2023 Toyota GR Corolla Performance

With small differences in mechanical specifications and each with 300 hp, the performance of all Toyota GR Corolla trims are similar, although the Morizo Edition does lead the pack, thanks to more torque. Toyota is oddly specific with all its performance claims, saying that the two base trims should get from 0-60 mph in precisely 4.99 seconds. Independent tests with a one-foot rollout added have achieved around 4.9 seconds to support the claim. If you're merciless with the clutch and drop it at high revs, the Toyota GR Corolla's 0-60 time is very good for a manual car, mostly thanks to the AWD system's launch grip, even if its not as quick as its rivals.

With its 295 lb-ft of torque and slightly shorter gear ratios, the Morizo Edition's 0-60 is said to be 4.92 seconds. The same top speed of 142.9 mph is claimed by Toyota for all three derivatives. Naturally, a performance special such as this is not made for trailering; the intrusive center exhaust would prevent you from fitting a tow hitch anyway.

The Toyota GR Corolla's engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder delivering 300 horsepower in all three trims. The Core and Circuit Edition produce 273 lb-ft of torque, which is amped up to 295 lb-ft in the Morizo Edition. If a highly strung 185.4-hp-per-liter engine sounds a bit excessive, keep in mind that this powertrain was developed for WRC racing where it is pushed up to 380 hp, so there is said to be quite a bit of headroom built into the tough little three-pot. Toyota markets its track use as well, so given the automaker's reputation, it should be built for the job without undue concerns that the mechanical bits aren't up to it.

Its safe to assume the clutch is beefy enough to endure countless redline launches and the stresses of hard driving, given Toyota's reputation. It's your only option, as a six-speed manual gearbox is the sole transmission. The standard all-wheel-drive system has a proper variable center differential that can apportion drive in 60:40 (Normal), 50:50 (Track), or 30:70 (Sport) ratios, front to rear. The top two trims come with limited-slip front and rear differentials, which can be added to the Core at extra cost.

Thanks to 18-inch wheels and tires with relatively tall sidewalls for a hot hatch, gravel driving should be in the cards under most conditions, a discipline the GR Corolla excels at. Just don't venture off-road: Despite the GR's rally aspirations, the 5.3-inch ground clearance will see to it that you don't get far, even if it's quite good for a sports car.

You don't buy a car like the GR Corolla for its gas mileage or mpg figures, but it's actually quite light on fuel for its performance. The EPA's city/highway/combined estimates are 21/28/24 mpg, on par with the Civic Type R's 22/28/24 mpg and better than the Golf R manual's 20/28/23. We were perhaps expecting a bit more, given its small displacement, but it's no deal breaker.

The GR Corolla has a fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons, giving it a potential range of around 317 miles on the combined cycle. Not surprisingly, the highly strung power plant requires Premium gas.