Toyota GR Corolla Winter Review & AWD Snow Test!

[@Realistick]

Are you thinking about commuting in snow on Summer tires? DON'T! As I said at 3:20, tires are pivotal, and I hope you got to see why in the video. We only get snow on the road once or twice a year in Southern Indiana so the snow test portion was me trying out the AWD on empty backroads and an abandoned subdivision with a max speed of 25 mph. Stay-in or buy different rubber if you have to go out with snow accumulation on the road. They are *fine* when the pavement is cold or wet, but DO NOT COMMUTE ON THESE TIRES IN SNOW. Thanks for watching.

[@paulgemperlein626]

Yeah, I'm in southern Indiana and I know snow tires are really helpful but the idea of so much expense and then having to swap and store four tires is realistically a non-starter for almost everyone, even in places where snow is common. I wish there was a seamless way to switch to snow tires for like a month when they're needed without significant cost and inconvenience. I have all seasons on a Crosstrek and that works well enough but I've still been driving as little as possible with all this snow. That said, what is the point of a "winter review" when you then explicitly tell viewers not to use the setup in the video? Doesn't make sense to me for you to make a video demonstrating that it can be done and that it's manageable but then telling people not to do it in the comments. Seems like you just didn't want to invest in proper tires for a one-off video (understandable) but tires make a big difference and I really feel like the vibe of the video could encourage others to drive on unsafe summer tires if they don't look at the comments. Plus you had to drive using an inherently unsafe setup (no matter how slow and isolated) in order to make the video.

[@Realistick]

@@paulgemperlein626 I agree, that's why I haven't bought snow tires either, I don't go out when there's snow accumulation unless I have no other way home. I hear your concern. I said in the video (and showed) how bad summer tires are in snow so I don't feel that it encourages driving with them in the snow HOWEVER I think I could have taken some more time to explain that I don't drive when it's snowy out. This video was more off-the-cuff. I saw snow and wanted to see how the AWD system would handle it. I also wanted to highlight some of the advantages that the Toyota has over some of its competitors on real roads. If I could do it over again and I could rely on snow, I'd do the test with both summer tires and snow tires, that would be really cool and worth the cash. Lessons for next time.

[@sunnyvalentino]

That GRC is like an advertisement for Toyota. You have showcased the power of that AWD system when you said its ON SUMMER TIRES. WOW

[@MMinjin]

The old Galant VR4 and my other modified DSMs were amazing in the snow with snow tires. Nothing really beats 4 wheel drifting, opposite lock, turbo sounds, wastegate dumping, while snow falls and nobody else is out on the roads. I'm still seeking that high.

[@EvilSpoonman]

I have this car on Nokian R5 winter tires and it can be an absolute delinquent in the best possible way. A few inches of fresh snow, 30/70 mode, and TC to Expert or Off results in drives that go into my top 5 ever list. There’s something about the way it does what it does. It’s raw, and brash, and incredibly confident. More like a partner in crime than a conveyance. Toyota did it a disservice by initially showing the car to the press on a racetrack. They should have shown it on an icy lake or a dirt course. The reaction would have been very different methinks.

[@nyurkt24]

Great review keep up the amazing work

[@th7321]

Hi Tyler I had both a 2021 MX-5 RF and the 2023 GRC Core with the Tech and Performance packages for 7 months. I sold the Miata when I realized for the amount of driving I did having 2 cars was unnecessary. Do I regret it - Yes but not because the GRC is inferior! Only because I’m a greedy piggy and would love to be able to experience both at will. They both have tremendous personality the Miata is just a bit purer. Thanks for the engaging content and enjoy your new car.

[@Realistick]

Thanks for watching, that's a hard decision that I hope I never have to make😅 You do have one of the best one-car solutions at least!

[@evsidewinder2]

Folks have to chill. He knows these tires aren't meant for snow/ice. He states that in the video. He's driving in area's where no one else is and is driving slow. Relax! Let him have his fun. I've seen so many other videos of different youtubers doing truly stupid things.

[@sunnyvalentino]

ND3 owner here. I test drove a GRC and ended up with a Model Y Performance. Its surprisingly very similar, except a huge amount of passenger and luggage space and incredible torque and acceleration and linear throttle. Like the GRC, its not a 8/10ths car, but amazing fun daily and on backroads

[@mattheviewer]

You're on summer tires? In moderate to deep snow? Really? Summer tires generally turn into hockey pucks around 40 - 45 degrees - amazing you and the GR got as far as you did. I suspect there's a better tire compromise (unless your ultimate GR goal is summer track work).

[@Realistick]

I usually just stay at home when there's snow on the road (it's pretty rare here), so I've never had any issues with the PS4s. I was kind of curious how they would perform in snow so that's the main reason why I made this video. They performed much better than I thought on cold surfaces, just terrible when snow/ice get involved. The AWD did a good job of getting the car back home, definitely not trying this one again!

[@bucknut2000]

PS4s from my experience are fine up to about an inch of snow. In the cold for normal driving they were fine.

[@KeithSchwerin]

@@bucknut2000 What are you smoking? They are the stock tire on my Mustang and when its cold out(lower 30's) its like driving on ice till they warm up. Once they warm up they are okay, but when driving in snow its gonna take LONG time to get any heat in them. Even a little bit extra gas make me spin enough to trigger traction control just when COLD and there isn't snow. Are you thinking about the AS4?

[@bucknut2000]

@@KeithSchwerin no, i ran the PS4S for two years in Northen ohio and SE michigan on my GTI. I have other cars when it got snowy, but if it was dry and cold, it was fine and when I got caught in the snow I was fine. The mustang probably has much wider tires, the GTI is only 225 wide.

[@johndickerson7838]

I drive summer tyre's all year long never had an issue sounds like a driver error lol

[@normaninsandiego7061]

Driving in the snow ❄️ looks like a lot of fun.

[@Realistick]

It's a blast on open roads!

[@KeithSchwerin]

Having those tires on my Mustang I honestly feel like the AWD system is the only reason you didn't get in more trouble with them. Love your vids, but totally think you should reconsider snow vids with Summer tires in the future. If not for any other reason then I don't wanna read "car youtubers dies in snow accident" XD

[@Realistick]

Absolutely, I do not commute in the snow with the GR Corolla but trying it out does make me want to drive a GR with some snow tires. They usually put them on the press car so maybe I can make that one happen! Thank you for caring 🫶

[@BitcoinTo150K]

Do you think the 2025 update is any better for this car?

[@Realistick]

On paper, yes. I plan on filming a comparison asap!

[@BitcoinTo150K]

@Realistick excellent!

[@SKAR3E]

I feel like for a "winter review" it would have been nice to see at least all season tires if not full on winter tires.

[@davidc750]

I switched mine to Pilot sports AS4, probably will get a new set of wheels for my stock summer tires for autocross and track use. So far had 0 issues in Michigan winter, minus hitting black ice hiding under snow on 90 degree turn but not even dedicated snow tires will save you from that. I got them around late fall, and they were fantastic on dry road as well. Hardly noticed difference with my PS4 with given limitation on pushing the car on public road.

[@Realistick]

I might consider those for my Miata then! Sounds like a pretty nice compromise. I would definitely recommend the ps4s or an even more durable track tire for autocross. There was a big difference switching from the ps4 to ps4s and I think you’ll appreciate them at the limit.

[@davidc750]

@@Realistick I was thinking about just selling my PS4 to get something else, I will consider it!

[@893263007]

I thought he replaced this with a Miata

[@Realistick]

My Miata is being built in two weeks!

[@mariner3485]

If you're not going with an aftermarket set, start shopping for 'pre-owned' Mazda wheels for those snow tires you should be getting. If you can order specific tires on a new Mazda, I would recommend 'ultra high performance all-season' tires. My top choice, PilotSportAllSeason4's don't come in my Outback's size, so I'm looking at getting something similar from Pirelli to replace my mediocre OE tires. I drive in freezing temps in Winter, but I also have Blizzaks..

[@Realistick]

A new set of wheels are my top priority for the MX-5, I think a snow review on winter tires would be excellent Miata content.

[@pangb86]

Hey Michelin says driving around in sub 40F conditions may reduce the life of PS4S tires, and can lead to cracking just FYI.

[@Realistick]

Noted, I don't drive my personal car much in frigid conditions but I'll look out for it.

[@KeithSchwerin]

Facts. Even when its mid 30's the ones on my Mustang are slippery till they warm up. Even if its dry out.

[@diallo1347]

Wait, I thought you were getting a Type R?

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Realistick]

❄️

[@JarmelSingsKaraoke]

@Realistick 😂

[@rajenderchahal4277]

No winters?? Really

[@janoycresnova9156]

Would you take this or Golf R for a daily driver?

[@Realistick]

The Golf R is more well-rounded and comfortable so I think that would be "better," yet I would personally go with the GR Corolla again for the fun factor!

[@janoycresnova9156]

I'm looking for an awd hot hatch, so it's between these two for me. If only GR Corolla had a bit more space in the back and a nicer interior for the money they're charging. I think I'll wait for Golf R 8.5 gen, test drive both and decide.

[@joby602]

One thing that always gets posted on these kind of videos is how much safer winter tires are in this kind of weather. That is true - but the biggest reason you should put them on your awd car is because they turn it into an absolute riot of fun. As soon as you add a bit of confidence your car will stop and turn in the snow, you can have the time of your life with it in the snow. My STi turned from a moderately quick and grippy summer car with a nice rumble, to an absolute blast in the winter once I got snow tires. 4 wheel drifts on demand, tail out, or just taking off from some lights almost as fast as in the dry. Same with my BRZ - so much fun.

[@JB-wv9dz]

all seasons?

[@Realistick]

No, Michelin Pilot Sport 4s (not recommended for snow but they're fine when it's just cold or wet)

[@stephenshumaker2393]

They are worn summer tires

[@DannySarbs]

Summer tires really man? You're lucky you didn't crash. Dumb ass video, the awd is useless without proper winters...

[@Realistick]

I appreciate the concern, it is DUMB. Though, it's important to remember a lot of places only have snow once or twice a year (like southern Indiana). This video shows how important snow/all-season tires are, how a GR corolla does in the snow from the factory, and how the awd system works. Speeds were kept below 30 mph (mostly to 20 mph) and the hill climbs were filmed on an abandoned road. The higher speed portion was on dry (but salty pavement) and on a different day.

[@paulgemperlein626]

@@Realistick I kind of agree that it's hard to justify intentionally going out and finding challenging public road conditions using mid-life summer tires just for a video but I'm glad you're at least addressing the criticism directly.

[@Thunderbolt-ws7qm]

Yeah, you also should eat your vegetables .

[@hitmanhart6275]

A regular fwd corrola with snow tires is more fun and safer than a gr on summer tires. Please dont do this on public road.

[@rextex7018]

I drive my MX-5 in the Quebec winters which drives better than your GR Corolla in the snow cause I'm rocking winter tires. PS: It's the law here if you want to drive your car in the winter. Thx for the great videos

[@zagrix]

not first

[@Ems00837]

The more videos I see of this car the more it looks like it just sucks honestly

[@waelal-zubieri5358]

wow doing this with summer performance tires is really brave nah it's stupid. You will crash the moment you want to turn or stop. AWD just stops you from being stuck. Get proper tires JFC

[@Realistick]

Yep, that's what I said in the video! We only get snowy roads once or twice a year so I've never bought snow tires and I usually just stay in. This was for fun🤟

[@jamesnicol3831]

Review should be really about tires

[@sahajdeep_sandhu]

the corrola is not made for winter bro (especially the gr)

[@Realistick]

With winter tires or all seasons, I'd disagree strongly, it's a beast!

[@NorthKoreasSon]

You are incredibly slow if you truly believe that

[@KeithSchwerin]

Why would an AWD car with 2 LSD's NOT be fine in winter? His issue is just the tires.

[@NorthKoreasSon]

@@KeithSchwerin litteraly. I don't know what this guy is thinking, plus the gr corolla is based off a rally platform

[@jnx220]

Very stupid. Even if it's only for a short time, you don't drive in the snow with summer tires.