2027 Toyota GR Corolla Engine, Performance, Configurations – 2027 Toyota GR Corolla is a car of an entirely different species. Apart from that name, the GR Corolla shares only its basic structure and some interior components with the brand’s famously mundane commuter car. Toyota has dropped in a fiery 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a multi-mode all-wheel-drive system, and a sport-tuned suspension to create a track-conquering mini monster capable of keeping pace with automotive icons such as the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R.
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2027 Toyota GR Corolla Redesign and Update Plan
Although it was originally intended to be offered only for the GR Corolla’s inaugural model year of 2023, the Circuit Edition trim sticks around for 2027 and gains a new Blue Flame exterior color and lighter 18-inch forged wheels. Ordering the Blue Flame color also adds matching blue interior accents and black lower-body decals.
Exterior & Interior
The GR Corolla shares most of its cabin with the standard Corolla hatchback, which means good build quality, soft-touch materials, and plenty of features but with racier trim and sport seats. Standard equipment includes ambient interior lighting, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a push-button start, and aluminum pedal covers. Automatic climate control, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel are all standard on the Circuit Edition, which also wears suede and faux-leather upholstery in place of the base model’s cloth. The Morizo Edition promises an even higher level of excitement but at the cost of practicality; Toyota has removed the rear seat, the rear speakers, and even the hatchback-mounted window wiper to save as much weight as possible. Less weight equals quicker lap times. The front seats are treated to an exclusive red-and-black upholstery scheme, and there’s racy faux suede on the shift knob, parking brake lever, and steering wheel rim. 2027 Toyota GR Corolla Engine
2027 Toyota GR Corolla Sedan Specs
An 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard and also includes Amazon Alexa capability and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package on Core models adds an eight-speaker JBL stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and in-dash navigation; these items are all standard on the Circuit Edition.
Engine & Performance
Under the hood of the GR Corolla is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine plucked from the GR Yaris—a hatchback that the Japanese automaker sells in global markets outside of the United States. For the GR Corolla, it has been tuned to make 300 horsepower—an eye-opening 185.4 horsepower per liter and 43 horsepower more than it makes in the GR Yaris. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available, and all models come with Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. The GR-Four system allows the driver to choose among different power-distribution modes, starting with a 60/40 front-to-rear split for everyday driving to up to 30/70 to allow for drifting antics; a 50/50 split option is intended to provide maximum traction for racing. 2027 Toyota GR Corolla Engine
Current examples of the Corolla, even sporty SE and XSE models, don’t offer remotely racy handling or performance, but upgrades to the GR’s suspension and powertrain make it a legitimate contender in the sport-compact segment. The Circuit Edition comes standard with front and rear limited-slip differentials, while the base Core model offers those as an option. The limited-edition Morizo is a track-focused model that comes with lighter-weight forged wheels, a retuned engine that produces 295 pound-feet of torque (the standard model makes 273 pound-feet), a uniquely calibrated suspension, and ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. Cornering grip is tenacious, and on a twisty road, the GR Corolla rewards its driver with a perfect blend of sure-footedness and civility. While pedal placement may not be ideal for heel-toe work, the six-speed manual is otherwise easy to row; a rev-match feature is standard.
2027 Toyota GR Corolla Sedan Fuel Economy
While the current Corolla is both one of the more fuel-efficient options in its class and thoroughly somnambulant in its driving character, the high-performance GR variant is aimed purely at maximum performance. Thanks to its small 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, it still delivers relatively decent fuel economy, but its EPA estimates of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway are well below that of the normal Corolla hatchback 2027 Toyota GR Corolla Engine
2027 Toyota GR Corolla Sedan Safety Features
Toyota currently offers much of its driver-assistance technology as standard on most of its lineup, and the GR Corolla is no different. A host of desirable tech features are bundled together across the lineup and include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic high-beam headlamps. For more information about the GR Corolla’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control
2027 Toyota GR Corolla Sedan Release Date & Price
The price of the 2027 Toyota GR Corolla starts at $37,595 and goes up to $46,235 depending on the trim and options. We’d stick with the Core trim and splurge on the Performance package, which adds front and rear limited-slip differentials. Sadly, the limited-production Morizo Edition trim which was available last year, is no longer on the menu. 2027 Toyota GR Corolla Engine