When it first came out, the Toyota GR Corolla was limited to drivers who either knew how to drive a stick or wanted to learn, but not anymore.
The 2025 model of this hot hatch adds an 8-speed automatic transmission to the mix, giving it an upgrade from the 6-speed manual to ensure a wider audience of drivers would be able to enjoy this incredible sports car. Toyota made a few additional upgrades to this impressive car, but the biggest change is the addition of the automatic transmission.
Let’s look at what you’ll enjoy in the new 2025 version of the Toyota GR Corolla.
A big difference in the shift pattern
The new 8-speed automatic transmission developed by Gazoo Racing is a Direct Automatic Transmission with launch control and paddle shifters. This might sound familiar because the GR Supra and GR86 have similar transmissions, but there are distinct differences in this new model. The gearboxes in the GR Supra and GR86 shift based on vehicle behavior, such as speed and g-force. The automatic transmission being added to the GR Corolla does things much differently. This new transmission uses brake and acceleration pedal inputs to anticipate when to make gear changes.
Drive modes make a difference
The Toyota GR Corolla has four drive modes to give you the right driving responses from the various systems. These modes are Normal, Sport, Eco, and Custom. The new automatic transmission is specifically tuned for Sport mode to make it more active and fun. To accomplish this, the GR tuning team developed optimized shift points to give it a similar performance feel and ratios to the 6-speed manual. This new automatic gearbox comes standard with a transmission cooler to keep the temperature in check when this car is taken out to the track for a day of fun and exciting driving.
The GR Corolla has an updated turbocharger
Toyota didn’t change everything about the turbocharger, but the 2025 version of this car should take off quicker than the previous model. The turbocharger in the engine gives this car more torque to take it from 273 lb-ft to 295 while still producing 300 horsepower.
In addition to the turbocharger upgrade, the front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials are standard for the AWD models of the GR Corolla. These items were optional on lower trims in 2024, and now they are standard across the range, making it easy to enjoy the drive and performance available in this fun and active sports car.
More changes
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is one of the latest additions to the hot hatch market. This impressive car has more upgrades available, including an improved suspension, which adds rebound springs to the front and rear to suppress inner wheel lift during hard cornering. The rear coil springs and stabilizers have also been improved while raising the trailing arm mounting point to reduce squat during acceleration.
Another change for the GR Corolla is an updated front bumper design. This upgrade isn’t just for looks; it also has new, improved brake ducts, a new air curtain, and improved stability. The new air curtain decreased turbulence around the tires, which helps this car drive better. The new bumper also allows room for the automatic transmission cooler and the optional sub-radiator.
Several trims to give you a great drive
The GR Corolla is entering a new model year with three trims available: Core, Premium, and Premium Plus. The previously-offered Circuit Edition is no longer part of the lineup. The new Premium Plus model has a carbon-fiber roof, a vented bulge hood, and a head-up display. The cabin area also has new fits and finishes on some of the surfaces.
The Core and Premium trims have a standard set of 18-inch, 15-spoke alloy wheels that look incredible under this car. The Premium Plus has a set of 18-inch matte black wheels to carry the ride. All models of the new Toyota GR Corolla ride on a set o Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires which makes this car fun on the road or track. Every version also has Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and a complimentary one-year National Auto Sport Association membership.
Are you ready to drive?
If you’ve been waiting for the GR team to add an 8-speed automatic transmission to this sports car, it’s finally here. The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla has the transmission you need so that you can drive this sports car without learning to row your own gears. Will you choose the new GR Corolla and have the fun associated with a high-performance hot hatch?
