Test-Driving The Fun, Spunky 2026 Toyota GR CorollaForbesJosh Max, ContributorTue, September 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTCAdd us on Google2026 Toyota GR CorollaNATHAN LEACH-PROFFERThe GR Corolla arrived for the 2023 model year, when Toyota took its sensible Corolla hatchback and handed it to the Gazoo Racing people. And, yes, Toyota "Gazoo Racing" is absolutely a real thing, the company hasn't merged with The Flintstones. It's Toyota's global motorsports and performance division, and GR stands for Gazoo Racing.Toyota actually renamed its U.S. racing operation Toyota Gazoo Racing North America beginning with the 2025 season.Why should people buy the GR over a "regular" Corolla?This is far more than a trim package. Instead of the regular Corolla Hatchback's 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive, the GR gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, plus GR-FOUR all-wheel drive. It's way faster, boss.2026 Toyota GR CorollaFor 2026 Toyota stiffened the body and added a secondary air intake to help manage engine temperatures during hard driving.AdvertisementAdvertisementToyota currently lists the GR Corolla at $40,520 with the six-speed manual and $42,520 with the eight-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission. Premium Plus versions are $46,565 and $48,565. Mileage-wise, the manual is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 highway and the automatic gets 19/27.So yes, it is available in an automatic, but I had the manual and wouldn't have traded it.LooksIt looks exactly as wild as a Corolla ought to look after 300 horsepower has been stuffed under the hood. The stance is wider, with swollen fenders, a bulged hood with functional black vents, 18-inch wheels, a rear diffuser and three exhaust tips. Bright red brake calipers peek through the wheels. Premium Plus adds a forged carbon-fiber roof and black rear spoiler. It's all sharp corners, and it got quite a few compliments from neighbors and other guys on the road.2026 Toyota GR CorollaInteriorInside, the architecture is still recognizably Corolla. The sport seats held me well and there is 38.4 inches of front headroom and 42 inches of legroom, so bigger and taller drivers should be ok up front.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe rear is tighter despite it being a 4-door, with 29.9 inches of legroom. Cargo capacity is 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, useful but not cavernous, and the mechanical handbrake eats into center-console storage.Tech is standard modern Toyota - a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Premium Plus adds a head-up display and upgraded JBL audio. Nothing unusual about any of it, and it all worked including the syncing of my phone, which does not always work with every manufacturer.2026 Toyota GR CorollaHow's the drive?Me and the GR got along from the get-go - only one stall in the whole seven-day test. The six-speed has a light, short, positive throw, and the clutch is friendly. Acceleration is genuinely quick with a reported 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds.The steering is direct, the brakes are strong and easy to modulate, visibility is good for a performance hatch, and the car feels eager rather than nervous. Cornering is the star attraction. The all-wheel-drive system gives it hellacious grip while still letting the car feel lively and adjustable at speed - you don't have to brake to do quick movements, unless you want to, of course. It's every bit as much fun to drive as it looks. Many was the ride that took place at night, on the Pacific coast highway, music cranked, enjoying life and the car. I'd like to see how it does in snow.Room for improvementThe ride is firm and road and tire noise are noticeable, the rear seat is tight and the interior can feel plain for a car approaching $50,000.AdvertisementAdvertisementConclusion: The GR exceeded all expectations. If you've got the money for it, it's great.This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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