When the 300-horsepower GR Corolla pocket rocket hit the scene in 2023, flaunting its six-speed manual, everyone was all about Toyota’s daring choice. But let’s face it, not everyone is made for the DIY lifestyle. Some people’s knees are begging for relief from all that shifting, while others are caught in such terrible traffic that changing gears feels more like a chore than a joy. Here comes the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, now featuring a sleek optional eight-speed automatic transmission, and I’m ready to give it a spin and see how it performs.

New for 2025

The 2025 model year brings some subtle but useful styling changes. The front bumper has been revamped for improved cooling, now featuring larger vents that supply air to a sub-radiator. This is an optional feature on the Premium trim but is standard on the Premium Plus. For vehicles with automatic transmissions, there’s also a cooler for the transmission fluid.

The previously optional Torsen front and rear limited-slip differentials are now standard on all models. Toyota has also made some adjustments to the suspension, adding rebound springs to the front and rear dampers to help minimize inner wheel lift. They’ve also modified the rear springs and anti-roll bar to enhance tire contact while cornering. Additionally, the trailing arm mounting point has been elevated by 1.2 inches to decrease rear squat during acceleration, and the brake ducts have received updates as well.

As in the past, the GC Corolla features flexible torque distribution between the front and rear. Toyota has now assigned names to these various settings: 60:40 is referred to as Normal mode, 50:50 is Gravel, and the Track mode alternates between 60:40 and 30:70 based on the car’s behavior.

New Trims

The trims have been revamped, featuring a new high-end Premium Plus trim, while the Circuit trim has been discontinued. The Premium Plus and the average Premium trim now come with a forged carbon roof as a standard feature.

Wheels and Tires

The vehicle comes with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, which are 235/40 in size, fitted on 18-inch wheels. It has 14-inch brake rotors at the front and 11.7-inch rotors at the rear. Both sets of rotors are ventilated and slotted, paired with Brembo calipers—black 4-piston aluminum calipers in the front and 2-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes in the back.

Under The Hood

The turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine still puts out the same horsepower, but now every GR Corolla cranks out 295 pound-feet of torque, a figure that was previously exclusive to the Morizo limited edition. This marks an increase of 22 pound-feet over the earlier standard models. Although the added power doesn’t make the car feel significantly quicker, the automatic transmission has enabled Toyota to incorporate launch control. The GR features an 8-speed transmission that powers all four wheels. You can expect a 0-60 time of about 4.8 seconds.

Driving

When it comes to speed, choosing the new eight-speed automatic transmission in the GR Corolla means you won’t miss out at all. This transmission, called DAT (Direct Automatic Transmission), is a torque-converter automatic, which sets it apart from the dual-clutch systems that are often seen in high-performance compact cars these days.

Once you hit the road and get comfy in the super grippy and supportive driver’s seat, the Corolla GR is a total blast. The turbocharged engine delivers power smoothly and eagerly, with barely any turbo lag. The manual transmission allows for precise shifts, enabling you to truly connect with the car. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that power is distributed effectively, giving you excellent grip and stability, even on challenging roads. The only real downside is that I wish it had a better sound.

The car’s handling is sharp and responsive, making it easy to tackle corners with confidence. The suspension does a decent job with its fixed system, but the ride can get a bit bumpy after a while, especially on rough surfaces. I kept it in the Track setting, which adjusts the power split based on the conditions and your driving style. With these settings, it can power through almost any corner at nearly any speed. No fuss, no understeer, just pure fun. At the limit, there’s a bit of roll, but the confidence this little car gives you is massive.

Even if you push it a bit too hard, the chassis remains very controllable, and the traction control will pull the car back onto your intended line. Steering is super precise, too, and the brakes provide good, consistent stops from high speeds time after time. One advantage over the manual version is the extra two gear ratios, which make highway cruising a much calmer experience. The car is quieter inside, so you can at least hear the radio.

How’s the Launch Control?

To really maximize the automatic, start by switching the car into sport mode, hit the Track AWD mode button, and then disable traction control (this completely disables the electronic aids, unlike some other brands). Keep your left foot on the brake and your right foot on the gas, rev the engine to just under 2,000 rpm, and then release the brake. The issue is that it doesn’t launch as hard as it should, simply because the launch control feature doesn’t give it enough revs.

Interior

The cabin remains pretty much the same, sporting a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8.0-inch central touchscreen. This Premium Plus version also comes with a standard head-up display and some red stitching to liven up the otherwise dark interior, plus a forged carbon-fiber roof, JBL sound system, and heated steering wheel and front seats.

For automatic models, you also get adaptive cruise control and Proactive Driving Assist, which gently applies braking or steering to keep a safe distance from cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Cargo Space

The GR offers 17.8 ft³ of cargo space and does not come with a spare tire but instead has a Styrofoam storage area for tools and a can of Fix-a-Flat.

Pricing

Base prices start at $38,860; this one has a base of $47,515, and it’s a premium plus model. This one has a couple of options: premium red paint for $475, a chassis brace for $720, and floor mats, including the trunk, for $299. The total price is $50,144, so it’s now more expensive than the Civic Type R.

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Verdict

The primary reason to choose the GR Corolla is for the enjoyment it brings, and that’s always been true. To be honest, the automatic transmission was just necessary to maintain the Corolla’s appeal, and for the most part, it succeeds. The downside is that the Golf R is roughly the same price, is quicker, and features a more upscale interior. Neither car is truly superior to the other; they are just different types of driving experiences.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus Numbers

BASE PRICE: $47,515
PRICE AS TESTED: $46,476
VEHICLE TYPE: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 4-door hatchback
ENGINE TYPE: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 3
POWER: 300 hp @ 6,500 rpm
TORQUE: 295 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
CURB WEIGHT: 3,262 lb
ZERO to 60 mph: 4.8 sec
TOP SPEED: 143 mph (limited)
TIRES: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, 235/40 ZR-18, 
EPA FUEL ECONOMY: Combined/city/highway 22/21/19
OUR OBSERVED: 19.2 mpg 
PROS:  Incredible chassis balance and grip, Auto transmission does a good job, Superbly quick
CONS: Hard ride, the exhaust could be more aggressive