Why is The Toyota GR Corolla So Special? A Comprehensive Technical Review

So what makes the Toyota GR Corolla so special? It's a true halo model of a very popular car that Toyota really did well.
In this video we take a proper technical deep dive into the GR Corolla to see how it works and how it's designed.
First we start with sharing everything about the new 3 cylinder engine. Then we look at the AWD system, Transmission and much more.
Lastly we take a small tour around the car to see the body and the interior.
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0:00 Intro
0:36 Engine - Introduction
1:42 Engine - Mechanical Construction
7:04 Engine - Fuel System
8:32 Engine - Cooling System
9:34 Engine - Intake
10:48 Engine - PCV System
12:25 Engine - Turbocharger
16:40 Engine - Electrical
17:13 Engine - Exhaust
18:28 AWD System
21:48 Brake System
25:02 Transmission
20:03 Maintenance
32:00 Exterior Features
40:32 Interior Features
45:46 Should You Buy One?

[@Zephyrdaze1819]

I am constantly blown away by AMD’s communication skills. Hi ability to organize all of this information, for even the novice (me), AND not “talk down” to us is so refreshing.

[@dmpi483]

What makes his so great is his content is unscripted and he doesn't just read off a teleprompter. The guy must have a tremendously good memory.

[@starrisk]

IMHO... That is the mark of true car guy who can just sit around and talk about cars off the top of his head anytime... ... without having to refer to brochures or reviews or teleprompters.... The top tier of petrolhead if there is ever a hierarchy.. respect!

[@Zephyrdaze1819]

@@dmpi483 I think you are right. Quite the noggin he has

[@dumbdee4]

Wow, could not have said it better myself.

[@xpeed718]

While Scotty Kilmer thinks everyone's an idiot if they don't listen to his advice, which in most part are very opinionated. Not knowing anything much about the 3 cylinder G16E-GTS, he even talked trash about the engine. TCCN is a treasure to all of us Toyota owners and enthusiasts.

[@kenxiong6830]

Went to buy this car, I was blown away by the dealer mark up. MSRP is 40k and the dealer wanted another 20k on top. No matter how cool this car is, no Corolla is worth 60k smh

[@pkdude5334]

agreed. You can get a nice used Corvette and still have a few bucks left over.

[@kenxiong6830]

@@pkdude5334 At 60k I might as well just get the new C8 vette over the Corolla GR.

[@FkCCPspiesinYT]

Vette’s build to break

[@petejansen7220]

Greed that’s all it is unfortunately ,so sad dealers have to take advantage of people like that ! What comes around goes around. Shop around and hopefully they can find a dealer that is honest. I agree 60 k is way too much even though it’s a cool car.

[@kenxiong6830]

@@FkCCPspiesinYT idk if you’re aware but the vette out performs the Corolla in literally all performance categories. Also the new LT1 engine is pretty reliable.

[@stendecstretcher5678]

My 98 Corolla still puts a smile on my face when i drive it occasionally. Its a garage queen.

[@federal6616]

Lol

[@lukek1949]

The biggest smile comes from the low cost of repairs!

[@sethtenrec]

@@lukek1949 and low frequency of repairs

[@martingriggs6362]

I drove a core version of this car a couple weeks ago. I got to drive it by myself. It was a Toyota rep. car with 4500 miles., so the salesman just handed the keys to me and said have fun. I did. Never thought I would drive a car more fun than my Fiesta ST, this car is.

[@user-wl6ic4zh6j]

fiest st….？ no car more fun?? You alright?

[@sheldonduffy9442]

The Fiesta ST IS a fun car. Many reviewers felt it was better than the more powerful Focus ST.

[@mattdock7346]

My wife and I bought a GR because we needed a second daily driver to go with the Fiesta ST we had already. After driving Golf Rs, Type Rs, GR86s, Elantra Ns, and most of the other competitors this was the only car that felt even remotely similar in low-speed daily commute engagement and fun. It has much better inputs, which is a big plus, and the engine is a much more charismatic animal than the Fiesta's, but we love them both for the manic-ness in regular driving conditions.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

I love Toyota. Consistency, reliability, and simplicity. Doesn't matter if you are working on an 03 or 2023 you don't get lost.

[@yamawwad]

No more simplicity 😢.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Not with those 20k markups on the GR Corolla you can love them.

[@Lemonshamp00]

can't enjoy or appreciate that if you can't afford it. so what gives

[@steve8803]

@Ahmad Ghosheh I was in my aunts 2020 corolla last week. The quality of the materials used all over the interior is pure trash. They are nothing more than appliances to get you from a-b. I'd never buy one.

[@vulcanman64]

He already stated they never built this car for reliability.

[@raycollington4310]

You were firing on all cylinders with this video and it was obvious you were enjoying this one. Must say something about you liking this car. Thanks to all at TCCN TV Studios for this one.

[@Joystickoperator]

3 cylinders on this video 😊

[@TripedalTroductions]

Wow someone who's actually talking about the detailed technical specs of the car instead of just repeating what every other cartuber says from the marketing information.

[@globanxiety]

There can't be a better review for this car, really outdid yourself this time. Thanks for the video :)

[@BuffaloWarrior7]

I've been on the waitlist for a GR for over a year. Finally got the call that they had a VIN I could put a deposit down on! So I've done a good amount of reading and watching on this car. But I learned so much from your two videos- you covered details I'd never seen mentioned. And I can't thank you enough! It's a fairly big financial decision for me. It'll be my second car ever. Bought my 08' Mazda 3 mtx in 2011 and I still love it to death. So I've been a little on the fence if it's the right thing for me. But I absolutely love how the car looks. I love everything that Toyota has done to it. The Civic Type R is the next closest rival. But I like hatchbacks. I think I'm going to love driving it. I'm relieved to see that it should be an easy car to do maintenance on. And that it should be very reliable, especially compared to any other performance focused cars. Thanks again!

[@spideym35i]

When do you get the car?

[@billisdewillis5]

I was too…until I was told my unit was going to have tint, mats, and a whole host of dealer options and extended warranty that I didn’t want for thousands and thousands more. No thanks. Now there are tons of them sitting “used” with a few kms on them at dealerships and in the hands of speculators…hopefully I can pick one up when the prices inevitably come down to some sort of state of reality.

[@CatalystOfFire]

You know Civic Type R is a hatchback, right?

[@frederickwgautierijr5731]

Great review you got right to the nitty-gritty of just how special this GR Corolla is your expertise as a mechanic and your knowledge of Toyota came shining through

[@MrKaystew]

I learn so much from you AMD. Thank you for doing these educational and informational videos for the masses.

[@ismairig6746]

AMD, I saw every single video in KZbin about this car, and your video is for far the best and most profesional one. You talked about everything, from the engine to the interior. Thanks a lot.

[@Irishmanbikes]

Thank you for an excellent review. I am not a diy mechanic. I have a Toyota dealership repair my car, but I learned a lot especially where you point out how the three way exhaust system works. Very Cool!! And thanks for pointing to what we are looking at. It helped me learn about the components of the GR Corolla.

[@saqued]

This is the best review I've seen on this car and for any car I might add. So detail and informative. Solid review.

[@northbendrealestate]

Amazing review! Where else can you get such a detailed overview from a veteran Master Mechanic. Truly exceptional. Cool camera work throughout too especially the closeup shots towards the end. Thank you AMD and team👍👍👍

[@GeraldPUR]

That 30/70 split is very noticeable. Especially in the wet. Love this thing

[@dumbeezy5480]

If you dont mind me asking, how much is the payment and insurance for you

[@KevinSmith-4Liberty]

I'm 55 years old. I own a 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium KDSS. I just want you to know I enjoy your video's. Thank you for doing them. Nice car....you make me want to buy one now. Looks fun to own.

[@jimmyvu6919]

Very fun, you’d love it next to your 4Runner.

[@JetTech1966]

That was one of the most informative videos I think I've ever watched. My son just bought this car and he loves it. Thank you sir! I'm a total subscriber now!

[@PaintflowException]

Absolutely love mine. Thanks for breaking down the mechanical areas, it really helps me understand the nuance. I daily drive mine and love the DNA of the drivetrain, sound of the turbo and bov, the three cylinder sounds so cool. Its everything i wanted in my 2018 WRX, but more!

[@danielmassie3910]

Hell yeah brother take care of it. I'll probably be trying to buy it off you a couple years when I finish college lol

[@mrninesixteenth3106]

Is anyone else feeling it? Or is just me. Man, this "Car Care Nut" gave us so much information. I could not turn to another video. So informative, so knowledgeable, and a very professional overview of the GR Corolla. I want one too. My Dad always told me, don't drive it if you are not serious about buying it. I drove one last week. Now, I'm trying to figure finances to get one. Toyota just pisses me off with their crazy dealer mark ups. So I probably won't get one. They are never available. Always in build or transit to the dealer, or already sold before the due the new arrival inspection. However, I most definitely loved the car and the content included in your overview. The other car I was considering was a 2024 Golf R. Not so much of a mark up but still limited availability. Can you do the same with that car? Thank You Sir! Again great stuff! 2 Thumbs way up!!

[@keegansmith7278]

Just got my fully loaded core. Couldn't be happier. Great video!

[@jeffc9511]

Thanks for the technical review! I asked for your thoughts on the GR Corolla months ago 😊 and you answered! 🎉.

[@Ddprescot]

Heavy duty trucks already have self adjusted clutch for more than 10 years. Eaton is one of the manufacturers. Thks for the good video!

[@peterconlin9002]

“You’re on your own. Go crash this car.”.. I literally did a spit-take. I was drinking a soda at the time and I laughed… shot soda out my nose.

[@fenix0green]

Saw this comment. Watching it is much funnier. Highly recommend 😂

[@jakewillits4678]

40,000 dollars, plastic valve cover. There must be a way to change this. And the plastic seat components deep in its loins when the car is 20 they bust. Fat people and plastic seat gears dont mix after years

[@talha-khan1]

Like that now you are showing actual pictures of the parts you are talking about. Nice touch, I welcome the new format. 🙂

[@sahilp70248]

I agree with your final gripe. Toyota, make more of them and clamp down on absurd dealer markups.

[@ericwright1075]

I really like the colour effects in the background . Not to forget the very professional video as usual.

[@67rinkadink]

I love your channel; you say the best sarcasm, you break things down and explain them really well !!

[@MacforDummiesit]

Woooow. I've just ordered the new Corolla 1.8L 2023 GR, but this blown me away. A real gem. Great review as usual...

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

Been patiently waiting for this. Much as gracias

[@mikeydude750]

Recently put a deposit down on a '24 Premium in Black coming in the next week or two, been watching a bunch of videos while I wait for mine to arrive. Thanks for the great video!

[@justpeachee8964]

I’m trying to get the circuit edition. Dealers are not happy I won’t pay over MSRP for it but I doubt it will move for 60k like they want.

[@mikeydude750]

@@justpeachee8964 Hahaha they're smoking crack if they think 60k is a remotely reasonable amount for a CE. It's a great car but /definitely/ not 60k great

[@DylanKoenig]

This is the literal best channel for anything toyota. Period.

[@ggmums5292]

Great stuff man, keep up the honest quality material!

[@wesfields9322]

I got goosebumps with the 2jz engine comparison. Corolla has been always overlooked commuter boring car. Nice to see toyota change things up. Excited to see what they do with this in the future.

[@RastaJediX]

I absolutely LOVE my blue 2015 Corolla S Plus 6-MT. Favorite car I've ever been in. So much fun to drive!!! It's the reason I wanted a GR so badly when they were announced, because I already had my 'Rolla by then.

[@amandeepbaa6978]

@@RastaJediX just go for it

[@barristanselmy2758]

You wont be able to get one cause there limited numbers. Toyota shares the cars between dealerships and you have to make an entry they choose maybe 3 people out of a box of names at each dealership.

[@christopherbassit2757]

@@barristanselmy2758 I got mine last month 😎

[@barristanselmy2758]

@@christopherbassit2757 Oh Yum

[@brencancer]

i like the way he explain things, specially in the exhaust tips, i've learn a lot in this video , deserve a sub.

[@lot931]

I find his videos very educational and informative. Unlike some channels that are really just car company or dealership sponsorship videos camouflaged as honest and truthful opinions of the individuals. Even more so, I appreciate his Honesty and knowledge of and about the product. These qualities are very difficult to find on today's KZbin channels. Some would say, even Rare!

[@dnizzle18]

I would love to own this car. Just love the engineering. Toyota showed what they really are about with this.

[@lukek1949]

Amen! They really have to make more! I went to a dealership here in Canada. One of the sales people told me that each dealer across the country is essentially allotted one GR Corolla. Which is long accounted for. So even if you want a GR Corolla, good luck finding one!

[@islandon22]

Excellent job. We were looking for a good comparo of these two...and this is it. When you said "more nimble", more affordable...that is it: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Thanks.

[@stephendibari5010]

Excellent review as always. Love this car. This one is pure perfection for a small nimble sports car.

[@ciudaddemexico15]

I got my GR CIRCUT EDITION like 6 months ago and I love it. Love all of your videos I also I was able to get mine MRSP price 😊

[@joychung3639]

your video is very technical detail about the car. The car is very special because it so simple that you can DIY yourself.

[@p6102zrfxe]

Masterpiece car. Beautiful video.

[@johndiaz7240]

Excellent review, thanks for all the technical info.

[@roadracing3]

Great videos! And a great in-depth video on the GR!

[@jimamizzi1]

My favourite item is the clutch pressure plate, great idea

[@russtaylor385]

Thanks Ahmed - passion throughout for this car. And for you and yours May the Lord bless you and keep you and you have yourselves a wonderful day. Those words of yours are an important connection to all our friends, neighbours and those we’ve yet to meet.

[@ioanacampbell2513]

Sir, you remind me of Marisa Tomei in the movie "My cousin Vinny", where her role was absolutely ingeniously built on the character 's pation and intelligence, to distinguish between different tire tracks of two amazing hot rods in the front of a judge. I am your latest fan after watching your 30 min course on tires. I subscribed asap and shared it with friends. Truly honored, i stumbled over your gem channel. Thank you, bunches.

[@botmoderator3405]

Yes, your last comments on price gouging is spot on.

[@Thankyou_3]

Awesome review AMD, I would actually buy this car. Great job Toyota!

[@richdangelo]

Awesome review, hopefully I'll get my circuit edition this year, looking forward to it.

[@deane9102]

Great review and very informative!

[@andybub45]

My friends dad just got one of these… Toyota has a winner on their hands. Pictures and videos of this car don’t do it justice. Sure it’s a little bit pricey for a Corolla but you can see and feel where the money went.

[@Jay-sn7wu]

Thanks for this in-depth review. I ordered a '24, should be here b4 xmas!

[@Jantonvid]

Great video as always!

[@TheDieyet]

Basicaly the 'Expert'' mode bring you back in time like in my 99 tercel.

[@masoodpanch2511]

Toyota knocked it out the park 🔥 beauty is an understatement ❤

[@tutankhamunwhite665]

Not the inside it’s horrible

[@alancox8466]

I love your informative videos!

[@Uno_Floydd]

I have a clean first year ‘92 sc400 for you to review AMD. I am in LA and would drive to you in a heartbeat once the weather permits

[@HypocriticYT]

The best objective review I’ve ever seen. 😊

[@winch1587]

Toyota, with TRD and later Gazoo, had many years experience with fun, small, powerful cars in Japan/Asia. They have the Vitz RS since 2000 with a bigger/tuned engine, some with turbo. Other RS or GR models had mostly cosmetic upgrades.

[@edwardl.492]

amazing review, this is my dream car

[@Pbmt660]

I saw a link on the Corolla GR forum and I'm really happy I watched. Great information for us GR owners. I am getting my Core soon and wanted to have your expert opinion on breaking in the engine and brakes? Any thoughts? Thanks

[@dealershiptechtruth]

Just stumbled across your channel and as a Volvo Master/Exert tech of 17 years, I often think of doing the samething as you. HOWEVER, I am starting to think about starting a youtube about the horrible lifestyle as a dealership technician. The greed, thieves, warranty times, and so on.

[@notyushi4874]

Just found one that’s very close to MSRP. I’m picking it up soon

[@adrianotero7963]

Very good advice.....make MORE of them and don't gouge out your customers eyes ......same problem with the Prius Prime !

[@robertvance1873]

Beautiful Masterpiece 👍

[@cuongphan2020]

FROM , CANADA. YOU ARE THE BEST MECHANIC.( CAR DOCTOR .TOYOTA )....THANKS. I JUST HAVE BRAND NEW 2022 HIGHLANDER XLE.

[@ashwinthiagarajan2650]

I know you mainly talk about Toyotas, but could you please do a detailed video like this for the FL5 Civic Type R. I would love to see your analysis of that vehicle as well.

[@therealsnow]

Good review but missed a few points, the rear differential is geared to spin 5% faster than the front, that's how they vary the torque split to be greater than 50/50 to the rear. What you called a brake vent intake on the front sides is actually an aero fence intake for the front wheel wells (and are actually blocked off on the Circuit Edition because of high speed stability issues they cause combined with the CE wing), the brake vent intake is behind the main grill.

[@youtoobe169]

Excellent review!

[@fashionsenseforthewiseands2023]

nice work on this review and nice work from Toyota

[@drewncars9505]

I recently started looking these cars and this video has definitely sold me on one. I test drove one today and fell in love with it. Darn near traded my 6mt Tacoma for it. The engine stuff you discussed makes me feel more confident. I do find the “can’t have brake hold on a manual can you?” Comment funny. I think it’s dumb when autos have them. Almost no point in it. Typically in manuals you will hear them as hill hold assist. Holds the rear brakes while you transition from the brake pedal to the throttle so you don’t roll back. To me it makes the most sense for manuals to have them. Granted it’s something I want to be able to toggle on and off. I don’t like it but my wife would want it. I’d like to have the option for it. The auto adjusting clutch makes me think of the AMTs in semis (automated manual transmission). They’re air actuated clutches and electronically shifted manual transmissions and they usually all have automatically adjusting clutches. This car is pretty much everything I want in a car. Manual only, hatchback, AWD, and Toyota reliability. This will be my next vehicle for sure. I had a 2017 WRX previously and I miss that car dearly. Sorta wish I never got out of it. I hear a lot of complaints that the GR Corolla has no arm rest in the center. The one in the VA WRX is super low and useless so it doesn’t bother me. I’ll just miss the storage but that’s about it

[@fishaus]

Congratulations on being on "Smart News!"

[@jeffreythompson1866]

Your guidance is awesome! For I've driven Hondas and Toyotas for decades. All best to you and your family

[@JRs-Garage]

Wow this was the best car review I’ve ever seen , you gave me all the info that I would’ve wanted to know ……. Now I want one more than I did when it first came out !😱🤷🏼‍♂️👍🏻😂

[@vickyn8162]

Thank you for this video ❤

[@christopherbassit2757]

I’m loving my gr corolla. I have the same one for a month now!

[@rhythmandacoustics]

Turbo?

[@jimmyvu6919]

I believe that’s a circuit edition that he’s reviewing.

[@shaggybx]

Thanks AMD great review 👍

[@RoyFJ65]

I expected HONDA to do this with the type R but Toyota delivered a punch to all.

[@dtna]

Great tips!

[@f32440i]

Hey Ahmed, great video content. Could you do a technical review of the LFA please

[@oneeleven9832]

I’m in the UK I’ve got a GR Yaris it’s bloody brilliant 👍

The manual did have brake hold! I still don't know why I want that, but it had it! It was a 2021 Corolla SE with a manual. It held the car stopped for about a minute, then warned about disengaging. I had used it at stoplights once or twice, but sometimes the stoplight would last longer than the brake hold.

[@mishimposble]

Excellent review. Would be awesome if you were able to video test drives

[@gregsantos9731]

How i wish i can have one 😊 Thanks for sharing bro 👍😊

[@dumbdee4]

One of my dream vehicles, AMD you are remarkable, I wish you lived closer to me, I would have you service my vehicles all of the time.

[@mardamek]

I remember in early 2000s when the BMW 7 series was produced with 13.4 (or 13.6, something under 14) inch brakes, and all the shock and awe that went with it. Back then the journalists were also mentioning that some cars had wheels that big. Anyway, fast forward two decades, and we have a Corolla with even bigger brakes 🤭

[@mikeconnery4652]

Excellent presentation

[@richdangelo]

Any plans for maintenance videos on this car, specifically the transmission, transfer and diff fluid changes? Maybe recommendations on fluid types.

[@Trellah1]

Great video, watching you go through one of Toyota's top performance cars, I would really enjoy a video on the Lexus F cars. Not "F sport", the actual F cars, ISF, GSF, RCF as well as the IS500 and LC500.

[@kevinconroy6606]

I think he did do a review and drive with the LC500

[@InclusiveOrange]

Great video 👏

[@pedrofernandez8729]

I hope they're testing the waters and eventually import the Yaris GR as well.

[@jonathanlyng3442]

I'm afraid the corolla GR is for markets who didn't get the Yaris GR.

[@Baker_7498]

@@jonathanlyng3442 Australia gets both :)

[@amandeepbaa6978]

@@Baker_7498 legit?

[@rorythurman7843]

My old 1st gen yaris hit 300k and drove away with its new owner

[@pigletshut]

Stick the G16E into the 86, make it GR Celica, everyone is happy. America never liked small cars. Case in point: Canada got Smart fortwo a few years before US did.

[@suzakukururugi6613]

Wow, pretty cool car! If I had the money this would be my second car!❤

[@deenoc3622]

How different is the GR Corlla mechanically to the GR Yaris? Asking as theres no video anywhere on youtube, that is in-depth as your GR Corolla deep dive. Fantastic work.

[@stackthatartpaper]

Same engine (tuned very slightly different), same AWD availability, Yaris is a little lighter and available in FWD. I think that’s about it.

[@joeromang703]

Love your detailed and objective car reviews. The technical details are highly interesting to me, as a shadetree mechanic and engineering minded person. I didn't notice, if you mentioned the MSRP for the model being reviewed, but that might be interesting to see. Granted, MSRP doesn't seem to apply anymore when shopping for new cars😢. Anyway thanks for your videos, if I lived in your area, I would have all my vehicles serviced by your shop👍👍👍

[@akdenyer]

Interesting they have a balance shaft in a 3 cylinder. We made a 3 cylinder engine and it was very smooth. It does not have the couples a 4 does. A 6 is also very smooth. So they must have done some vibration analysis and found some resonances.

[@jamesnicol3831]

bravo for the excellent review and your scolding the dealerships

[@kyledudzic2457]

Love the videos AMD! Keep up the good work! What’s the best way to gain access to the rear sunroof drains on a 2012 Lexus Rx350?

[@karskimies]

Thank you for this