Toyota treats the GR Corolla like a favorite child. Every year, there's always a small update that brings a slight increase in performance, and for 2025, there are subtle changes that add up to a slight difference. And there's a new front design that looks like Shredder.
For 2024, the GR Corolla received technical updates such as revised air curtain ducts and strips of aluminum tape behind the front bumper to improve aerodynamic efficiency by reducing static discharge. And for 2025, it's pretty much the same story–a slight increase in rear anti-squat that helps increase rear stiffness, rebound springs in the dampers that improve overall traction, and a retuning of the clutch pedal that makes clutch engagement more positive and lighter.
The only significant changes are the extra torque: 295 pound-feet from 273, thanks to the ECU tune from the Morizo edition, and an optional automatic gearbox that I haven't tried. But probably, I will also try it in the future.
Of the three modern sport compacts–Hyundai Elantra N, Honda Civic Type R, and GR Corolla–the GR Corolla has always been the most charismatic of all, and the least apologetic. The three-cylinder engine always has a unique sound, the slightly different interior, and the good steering calibration make it easy to fall in love.
Fortunately, this is still true of the 2025 GR Corolla. You only have to watch our latest YouTube video to find out why.
