2026 Toyota GR Corolla Premium Plus

The GR Corolla is Toyota's hot hatch, a compact all-wheel-drive performance car that slots above the standard Corolla. It squares off against the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R, but only the Toyota comes with a manual and AWD as standard. The GR Corolla grips hard and rotates eagerly, with a manual gearbox that makes it a genuine driver's car. The ride is firm and the cabin is snug, which is the price of its sharp handling and compact footprint. It remains a practical hatchback with a usable rear seat and cargo area, so you can carry gear as well as pace. You step up from the Core and Premium trims for the Premium Plus's forged carbon roof, head-up display, and sub-radiator that help it run harder on track. The 1.6L I3 makes 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with your choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, and the GR-FOUR AWD system lets you pick Normal, Gravel, or Track modes. Its Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear claw for traction out of corners, and the triple exhaust barks a note no other Corolla can match.