The Toyota GR Corolla gets a few major upgrades for the 2025 model year, and almost all of them center around an optional new addition: an eight-speed automatic transmission. To be sure, that’s going to be a total turn-off to some enthusiasts, but Toyota is expanding the appeal of this car by offering the new transmission to drivers who aren’t able to drive something with less than eight speeds. The six-speed manual remains standard for purists, but the GR Corolla still sticks to its original appeal.
A New, More Powerful, and Responsive Engine
Under the hood, however, the 2025 GR Corolla adheres to the same three-cylinder turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that makes 300 horsepower. Torque has been lifted from 273 lb-ft to a more robust 295 lb-ft for better tractability and responsiveness in drive. Further supporting that additional torque are more visible tweaks on the outside, such as a new front grille with some functional cooling ducts to supposedly enhance the aerodynamics and cooling of the vehicle.
The good news for those who have always wanted a more agile car is that other than improving cornering speeds at low to moderate turn entries, the base Core trim, already one of the most in-demand choices, now sees the limited-slip differential become standard, where it used to be only optionally upgradeable. That will certainly make the car stick better and give the buyers even more reason to love it.
Track-Ready Performance
Updates stretch beyond the powertrain into Toyota’s take on the 2025 GR Corolla. The rigidity of the car has been tweaked to improve stability and handling even more out of the racetrack. The other welcome feature relates to the introduction by Toyota of launch control, which allows drivers to get to the first mile per hour as quickly as possible, and Toyota claims the auto version matches the manual’s 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.
The track enthusiast will love the new Track mode, though, as it sends between 60% to 70% of the power to the rear wheels, depending on conditions and grip. This rear-biased delivery goes a long way toward countering the understeer that front-wheel-drive opponents are prone to and helps deliver a more dynamic experience, particularly through tighter corners, in cars like the Honda Civic Type R.
Practicality and Daily Driving
While the GR Corolla shines on the track, Toyota also made sure that it’s a delight off the track. Whereas daily driving comfort is still somewhat of a mixed bag, it remains stiff even by hot hatch standards, even with updated rebound springs. If you crave a forceful and aggressive driving experience, it will not upset you. But if you value comfort first and foremost, think before driving.
Which Transmission is Right for You?
The new eight-speed automatic transmission adds $2,000 to the base price compared with the manual version, and it’s offered on all three trim levels. The manual-equipped Core trim begins at $39,995 with destination charges, while the top-of-the-line Premium Plus model with the automatic begins at $48,650.
Neither offers a clear advantage in terms of performance, and the automatic will be to those who don’t want to put up with manual shifting. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference-fewer purists will favor the manual for the engaging drive, but the auto will make the fun-to-drive car more accessible without all the fuss over shifting gears.
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla still promises to be a thrilling drive but now with the benefit of an automatic transmission. Be it manual or automatic, Toyota has ensured that the GR Corolla will not only continue to be one of the top contenders for the hot hatch market but also offer a perfect blend of performance, practicality, and fun on the road.
