Saying U.S. car enthusiasts lost their minds when Toyota officially unveiled the 2023 GR Corolla is almost an understatement. The 300-hp, stick-shift, all-wheel-drive hot hatch ticks basically every box in the driving fan handbook. However, there’s one thing—apart from it not being on sale yet—damping some peoples’ enthusiasm. And it’s that the Toyota GR Corolla isn’t a GR Yaris.

The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla has GR Yaris parts, but it’s not a rally homologation special

will the 2023 toyota gr corolla be as special as the gr yaris?

2023 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition front 3/4 | Toyota

Now, it’s worth remembering that the GR Yaris barely shares anything with the regular Toyota Yaris. Specifically, it shares an overall look, nameplate, and seven parts. It doesn’t even ride on the same platform as the standard Yaris: the rear, hilariously enough, is from the Corolla’s platform.

However, while the GR Yaris doesn’t share much with its namesake, many of its parts are headed here in the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla. The GR Corolla has the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, six-speed manual, and GT-Four AWD system as its overseas sibling. But thanks to a new exhaust, more boost, and different fueling, the GR Corolla is even more powerful. Unless you talk to Litchfield, the GR Yaris ‘only’ makes 257 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Although, since it’s smaller, it doesn’t necessarily need more power.

But though Toyota gave the GR Corolla a GR Yaris heart, it couldn’t give the former the latter’s backstory. CEO Akio Toyoda looked upon a sea of profit-minded, practical, broad-appeal cars, many of them made by his company, and deliberately did the opposite. Why? Because he wanted Toyota to win the World Rally Championship.

The GR Yaris, with its crazy drivetrain, bonkers chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and multiple carbon-fiber body panels, “broke all of Toyota’s rules,” Road & Track says. And it made a road-legal version purely to go racing. That makes this insane Yaris a true homologation special, an heir to the Lancia Delta Integrale and Ford RS200. And no matter how many upgrades Toyota made to the Corolla Hatchback to create the 2023 GR Corolla, it won’t be a factory-made rally car, R&T argues.

Yet there is something the GR Corolla brings that the GR Yaris can’t match, at least in the States: acceptance.

If Toyota had sold the GR Yaris in the U.S.A., would people actually buy it?

will the 2023 toyota gr corolla be as special as the gr yaris?

2021 Toyota GR Yaris | James Ryan via Unsplash

One of the reasons why so many reviewers—Road & Track included—adore the Toyota GR Yaris is its size. It’s a supermini, aka a subcompact/B-segment car, just like the Ford Fiesta ST, Honda Fit, and Fiat 500 Abarth. And just like those cars, the Yaris isn’t sold in the U.S. anymore. The Corolla, though, is still going strong here.

Although superminis had a brief blaze of popularity here, it died once gas prices dropped (remember those days?). Furthermore, many Americans don’t hold small cars in high regard. Why get a hatchback when a bigger, taller crossover that projects (perceived) authority and power, and therefore luxury, doesn’t cost that much more? But that’s a discussion for another article.

Regardless, even if Toyota brought the GR Yaris over here, there’s no guarantee it would sell well. Admittedly, automakers understand that performance cars are usually niche products and taper their sales volume expectations accordingly. And according to Toyota Motor North America senior VP of automotive operations Jack Hollis, the company didn’t immediately dismiss that idea even knowing that, R&T says. However, it ultimately went with the GR Corolla because “’we knew [it] fit our market,’” Hollis told R&T.

As good and special as the Toyota GR Yaris is, it’s not really designed with American roads in mind. So, even with its incredible backstory and undeniable enthusiast appeal, the mini hot hatch would likely struggle here.

Our Corolla hot hatch should still be an AWD blast

All that said, don’t think of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla as a consolation prize. This is so much more than a more powerful AWD Corolla Hatchback. For one, it doesn’t share its AWD system with any other Toyota product sold here. And while some of its interior upgrades might end up in ‘lesser’ Corollas, its powertrain, suspension, and braking upgrades won’t.

Now, as of this writing, no one outside of Toyota has driven the GR Corolla. But I predict that as soon as someone gets behind the wheel, they’ll instantly forget that it’s not a GR Yaris. Because any 300-hp AWD hot hatch with a manual and optional dual limited-slip differentials is special, indeed.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

Keyword: Will the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Be as Special as the GR Yaris?

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

The steel wheels say “work truck,” but adaptive cruise and push-button start were the stuff of luxury cars only a few years ago.

View more: Here’s Everything You Get In The Base 2024 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

Toyota is securing substantial funding as it looks to catch up in the EV race. Sources close to the matter say Toyota and its affiliates will sell a stake of around $4.7B in Denso, the second-largest global auto supplier. Toyota plans to sell around 10% (roughly $4.7 billion) of ...

View more: Toyota to sell massive $4.7B stake in top supplier as it looks to catch up in EV race

The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Image: Toyota American car buyers, for the most part, are not fans of wagons. The long roof body style has almost disappeared from the U.S. car market with only a few models remaining. There is the ever-popular Subaru Outback, and some more expensive options from Audi, Mercedes, and Volvo. ...

View more: The Crown Signia Is A Wagon Regardless Of What Toyota Says

Five most affordable automatic cars in South Africa

Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 GL Auto – R188,900 Renault Kwid 1.0 Zen Auto – R212,999 Proton Saga 1.3 Standard Auto – R224,900 Suzuki Celerio 1.0 GL Auto – R225,900 Toyota Vitz 1.0 XR Auto – R239,900 When it comes to city driving, an automatic gearbox is one of the best ...

View more: Five most affordable automatic cars in South Africa

2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive: A Sure Bet Remains So

•    Auto123 gets in a first drive of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Toronto, ON – This past May, Toyota unveiled the new generation of its Tacoma pickup truck. That happened in Hawaii, an exotic locale to be sure, but it happens to be where the model has been the best-selling ...

View more: 2024 Toyota Tacoma First Drive: A Sure Bet Remains So

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995

It’s still one of the most affordable trucks in the segment.

View more: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Starts At $32,995

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds Some Polish But Keeps The Fun

Thanks to a torquey, 270-hp four-cylinder and an available six-speed manual, the new Taco is a charmer.

View more: The 2024 Toyota Tacoma Adds Some Polish But Keeps The Fun

Toyota Selling Shorty Land Cruiser 70 For $46,000 But There’s A Catch

The Land Cruiser 70 Series will turn 40 next year but it's still going strong.

View more: Toyota Selling Shorty Land Cruiser 70 For $46,000 But There’s A Catch

Exclusive: Toyota group companies plan $4.7 billion sale of Denso stake

2024 Toyota Camry NASCAR Cup Series Contender Gets The Road Car's New Looks

The Only New Toyota Camry That Won't Be A Hybrid Is Racing In NASCAR

New Toyota Hilux Champ – Engines and interior revealed

You Can Buy Toyota's Tiny $13,000 Work Truck But Not In The US

Kia Sonet Vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Price, Engine Specs & Dimensions Comparison

The Toyota Corolla GR Sport - Unassuming, Uncompromising Thrills

Affordable hatchbacks with the best warranties in South Africa

Next-gen Ford Mustang – The competitors at R1.5 million

5 car brands South Africa’s middle class loves

Toyota and Solid-State Batteries for EVs: Patience Is In Order

Toyota is still greenwashing after change in leadership

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel