It’s rare to encounter a vehicle that genuinely excites you beyond the typical industry hype. In the automotive journalism world, we’re often presented with top-of-the-line models, showcasing every imaginable feature. It’s less common to get behind the wheel of something that mirrors what we, as enthusiasts, would actually choose and purchase with our own money. This week, however, the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla changed that perspective entirely.
This isn’t just another test drive; it’s an experience with a car that resonates on a personal level. As someone who appreciates performance but also values practicality, the GR Corolla slots perfectly into the sweet spot. The allure of a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive muscle car, reminiscent of the Chevy Camaro SS, is undeniable. However, the realities of daily life, like family responsibilities, shift priorities. Loading a child into the back of a Camaro or similar muscle car isn’t exactly convenient. The GR Corolla, on the other hand, presents a compelling alternative.
The Rise of the Hot Hatch and the GR Corolla’s Place in Automotive History
Perhaps the shift towards practicality is why we’re seeing a change in the automotive landscape. The popularity of traditional sports cars is arguably waning as SUVs and crossovers dominate the market. Yet, within this shift, a vibrant segment is thriving: the hot hatch. These vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance and everyday usability.
For many, including myself in my younger years, hot hatches might have been overlooked in favor of the raw power of muscle cars. However, experience, especially on the track, reveals their unique appeal. The hot hatch segment, pioneered by the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the 1970s, essentially took the spirit of accessible, fun performance from the muscle car era and repackaged it for a new generation. Just as the Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros of the 60s provided affordable thrills, hot hatches emerged as their successors, offering driving enjoyment in a more compact and fuel-efficient package.
GR Corolla: Marrying Practicality with Unadulterated Fun
Now in my 30s, the appeal of a hot hatch like the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla is undeniable. It embodies the core principles that made the original hot hatches so popular. Toyota has taken their best-selling Corolla, a vehicle synonymous with reliability and practicality, and injected it with a potent powertrain and engaging driving dynamics. Under the hood lies a high-output engine that, surprisingly, doesn’t compromise on fuel efficiency, paired with a rewarding manual gearbox. The GR Corolla also boasts selectable all-wheel drive (AWD), a feature that sets it apart from many competitors.
Everyday Practicality, Track-Ready Performance
The GR Corolla excels in ticking multiple boxes. Need to transport passengers? The rear seats are surprisingly spacious for a hatchback, and rear doors make access easy. Need cargo space? The rear hatch and folding seats provide ample room for larger items. Concerned about fuel costs? The three-cylinder engine is relatively economical.
But the GR Corolla is far more than just practical. It’s built for driving thrills. With 300 horsepower on tap, it accelerates to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. The six-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use, enhancing driver engagement. And for those craving track days, a dedicated track mode unlocks the car’s full potential.
GR Corolla vs. The Competition: Hot Hatch Supremacy
When comparing the GR Corolla to its rivals, it’s crucial to consider both price and overall package. While a V8 Mustang might be available for a similar price point, the GR Corolla offers a different kind of performance and significantly more practicality. A 2024 Ford Mustang GT, while boasting 480 horsepower, sacrifices the everyday usability that the GR Corolla provides.
Within the hot hatch segment, the GR Corolla stands strong against competitors like the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R. The Golf R, priced higher with similar horsepower, and the Civic Type R, with front-wheel drive only, both present different compromises. Even the Subaru WRX, now only a sedan, lags behind in horsepower and driving engagement in its top trim. Having experienced the Civic Type R on the track and the WRX on the streets, the GR Corolla emerges as the more compelling and well-rounded choice.
A Personal Favorite: GR Corolla’s Winning Formula
Compared to my past affinity for pony cars, the GR Corolla’s practicality aligns perfectly with my current lifestyle. It simply makes more sense. It’s easily my favorite Toyota vehicle I’ve tested, not just for its practicality, but for its exhilarating driving dynamics. The AWD system, responsive engine, and nimble handling, combined with the four doors and hatchback versatility, create a truly winning formula.
Priced just around $40,000 as tested, the GR Corolla is arguably the best car in its price range. While muscle cars like Mustangs and Camaros still hold a nostalgic charm, optioning them to a similar level of features would push their price tags significantly higher, venturing into the $60,000 range. The GR Corolla offers a near-perfect blend of performance and features straight out of the box, aligning closely with how I would personally configure one.
Conclusion: The Toyota GR Corolla – A Hot Hatch Revelation
The only thing preventing me from purchasing a GR Corolla right now is the fact that we already own two perfectly adequate vehicles and the constant influx of test cars for review. However, if my circumstances were different and I were actively searching for a new car, the Toyota GR Corolla would undoubtedly be at the top of my list. It’s a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess, delivering a hot hatch that is both thrilling and genuinely usable in the real world. For anyone seeking a performance car that doesn’t compromise on practicality, the GR Corolla is a must-consider.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla Specs:
- 1.6L Turbocharged Inline 3-Cylinder Engine
- 300 Horsepower
- 273 lb-ft of Torque
- 6-Speed Manual Gearbox with Rev-matching
- GR-FOUR AWD
- Driver-selectable Torque Split:
- 60 Front/40 Rear
- 30 Front/70 Rear
- 50/50
- Triple-outlet Exhaust
- MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
- Circuit-tuned Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers, and Stabilizer Bars
- Double-wishbone Multi-Link Rear Suspension
- Four-piston Front Two-Piston Rear Brake Calipers
- 14-inch Front Ventilated and Slotted Rotors
- 11.7-inch Rear Ventilated and Slotted Rotors
- Front and Rear Torsion Limited Slip Differentials
- 235/40 R18 Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 S Tires
- Toyota-claimed 4.99 Second 0-60
- 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Hatchback Design
- Added Aero for Increased Downforce
- Cloth Front Sport Seats with Increased Bolstering for Cornering Support
- 8-inch Color Infotainment with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Qi Wireless Phone Charger
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Automatic High Beam Headlights
- Road Sign Assist
- JBL 8-speaker Premium Sound
- Complimentary 1-year National Auto Sport Association (NASA) membership, *including one free High-Performance Driving Experience (HPDE) *
- EPA Fuel Economy 21/28/24 (city/hwy/cmb)
- Starting Price: $35,900
- Price as tested: $40,159
