2023 Toyota GR Corolla Review

Usually a Corolla review starts off talking about value, the large backseat, and the sizable cargo area. Instead this review starts out with 2023 Toyota GR Corolla power and performance. Motor Trend calls the car “feral” and it means that in a good way. It notes that the Corolla has gone on a “performance-addled bender”.

What has made it so fast? The surprising answer is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. It has been boosted to the point that it spits out 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This 3-cylinder engine was tuned specially for the 2023 GR Corolla and is based on a similar engine used for racing the smaller GR Yaris.

The GR Corolla purchase includes a year’s membership in the National Auto Sport Association. This comes with a high-performance driving class. Toyotas come with two years of complimentary standard maintenance.

Also standard, a six-speed manual transmission adds to the feeling that this car is made for the driver. The Morizo Edition has shorter differential gears and other transmission tweaks to help it attack the track.

Dash indicators change from white to orange to red to nudge people to shift at the perfect time. A track mode makes adjustments to the engine, drivetrain and transmission to help drivers conquer the oval.

For cornering action, there are anti-roll bars, racing springs, and KYB shocks. While the front has McPherson struts, the back has control arms for greater flexibility. In fact, the roll center is closer to the center of gravity than normal cars.

The overall weight to horsepower ratio is about 10.8 pounds to 1 horse. This is better than the GR Yaris with 11 to 1 ratios or the Subaru WTX STI with a 11.3 to 1 ratio.

With its performance engine, high-performance features, and performance brakes, this car was built to handle much more than the regular straight-line speed required of a sports car.

A four-wheel drive system is standard, and it allows the driver to enjoy rear-wheel drive action along with all-wheel drive intelligence. According to its engineers, this car could theoretically go off road, but it should not. This is due to its very low ground clearance and very lightweight underbody panels.

So why does it have this four-wheel capability? The system turns the Corolla hatchback into a true rally car that can handle dirt tracks as well as it handles asphalt and concrete surfaces. Edmunds suggests that the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is perfect for sliding sideways around a dirt course.

This GR-Four AWD system has an adjustable torque split capability. Drivers can keep it at 60/40 or bump it up to 50/50 or even 30/70. The center coupling allows for this flexibility. The system ensures that the Hot Hatch keeps its grip on wet surfaces and in snowy conditions.

There are two main trims and one special edition. Extremely affordable and well-equipped, the GR Corolla Core packs on plenty of favorites like aluminum pedals, sport seats, a power driver’s chair, and aluminum pedals. There is no shortage of top tech toys such as a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and additional connectivity.

The Circuit Edition upgrades from cloth to a synthetic leather upholstery, upgraded Ultrasuede, and red accents. The exterior lightens up with a forged carbon fiber roof and a carbon fiber hood. Front and rear Torsen limited slip differentials make these cars even more agile. These LSDs are options on the Core trim level.

Tech standards on the GR Corolla Circuit includes an 8-speaker JBL system and a navigation touch screen. It also has a wireless charging pad. Shoppers who don’t want to step up to the Circuit can add these items via the Core Technology package.

Limited to 200 cars, the Morizo Edition is a two seater with red and black seats in a soft ultrasuede. At the curb, you’ll notice a bulging hood with distinct vents. From the back, you’ll notice a bigger rear spoiler. The lighter-forged wheels front extra sticky tires, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2Rubber.

MotorTrend has reported that this special edition issues a glorious guttural sound. The car has lost 100 pounds while gaining 295 pound-feet of torque. Indicating the action expected on the track, there are appropriate holes for a racing harness.

Shoppers will want to know how these two are different. For starters, the sports car is slightly bigger than its sibling. The GR picks up about 1.5 inches in length, 0.1 inches in height, and a hefty 2.4 inches for a wider stance. The GR wears exclusive Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Tires.

Beyond that, the GR Corolla has a sport seat upgrade and a racier trim. It also has ambient interior lighting and a leather-clad steering wheel. Morizo Editions have a soft faux-suede on the steering wheel rim as well as the shifter and parking brake.

GR Corolla color options include red, white, or black. Heavy metal gray is reserved for the Morizo Edition. Regular Corollas have a few more color choices, including Blueprint, Celestite, and Blue Crush Metallic.

To create the GR Corolla, the process starts with the regular Corolla’s TNGA-C platform. Then plant workers assemble it by hand. This allows them to do about 350 additional welds, to add almost 9 feet of structural adhesive, and to provide extra floor bracing. For the Morizo Edition, more bracing is added.

There’s no mistaking that this Toyota has benefited from the close association with Gazoo Racing. Driving enthusiasts will compare the 2023 GR Corolla to the Honda Civic Type R, the Volkswagen Golf R, or the Hyundai Veloster N.

Toyota’s new Hot Hatch is sure to give all of the competition a run for their money. Check it out below and schedule a test drive soon.