The GR Corolla has always been about channeling rally heritage into a street-ready package, and for 2026, Toyota sharpens the U.S. model with meaningful upgrades. This isn’t just a carryover hot hatch, it’s a more refined and capable version that continues to punch above its weight in performance and value.
Structural and Cooling Enhancements
Toyota’s GAZOO Racing team has dialed up the chassis for 2026, adding 45.6 feet of extra structural adhesive to the body. The result is improved rigidity and rear grip, translating into better suspension response and a more connected feel through corners. A new secondary air intake duct joins the mix, helping to stabilize engine temperatures and keep power consistent during long, spirited drives.
Trim Lineup: GR Corolla and Premium Plus
U.S. buyers will get two trims: GR Corolla and GR Corolla Premium Plus.
- The base GR Corolla is anything but basic, featuring a bulge hood with gloss-black vents, a color-keyed spoiler, 15-spoke alloy wheels, and Brin Naub® suede-trimmed seats with gray stitching.
- The Premium Plus takes it up a notch with a forged carbon-fiber roof, matte black wheels, a gloss black rear spoiler, red-stitched sport seats, and a head-up display.
Audio and Interior Tech
Toyota also gave the cabin more punch with an upgraded JBL Premium Sound System. The Premium Plus grade gets nine speakers, including a subwoofer, while Active Sound Control (ASC) pipes in performance-oriented sounds synced with throttle and gear changes. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and Toyota’s 8-inch Audio Multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ round out the tech suite.
Powertrain and Rally DNA
Under the hood, the familiar 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder returns, pushing 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between:
- Six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with rev-matching.
- Eight-speed GR Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT), tuned for track-style responsiveness.
Cooling upgrades include a standard ATF cooler on automatic models, while Premium Plus trims add a sub-radiator for extra thermal management.
The GR-FOUR AWD system remains the heart of the car, offering Normal (60:40), Gravel (50:50), and Track (variable up to 30:70) torque splits. Standard front and rear Torsen® LSDs keep traction sharp, and automatic versions benefit from launch control for consistent starts.
Safety and Connectivity
All grades come with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, bringing adaptive cruise, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and more. Connected services include Remote Connect, Safety Connect, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Pricing in the U.S.
- GR Corolla Base MT: $39,920
- GR Corolla Base AT: $41,920
- GR Corolla Premium Plus MT: $45,965
- GR Corolla Premium Plus AT: $47,965
(Prices exclude $1,195 processing and handling fee.)
Extra Perks
Each purchase includes a 1-year NASA membership with access to a High Performance Driving Event (HPDE), giving owners a chance to experience the car’s rally DNA on track.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational purposes only. Vehicle specs, pricing, and availability may change. Always verify details with official sources before making decisions. Opinions are those of the authors.
Source: Toyota
