The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is an exciting entrant in the sport compact car universe. It’s got a lot of cool features and specs that will keep you coming for more. The new GR Corolla is a bold shift for Toyota, a brand that’s famous for cars like the Prius and RAV4. And this year, the hatchback is coming to win it all. The 2024 GR Corolla is a hot hatch that competes fiercely with rivals like the Subaru WRX, Volkswagen Golf R, and Hyundai Elantra N. That’s right. With a competition like that, the GR Corolla is anything but ordinary. Besides its aggressive styling, the GR Corolla has an exceptional performance and a host of advanced features. This 2024 GR Corolla review eyeballs its specs, performance, design, and value on the compact car market.
Overview Of The GR Corolla
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is an awesome sport compact car. It competes with the Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf R. Its selling point is on power, agility, and everyday usability. Highlights of the 2024 GR Corolla include the unique GR badging, aerodynamic design, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and lots of standard features.
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Exterior Design and Styling
For 2024, the GR Corolla retains an aggressive and sporty design. While it shares the basic silhouette of the standard Corolla, the GR variant adds several performance-oriented touches.
Key exterior features of the 2024 GR Corolla include the bold front fascia, with a distinctive front bumper with large air intakes. It also features wider fenders and a rear spoiler.
One unique aspect of the GR Corolla is the GR Badging, a constant reminder of the car’s motorsport-inspired lineage.
Toyota GR Corolla 2024 Interior
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla interior features a sporty appearance and practical cabin. Like the exterior, the standard Corolla heavily influences the GR’s interior design. However, there are a few interior GR features that set it apart.
The GR Corolla has heavily bolstered sport seats that provide excellent support during spirited driving. All seats are covered in cloth upholstery.
While the interior materials are generally well-built, some critics note that the GR Corolla’s cabin feels a bit too similar to the base Corolla, lacking the premium feel expected in a performance-oriented model.
2024 GR Corolla Infotainment System
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The touchscreen itself is intuitive and user-friendly, with quick responses and easy navigation.
Aside from the 8-inch infotainment, the GR Corolla has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which is standard across all trims.
Engine and Performance
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, with 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
This powertrain pairs with a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, making it a true driver’s car.
Acceleration
The 1.6-liter turbo engine may be small, but it delivers big power. In my 2024 Toyota GR Corolla review, I found the acceleration satisfying. The GR Corolla can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under 5 seconds.
While the engine’s power delivery is most potent at higher RPMs, it still provides sufficient torque for daily driving.
Only A Manual Transmission is Available
The six-speed manual transmission is the only option available on the 2024 GR Corolla. The .shifter is precise, and the clutch is well-weighted, making gear changes a satisfying experience.
Handling and Suspension
In my 2024 Toyota GR Corolla review, I took the car for a spin in East London, Maryland Stratford. One thing I enjoyed most was the GR’s excellent grip. Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system is a standout feature. On top of the usual grip duties, the AWD comes with selectable power distribution modes that allow drivers to tailor the car’s handling characteristics.
The suspension setup is firm enough to handle spirited driving, without being overly harsh. The body roll is minimal, and the car feels planted and stable in corners. This makes the 2024 GR Corolla suitable for daily use.
In terms of stopping power, the GR Corolla has four-piston ventilated and slotted front disc brakes. This is particularly important given the car’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Economy
Given its performance credentials, the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla delivers respectable fuel economy figures. According to the EPA, the GR Corolla achieves an estimated 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
For its safety. the 2024 GR Corolla is received good ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the GR Corolla 5 stars..
The 202 GR Corolla has a suite of safety driver assistance features, including Blind-Spot Monitoring, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Rear-Seat Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
On top of that, the GR Corolla is equipped with two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is available in three trim levels: Core, Premium, and Circuit Edition. Each trim offers a unique set of features. Buyers can choose the model that best suits their needs and budget.
1. Core Model
Priced at $36,500, the Core model offers a strong value proposition with features like cloth upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, 18-inch wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires. For those seeking additional performance, the optional Performance package adds front and rear limited-slip differentials, red-painted brake calipers, and special GR badging for $1,180.
2. Premium Model
The Premium trim starts at $40,320 and includes upgrades such as synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, and an eight-speaker stereo. This trim level strikes a balance between performance and luxury.
3. Circuit Edition
The top-tier Circuit Edition is priced at $45,140 and includes all the features of the Premium model, along with a forged carbon-fiber roof, 18-inch BBS wheels, hood vents, and a large rear spoiler. This trim is the most track-focused of the lineup, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who plan to take their GR Corolla to the track.
Competitors and Value
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla competes with many sport-compact cars, including the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Golf R, and Subaru WRX. Each of these rivals offers a unique set of strengths. However, the 2024 GR Corolla stands out for its all-wheel drive, manual transmission, and aggressive styling.
In terms of value, the GR Corolla is a competitively priced compact car. As mentioned, the pricing starts at $36,500 for the base Core Trim. But even as a base model, the Core offers good performance, features, and everyday usability. However, its interior quality and rear-seat comfort may not be as impressive as some of its rivals, which could be a consideration for buyers who prioritize those aspects.
Verdict
What I’ve learned from this 2024 Toyota GR Corolla review is that the compact car makes a compelling option in the market. It’s got everything you could ask for. Where it comes short in interior quality, this Sport compact car makes up for it in reliability and performance. It also has a manual transmission, which gives it an engaging and fun-to-drive character. To top that off, the 2024 GR Corolla has a strong engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and sharp handling. Okay, Toyota. You Win. Take my money.