As soon as we slid into the driver’s seat of the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus, I knew I was in for a ride that was anything but ordinary. This hatchback may look modest at a glance, but it packs a punch that’s designed to thrill.
First Impressions: Aggressively Refined
Toyota didn’t hold back with the GR Corolla’s design. It’s sporty without being over-the-top, featuring wide fenders, a bold grille,
and a triple-exhaust setup that signals its rally-inspired roots. The Premium Plus trim adds tasteful touches, such as 18-inch gloss-black wheels, a carbon fiber roof, and red brake calipers that hint at the power underneath.
Inside, the cabin strikes a sweet balance between sport and comfort. Suede and leather-trimmed sport seats hug you in all the right places, and the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster keeps things futuristic. Toyota also added heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded JBL sound system, making daily drives just as enjoyable as weekend track days.
Performance That Bites
Let’s talk power. Under the hood, the GR Corolla Premium Plus rocks a 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine pushing 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it’s a driver’s dream. Every gear shift feels tight and precise, and the clutch is surprisingly forgiving for such a high-strung machine.
What truly sets this hot hatch apart is Toyota’s GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system. You can toggle between 60/40, 50/50, and 30/70 front/rear torque splits, allowing you to customize the drive based on road conditions or your mood. On winding roads, the car grips like it’s glued to the pavement, and on straightaways, the turbo spools with a satisfying growl that begs you to go faster.
Tech & Safety
Toyota made sure the GR Corolla isn’t just about speed—it’s smart, too. A responsive 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto powers the infotainment system. The Premium Plus also comes equipped with the full Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes pre-collision alerts, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced safety features.
Verdict: A Rally-Bred Daily Driver
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus is the kind of car that transforms a routine trip to the grocery store into a mini-adventure. It’s practical, but with a wild side that’s always ready to be unleashed. If you’ve been looking for a fun, manual hot hatch that doesn’t skimp on modern comforts or tech, this one’s worth a serious look.
Pro Tip: If you’re even remotely into driving for the joy of it, make sure your test drive includes a curvy back road—you’ll thank us later.
