. But, that is not the focus of this car. At least you have speakers & wiring in all the spots you want, and you can swap out the speakers to ones that you prefer. To me, the mindless canyon driver, this is nearly perfect. If the weight could be shaved a bit off the front (sharper turn in), and a cooler for the rear differential were there, it would be perfect. Would I go with another vehicle? No. I know Toyota's reliability, and am familiar with how their AWD setup feels, and this is exactly what I was looking for for the past 15 years.

[@s4awd2]

Yo! I had both an '88 and a '90 (ST185) All-Trac! Down the road got an Evo 8 and I feel like my GR Circuit is a mix of both the Celica GT-Four and the Evo 8 in terms of feel

[@allengreenberg786]

You got ripped off rather have a corvette than a overpriced corolla

[@not12listen]

@@allengreenberg786 Let me get this straight................... YOU would prefer a Corvette, so therefor I got ripped off by buying a car that I genuinely wanted? Your logic is truly made of the most impressive, inflexible and indestructible stuff in the universe............. This might come as a surprise to you, but not everyone wants a Corvette. Also, and most critically, congratulations - you have an opinion.

[@not12listen]

@@s4awd2 I can totally see that. The AllTrac is/was a lead tipped arrow (ie. very nose heavy) and was absolutely solid in terms of traction. The Evo was really nimble in terms of steering feel and raw power. The GR Corolla is a very nice blend of both of those. :)

[@SupraSav]

Oh man, thanks for the chuckle. First time ever hear someone say "heavy" suspension modifications.

[@christopherbassit2757]

I’ve had mine over over a year! Love it so much

[@zombiedearth]

I got fat thighs, I'm 6ft 4 and IDC. I want this car and it will be mine within the next 2 years

[@anotheran]

Good to hear royal Toyota not charging above msrp

[@jfishcake]

The release of the Premium got me off of the sidelines. I could justify the price of entry at MSRP for the first time due to the sum of the trim's parts and the ease of supply / demand getting dealers to come back to reality. Paid sticker and I am very happy with my purchase.

[@rdhqcpro9751]

I'd love to hear it in person, but from the video the exhaust/engine note has a very unique and enticing note to it.

[@MacktasticSlick_]

I really want a Circuit edition, I love the extra vents and cf roof, hopefully sometime this year I can get one

[@Young_Bourdain]

I just picked up a 2024 ICW Premium and I love the car so far. Almost at my 621 mile break in and first oil change. Plans for an Eventuri Intake, AWE Touring exhaust, and CSF intercooler.

[@breaks_n_stuff4049]

Ur upgrades are overpriced and not needed. There are much better performance upgrades

[@TheHigherpurpose]

Anti stall, helps prevent us from embarrassing ourselves! 😂

[@michaelhull7082]

Just learn how to drive lol

[@TimLakeNona]

I got the same one! It's great.

[@wackit6756]

Man, I love these small performance cars! Question: based on the video is the shifter too tall? It looks like it could be lowered a few inches, or is that just a bad angle from the video? ✌️

[@Realistick]

It’s tall, but the throw length is pretty reasonable!

[@byronwav]

I want one of these so badly there's no way I could save enough to buy one outright

[@1laimmiss]

Hey man can you do a manual supra mk5 review. Honest opinion for long drives and how you like it.

[@amill1563]

Would love to have it for my paper route.

[@CJV4588]

I’ve never driven one, but would love to! I own a 2024 Integra Type-S, and I wonder how they compare drive wise

[@dreyasilk8586]

Do an Envista (buick) review

[@FeedYourGreed]

Drove from Minnesota to Illinois to get my CE back in October. Paid 2.5k over sticker but I really don’t regret it. My 2014 Fiesta ST was really starting to show its age and starting to become a liability. Really glad the prices are starting to stabilize because at that time, 2.5k over seemed like a steal compared to other peoples experience the first production year. As a side note, avoid Kunes Toyota of Galesburg at all costs. Super sketchy at times and they were a weirdly in your face religious dealership. Made me feel uncomfortable.

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

Did you switch to an all season tire and drive it all winter? Did you have it out in the snow?

[@jdub_vdub]

Love the color

[@jywn]

was hoping it get the updated infotainment system like the GR yaris

[@amill1563]

Any mods planned?

[@jaguarmarshallplayer]

glad the car exist, it took the place of the older WRX imo, a rally car for the streets. The wrx has become more of a tarmac car, that can take on all weather, with less body roll, more rigid body but they took away the LSDs. The Gr corolla has more body roll but the LSDs make perfect for taking on loose surfaces and the hand brake the disengages the clutch for Jturns makes it a proper hoonmobile on loose surfaces.

[@ateam388]

I saw one yesterday. It looks cool, but if the Celica roomers are true I’ll wait.

[@1anre]

I wish Toyota balanced the harsh ride quality with the AWD and also completely eliminated the overheating AWD issue in the 2024MY too

[@leospaceman2976]

Don’t give me hope that I can trade up from my Si for this!!

[@Hoop_23]

I just turned one of these down for $500 under msrp. Was going to trade in my civic si but the interior killed it for me. Too small and lacking.

[@murk4545]

You need the premium. Much better interior than core. Also the car is infinitely better driver than civic SI, worth it imo

[@shiruki.fan.account]

I haven’t had any interior rattles at just over 8k. I do get the occasional drivetrain noises, whatever those are.

[@Realistick]

Lucky! I chased rattles down with kilomat only for a couple others to appear. Not everyone will have that issue, but early production models tend to be more susceptible with any car. Regarding the drivetrain, what is reported is a clutch noise upon engagement, sounds like a bit of a rattle in mine but it could be coming from some other part of the drivetrain (could be transmission) which is why I kept that vague. It’s a somewhat common report in the forums though more a refinement quirk than a mechanical issue.

[@Fuddermucker47]

Thinking of trading up my GR86 for one of these. Amazing car but I could use a back seat

[@shadowmaster9780]

Down here in fl, car dealers full of cars, nobody is buying! May 2024.

[@yahya2700]

What if it came in auto like Yaris about to do? Would you recommend it as a daily than?

[@Realistick]

No, the manual transmission is something I like to interact with daily! The harsh suspension, tight backseat, loud tires, and cheap interior are things that could use improvement to make it a better daily like the subaru wrx, civic si, golf R, etc.

[@Jannisvinios]

I have this car 1 week and this ist perfektl

[@rayk7612]

The GRC manual is much better than my old 2014 Corolla manual. The GRC shifter is a very good shifter, much better than a normal Corolla.I don't see how the reviewer could say the GRC manual isn't anything other than a plus shifter.

[@Realistick]

I explain why in the video. For more context, in comparison to what you'll find with Mazda and Honda, it feels like a normal shifter (not necessarily a literal 10 year old corolla). It's not as satisfying as what I'd want from a sports car, but I still have fun with it.

[@rayk7612]

@Realistick I've driven more recent models with a stick to include a new Acura Integra A Spec, Honda SI and last iteration of the Honda Type R. The GRC has a nice mechanical heft to the transmission and matches the overall character of the car, which is to say, a sport-orientated hot hatch.

[@Realistick]

@@rayk7612 Oh, if you drove those then we just disagree! After driving the GRC for a year and hoping into an SI last week, the SI had more precise, satisfying throws. The GR does have some heft, and it’s smooth, but it doesn’t feel as connected to the experience (especially around town, at high rpm, you get more feedback).

[@rayk7612]

I agree that the SI shifter, especially for the money, is an excellent manual transmission. The SI is an impressive car 200 hp, excellent seats, and good grip for a front-wheel drive car. A great budget sports car, although the turbo engine and oil contamination from fuel getting past the rings has been reported. The mechanic working at the Toyota dealership who sold me my GRC has an Accord with a 2.0l engine and says the Civic SI 1.5l engine isn't bulletproof like the 2.0l. I compare the Civic SI to the old 90s Sentra SE-R what Nissan marketed as "Bob's sports car" - a sports car for the every man.

[@chuckcribbs3398]

Is the DSG auto coming to the U.S. this year? It looks like Europe already got it.

[@isupportthecurrentthing5225]

no news yet, but its possible they'll offer it in the future

[@lamesamelame]

I've read that Toyota is planning the Lexus "LBX Morizo RR" to be sold in Europe. It will use the GR Corolla engine with 8 speed automatic transmission. Nothing for the USA.

[@DragonKnightX12]

Probably in the mid cycle refresh. I hope they add adaptive dampers too, if should have them in the 40k+ trims.

[@300zxdriver]

I bought the premium in red.

[@tutankhamunwhite665]

How do you compare this car to the ELANTRA N

[@Realistick]

Only briefly drove the Elantra N so I can’t add much but it was comparable on the track, maybe even a little better at cornering when off throttle but I felt more confident with the GRC and it’s ability to put the power down at any time made it feel quicker too. Plus the character of the 3 cylinder and my trust for Toyota makes it worth the extra 5 grand or so for a premium trim GRC. The Hyundai seems excellent too and Id probably recommend it if you don’t get snow (or don’t care much for awd or want to save some money).

[@tdub25]

I like this but honestly I think I’d just get the genesis g70 2.5 awd

[@Hoop_23]

hope you didn't run out of gas with that 20 miles left lol

[@Dobermann.Kennel]

i love my gr corolla

[@DBX79]

I’m very disappointed Toyota added those extra features within only 1 year after I got mine. This just shows me I can’t go for a new model like this when updates to its line are right around the corner.

[@mengx94]

Yep.. I mean the 86 and supra received updates quick. Good indicator grc would be getting some sort of update. Is what it is, car is car is what I tell myself to cope 😂 at least it has the pp

[@DBX79]

@@mengx94 The gloss black pieces are the kicker along with parking sensors. Those are the kinds of things that can’t be added even if you pay for them. One mistake in life I won’t repeat especially with Toyota.

[@joek1353]

These are going for under msrp. Especially the black ones..

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Toyota should do something completely outta left field and make either a GR Corolla Cross or GR Prius Cross with their new Direct Auto Transmission from the GR Yaris for those of us who need more ground clearance for winter conditions/like to go snowboarding. Like the Kona N.

[@anotheran]

Toyota already thought about it. Hope for the lexus lbx morizo concept to be made.

[@ShenryRNBSN]

Unfortunately, I'm still gonna buy it. It's a Toyota, yet fun.

[@sleeping_sheep_slayer_9000]

the comment before mine was the 69th comment lol, btw the v6 gr corolla sedan is my dream car

[@stevethomas760]

Bought my Core 2/23, if the Premium would have been available it would have been my choice. At the time it was slim pickens + MSRP gouging. For those interested Spare tire kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYSniXmKq9NsndE armrest kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH_FXqKlrs19qtE

[@dylanniles3965]

That's your 60ft time, not to 60mph. Very clearly says your 0-60mph is 5.02. Still pretty good though

[@Realistick]

That’s partially why I show the whole sheet! The standard is 1 ft rollout, something I can’t change alone. So if you’re trying to compare the car to others, the 4.7 number is more relevant.

[@AstroZombie1]

I keep hearing thee aren’t quick, but handle well… soo why not save $10k and just get an 86?

[@muffdiver4973]

Because it will smoke an 86.

[@Realistick]

They’re both awesome cars but COMPLETELY different. The GR86 is definitively slower in a straight line yet sharper around corners. It’s also a little more comfortable believe it or not. However, a lot of people don’t want rwd for a daily, want something quicker, need a backseat that is usable (and not a torture device😂) or something that’s a little easier to get in and out of. FYI the GRC is just as quick or quicker than its competitors🤟

[@sunnyvalentino]

Drove both. I enjoy the 86 a lot more. It feels a lot more direct on backroads and fun whipping tail out everywhere. The GRC is a grip monster though

[@JP-nl6lb]

Hm. It sounds so good.

[@jdmrider]

If you want AWD, something a little sporty gets decent gas milage, around this price range look into a used m340i xdrive. Plus you get a lot more space, and way better interior.

[@user-ck9mu7zp9q]

Cant imagine paying that much for a corolla. The core model feels like it should be 30-32k. OTD near 40k for the lowest trim? Smfh.

[@Realistick]

That didn’t happen with an evo or sti over 10 years ago, what makes you think it would happen with a new car😂

[@soster82]

Is your car stock? I can't hear my bov for shit lol

[@Realistick]

It’s stock! It’s subtle, I usually don’t hear it unless I’m shifting while it’s in boost. It’s easiet to hear between 3-5k rpm imo. If you let off a little early before shifting, you won’t hear it! A different intake will make it louder too if you want to hear it more often.

[@yakov456]

Oh boy I get to pay more for bullet holes all around my car?!

[@jimsmith8797]

Imagine paying 50k for a Corolla 😅

[@jayrome8764]

Are you about driving the name, or are you about driving the car?

[@jimsmith8797]

@@jayrome8764 the name doesn’t matter. It’s a 20k entry level sedan underneath

[@markcoopers1930]

I hate when they add paint protection to my burgers. Its not even that tasty

[@xxxbupropion5683]

As much as I love my 24’ circuit edition, world never pay over msrp for it. Bless whoever manages Royal Toyota for not marking it up.

[@waitingforcivictyper]

This car is really overhyped and overpriced for what it is.

[@rapidtransit340]

Having driven both I went with a base WRX 2023 Just more fun around town and has a ton of potential for modification if I choose that route. To me it was not worth the extra dollars for the core . Especially with the fact rates where low on the WRX

[@JacesOwnWorld]

"Basic" is the perfect word for this car. And why do people continue to compare the GRC to the CTR? The Golf R is the better comparison, and the Golf R is better in every single category, including price.

[@carterbliss484]

the golf r starts at 45.6, grc starts at 37.5... in what world is that a better price? golf r is far out of the price range for hot hatches, a gti is a better price comparison.

[@omarnanana]

rather get wrx base and have 10k for mods... oh wait... thats wait i did and no regrets

[@Realistick]

You want to race? I'm planning a travel series (in the US) with my GRC where I compare the GR to various competitors and I was actually looking for a modified WRX to even the playing field for a friendly comparison!

[@omarnanana]

@@Realistick Im in Cali if you make thr trip im down to run it

[@Realistick]

@@omarnanana perfect! Email me at [e-mail] and we’ll keep in touch on that. Is it a VB?

[@omarnanana]

@@Realistick 2023 VB almost pushing 400hp

[@Realistick]

@@omarnanana Awesome, sounds like fun! Email me sometime and I’ll keep you posted on when I’m driving out there🤟

[@ilookrawSN1P3]

Poor man’s Supra

[@njabba]

We need this in Automatic

[@jegglz3845]

Toyota made a Evo, that's more so what this feels like over anything else after owning it now for 6 months. Does not plow off the ends of the earth like a Subaru or destroy itself like one either. Even on the super basic interior its like an evo...but who actually cares you have a toyo evo. Or ya know..buy a WRX and keep telling yourself its AWD while having open diffs. Also get Heavy metal or the Red all the other colors including blue are meh in person.

[@naveenthemachine]

I’d much rather get a CTR or golf R or Elantra N. At least those make you feel more special

[@kingcraftgames.985]

Or maybe even the gr yaris.

[@seb5945]

Wish we can get GR Yaris. Corolla is too big.

[@betteheadbettehead4800]

Yessss! Plus prefer 2 door

[@zachbackar5389]

Don't blame me if I can't wait to see a Automatic added.

[@Userxxx840]

MSRP or bust

[@patrickgagnon9662]

What an ugly little car!

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

Not to my liking. I don't care for the cockpit either. Could have made it a few thousand cheaper without the bullshit screens everywhere.