The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla introduces an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, a move designed to attract a wider audience to this high-performance compact car. While this aims to make the energetic hot hatchback more accessible, particularly for daily driving, initial tests reveal that the automatic variant doesn't quite match the manual's performance metrics. Enthusiasts might find the traditional six-speed manual gearbox still offers a more engaging and ultimately faster driving experience, reinforcing the car's core identity as a driver-focused machine, even as Toyota explores new avenues for broader appeal.
Toyota's decision to offer an automatic transmission for the 2025 GR Corolla is part of a strategy to expand its market reach. The vehicle maintains its exhilarating 300-horsepower turbocharged inline-three engine, now boasting an increased torque output of 295 pound-feet. This robust powertrain, coupled with a driver-configurable all-wheel-drive system and exceptional chassis dynamics, allows the GR Corolla to transform winding roads into an exciting rally stage. The automatic transmission's shifts are commendably swift and intelligently managed, especially in Sport mode, and its additional ratios contribute to keeping the engine within its optimal power band while providing a more relaxed cruising experience on highways.
Despite the sophisticated engineering of the new automatic gearbox, performance comparisons against the manual version reveal some interesting discrepancies. When initiated with a 3500-rpm launch control start, the automatic GR Corolla achieved 60 mph in 5.0 seconds. This is slightly slower by a tenth of a second compared to the slowest manual GR Corolla tested, and notably 0.6 seconds behind the quickest manual variant. The automatic's performance consistency in testing was also noted to vary, and it couldn't surpass the manual in quarter-mile times, indicating that the traditional gearbox still holds an edge in outright acceleration.
Moreover, the automatic model carries an additional 72 pounds, pushing its curb weight to 3345 pounds, which marginally impacts fuel efficiency. The EPA highway rating for the automatic stands at 27 mpg, one mpg less than the manual's 28 mpg. While our 75-mph highway test recorded an impressive 35 mpg, the overall practicality for relaxed long-distance cruising is somewhat diminished by the car's inherent characteristics. The cabin noise, measured at 29 sones at 70 mph, combined with a firm ride over imperfect road surfaces and the absence of a central armrest, suggests that the automatic GR Corolla might not be the ideal companion for extended, leisurely journeys. Furthermore, the automatic transmission adds approximately $2000 to the vehicle's price, pushing the top-tier Premium Plus model's tested cost beyond $50,000.
Toyota deserves recognition for its initiative in attempting to diversify the GR Corolla's appeal. The 2025 model also benefits from subtle chassis refinements and improved engine cooling, showcasing a commitment to ongoing development. However, for a vehicle celebrated for its raw driving engagement, the addition of a two-pedal setup, while offering convenience, doesn't quite capture the full essence of the GR Corolla's spirited character. The manual transmission remains the more harmonious pairing for this delectable driver's car, delivering the untamed spirit that its enthusiasts cherish.
