My Week with the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2023
- I spend a week with the GR Corolla Core to see what it's like to live with. I discovered that although it isn't perfect, the GR Corolla is an incredibly special feeling car that doesn't deserve the negativity it's gotten due to dealer markups. What do you think about the GR Corolla and would you take it over a Golf R, Civic Type R or Integra Type S? Thanks to Toyota for providing this vehicle to review.
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Matt, I totally get the “special” thing you can’t quite figure out. My Evo X felt the same way. You’d get in it and the cheap interior and rat fur cloth and carpet definitely did nothing, but it felt special. My CLS63S (the final year of it) is caked in leather and has all sorts of “special” touches and still doesn’t have that special sauce the Evo did. I’m glad Toyota gave us this gift. It’s nice to send out the ICE like this.
As a fellow former Evo X owner couldn't agree more. The bland interior and laggy infotainment didn't bother me at all because I had fun every time I got behind the wheel! Sans stop n go DC area rush hour traffic that is 😅😂
Looks like we have ourselves a GRCorollaFan in the making lol. Was looking forward to this upload and it definitely didn’t disappoint!
Haha I'm definitely more of a GRCorollaFan than a SubaruWRXFan now lol.
I just saw one of these at my local cars and coffee yesterday and it looked gorgeous. It's really difficult to realize how good these look until you see one in person.
It's a really good fun car for the value. Us toyota employees are just as mad about the markups as the customers. Those same dealers won't honor our employee discounts.
I’m about to ask Monday morning if I could at least be put on a list for it. Only if I can get it for msrp instead of the full employee discount. 🤞
@@gold7621there’s a used one in my area with 4000 miles, selling it for 42k
Update they’re offering it to me with a 2500 mark up which I don’t think is too bad but I’m not sure.
@@gold7621 I would pass.
@@gold7621 Still sucks, but if it's the only option, then it's not bad. If you wait or shop around in other states, you might find one cheaper.
The original owner of my '91 NSX paid 20K over MSRP, 83K. A lot of money now, a boatload in '91. I called around 50 dealers including ones out of state, luckily found one about 20 miles away. MSRP + $1600 dealer add ons (40.5K) in Feb. At 74 my clock is ticking faster than most people looking for the GR. Stretch run, live it on boost. Good review
What dealer was that? Which city?
@@datdudeinred Nalley Toyota Union City (south Atlanta) Good luck, fun car.
Seriously looking forward to getting one of these in a year or two when the prices come down to earth. Turbo, stick, AWD, and a HATCHBACK! Not to mention Toyota reliability... seems like the perfect car for an enthusiast
And with a few mods they can easily run 10's 😎
Few mods like e85, turbo, intercooler, etc etc.. very few and minor mods nbd
sorry to break it to you but Prices on these cars will never go down to earth, instead they will go up
@@jasoncee666will likely need a big turbo and built motor to achieve 10s with this platform.
You really think so huh?
Love the video. Good advice to go out of the way and hunt for one at MSRP or close. I was surprised at the used market already
Enjoyed the enthusiasm in this review. I can definitely understand what you're saying as far as a fun car goes. I went from a Fiesta ST to Golf R and totally had more fun in the FiST!
Thrilled to see you get this for a full week!!
Thanks for your reviews of cars that are possibly attainable for the Everyman!
Whahooooooooo!!
Thanks Ted!
Matt you are spot on with that "special" feeling. I've been lucky to drive my friend's FL5 and other friend's Elantra N and even though I get second thoughts of getting a type R lol I'd still choose my GRC because of it.
Reminds me too of my dad's previous hawkeye sti where it had that cheap interior but fades away cause of what the drivetrain makes you feel. Not something Toyota makes often too!
Theres something about rally that produces awesome cars
Awesome review. Loved this video. I can feel your love of this car through this video.
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Growing up I always wanted an 05 STI but now I am saving up to get a GR Corolla. Used to watch you back then as well.
Love the passion Matt!
Thanks!
I want one of these so freaking bad lol. Great review as always Matt!!!
Thanks Blaze!
Matt, I've owned my GR Corolla for 6 months now and I love it and I know what you mean about that special thing. I bought a loaded Core for just under $40k which was MSRP and no dealer add ons. There are many MSRP dealers and in a poll more than half of us paid MSRP, you just have to search. I have no issues with the cloth interior of the Core and its under stated looks. It's functional and clean. I did miss having an armrest and fixed the issue for $129, that's all it takes to get a solution and it looks great. I actually like the OEM exhaust and don't find it booming or prone to drone. It is an active exhaust but through the rear center pipe only and you can hear the valve close 20-30 seconds after a cold start. I also like the smaller size, when I drove a Civic Type R it felt huge and that red interior will be a huge pain to keep clean. I've seen so many of then over the years that look terrible. And I'll be honest, I'll be in mine by myself most of the time attacking back country roads. And I was like you, this car is much more fun than the Golf R with its terrible HVAC and stereo controls. And its shifter wasn't nearly as good. I love the feel of mine. I also see around 25 mpg when driving hard and when adding in a little more highway my average is about 29 mpg on a full tank. I see 32-34 on the open road most of the time.
Thanks for your great comment and sharing your purchasing and ownership experience! I really appreciate it!
@@MattMaranMotoring Thanks, Matt. I enjoyed the video and wanted to add a little context. There is a lot of misinformation that I see from people floating around. In my area the Civic Type R and Golf R both had huge dealer ADM while there were several Toyota dealers selling for MSRP.
Great video!
Thanks!
Matt you were spot on with this review. I took delivery of my GR Corolla a month ago and it is SO fun. All these cars are costly and hard to come across except for the WRX
The WRX is a steal at a starting price of $31k
and Elantra N!
For real the wrx is still a great option. And the 2.4L is turning out to be an insane tuning platform.
Congrats on getting one!
Great review. So glad Toyota brought this out. It's an awesome car, I'd take this over the CTR.
God I wish I could get my hands on one of these!
Current Socal markups for Type R is 12K so its 18k more expensive than Corolla core with LSD. Just ridiculous.
Great review!
Thanks!
I drove two GR Corollas so far and they’re so fun. 3 cyl turbo throws down!!
If you don’t mind me asking, how have you driven two GR Corollas? I’ve been wanting to drive one so bad haha
I have started mods on my friends GR Corolla. Done cold air intake, exhaust Magna-flow , just sent ECU out to get tune loaded. Next is intercooler and downpipe.
Just did down pope and shifter bushings. Downpipe made it nasty.
Matt, Honda needs to send you the FL5 for a week so you can experience an actual special car. Only kidding, the GR looks sweet!
Matt, like you, I've bought cars out of state and will continue to do so. The majority of the dealers I contacted in the state of VA are not marking up this car.
Good video ,
Yes this shifter is better then a type r
That being said it’s harder to drive
Yes this car is much more bumpy then the type r,
Yes the steering rack is lighter but maybe one of the best tuned steering racks I’ve felt in a long time.
It’s is not comfy , it’s a rough real sports car without compromise.
And yes I also can not explain the feeling this car corners , I’ve tried to to friends but it’s so hard, this car is an absolute riot
My Circuit Edition is on the way to the dealership. I can't wait to pick it up.
Congrats!
@@MattMaranMotoring thank you!
OMG ABOUT TIMERE
Woohoo finally!
Got 5.9 seconds to 60 really pushing it! Was the best we could get during testing
I drove the Core edition of this vehicle about a week ago. It was a Toyota rep car with 4500 miles on it, so a new GR with 4500 miles. The salesman tossed me the keys, and said have fun. Driving the car alone was special. I owned a WRX, and 2 Fiesta STs. The Fiesta was the most fun thing I ever bought with money. The GR was more fun. The $38k msrp is in todays market reasonable, still expensive though. My Fiesta STs were around $22K.
Looks like a hoot to drive!
Great car! Rally cars for the road will always have huge appeal now and down the road.
My circuit edition comes more premium, and also the driver window switches all four are auto up/down. Was also able to get mine for $1K under MSRP.
Wow congrats, that’s the first I’ve heard of anyone getting one at a discount! Thanks for the info on the window switches too!
@@MattMaranMotoring No problem! Toyota gave me a $1K incentive for ordering another GR after I bought my GR Supra years ago. My dealer only sells at MSRP. Not all dealers are terrible lol. Great video as always!
That's awesome that Toyota actually let you use that on something like a GR Corolla. I know Ford always excludes the cool cars from the incentives haha.
Which dealer is this ??
@@syed1691 Toyota of Watertown in MA.
I drove one 3 months ago and it was a awesome ride on the back roads. Wife didn't let me buy because she has a Corolla IM for the past 6 yrs and she said that should be all we need. But it was sweet so anyone want one GET IT!
Ugh, wives...
Should have lost the wife.
Wife didn't LET me buy? How hold are you 12? Go grab your balls from her purse
@deej628 better idea to sell the wife and buy the ride. 😂
25mpg on a AWD system is nice. Now I'm curious how efficient the powertrain can be in a lighter 2WD vehicle. Massive potential for rumored MR2. It'd be nice if the ICE setup goes out in a high note, while still being affordable to operate when gas is being tax'd to death.
I was sold on the GR Corolla but dealing with dealer mark ups and availability made the process drag on too long. I did a search on autonation and found a WRX Limited trim at $33K. Considering that I'm coming from a 2017 WRX, i think the fully loaded WRX at $10K less than the GR might be a no brainer.
I have been number one on my local Toyota dealers GR wait-list since February of 2022. I just finally got a call that one MIGHT be coming. I told them I had already given up and bought a new WRX. Yes, the GR is a more special car, but my WRX was $12k less than the GR, qualified for Subaru 2.9% financing (vs 6-7% Toyota), and is now making 310-320 wheel HP with an intake/tune that cost $1100.
That said, I'll still be going to check out the GR when it comes in to see if I really feel like making a poor financial decision, lol.
The new WRX is incredible and makes impressive numbers with light modifications.
The hate it gets is unfounded.
Well, it's a few months later and I remembered my original comment...I just took delivery of my GR Corolla Circuit Edition in Heavy Metal gray. It's as good as Matt says. It is an amazing and special car. If you can get one for MSRP, do it!
Thanks for the update!!!
@@leozz8074would you go over the reasons you pick the gr corolla?
I.e. driving dynamic
Great comparison with the relevant competition! One thing though: a used Macan S can be had for about $45k with decent miles. I guess it comes down to how much hot hatchiness vs calmer luxury you want?
Yeah when you open up used options there’s all kinds of interesting comparisons. I think the manual is a real differentiator here too.
Currently there are 280 nationwide for sale. There are many dealers asking sticker. Yes, some are $10K over retail
My local carmax had two with both priced over 48K. Didn’t see what trim they were before they were shipped out to another store for a customer
i know you made this comment 8 days ago but theres currently 721 for sale in the US as of today
With Toyota reliability, could this car be a new icon for them? Just like Honda's legendary cars?
In my opinion this one will go down in the Toyota history books as one of the all-time greats.
This is way more fun to drive than the integra or type r
Great video and I would love to drive the GR Corolla!!! Would you say it’s more fun to drive than the last gen STI?
I'd say they're very close. Engine might feel a bit more powerful in the STI, but this definitely has better handling.
@@MattMaranMotoringI live in Colorado and having that awd GR Corolla would be a great daily, b road or track day all in one kind of car.
@@MattMaranMotoringeveryone says the grc feels more power than the sti
I liked this review. Fortunately I live in Ontario where dealers have to sell at MSRP. I sat in a black Core edition at my local dealer a few months ago. $45,500 Canadian MSRP. Not bad. Do I need to get the performance package on the Core? It could make it cost as much as a Circuit. Living in Canada and driving in winter I will probably want to get the cold weather package which is probably worth it but is the performance package worth it?
Yes the only necessary package is the performance
Sadly the dealers are the ones hurting the car as you indicated. I too had to go a distance to take delivery of a car because dealers just wanted to mark up the vehicle by $10K and would not stock a manual transmission version. Decades ago, the person in charge of Porsche Cars North America indicated that one of their problems are the dealers. They didn't know the vehicle, the techs were not on par with what Porsche expects... sadly the dealership associations fought back and won. All this aside, I would love to experience the GR Corolla if only the dealers would have one for you to see and to drive.
My guess is what makes it so special is it was Akio Toyoda's baby and he is a speical guy.
I appreciate your “rant” 😁 most people today just cares about tech 😏
I can't wait for the GR Tesla with Turbo!!! 😮
Absolutely loving mine. Took it drifting today
Seen one today and i was driving my 22 wrx hahaah damn matt hurting feelings jk. I want a type r but of course thatll be a hard fine. Its like these legendary pokemons
WRXs are still great too, just a little less fun :)
Hey Matt!! Do que voces estao reclamando? Aqui no Brazil o GRC circuit custa 93k dolares e CTR 88k. Se nao considerar o valor qual vc compraria?
My turn came up at an MSRP dealership but it was a Circuit Edition. I couldn’t justify the $45k. If they call me for a Core with Performance Pack I’ll pull the trigger though.
The circuit will likely pay for itself when it comes time for resale.
You can find these in MSRP nowadays.
I'm waiting a year or two for the car market to change. If it doesn't, the I'll get the wrx. I'm not paying 50k for a core trim GR Corrola.
I want one so badly 🥺. Screw stealerships.
They're out there! I discuss purchasing towards the end of the video.
It’s a Toyota. Lol
Looks like a PT cruiser
@@Freddy_Confettiyou definitely need glasses or a brain transplant 😂
@@Freddy_ConfettiLooks like a gaming mouse
Are you saying that the iMT rev matching isn't by default auto on each time you start the car?
Yes that's correct, I had to turn it on every time I started the car.
I've fixed this by plugging in a Highlander auto start/stop eliminator. Best $25 bucks I ever spent lol.@@MattMaranMotoring
Matt, you’re probably tired of hypothetical question, but would you take this or a GR86 in terms of fun? I’m on a waitlist for the Corolla but I’ve always been partial to rwd sportscars (have had some including ‘13 BRZ) and worry it might not be what I truly want.
It depends on what you're wanting and needing. If you're partial to RWD and enjoyed your BRZ then I think the GR86 will be close to the same fun for $10k less. If I didn't need the practicality or AWD, I'd go GR86 personally. But if you're looking for a new experience and could appreciate the AWD or practicality, GR Corolla is great and will give you a little bit of that RWD fun as well with the adjustable torque split. Hope that helps! Feel free to ask any follow-up questions too if you want!
@@MattMaranMotoring thanks for your thoughts! Yeah I did enjoy my BRZ (basically had it when you did and subscribed to your channel back then), and it seems the GR86 is better almost all around. I don’t really need practicality, but things like the engine character and sounds or the specialty factor/awd that you alluded to in your review keep me interested in the Corolla. It’ll be a tough decision for sure (if/when my turn comes up)
@MattMaranMotoring thanks Matt. I had the same question. I drove the 86 (I have driven LOTS of sports cars over my life) and it was pure, nimble, agile and such a joy. Reminded me of S2000 and RX8 and better in my opinion than Cayman for fun on local canyons (Cayman better on track). I am a dad now and eyeing the GRC but max grip and rip isn't my thing anymore. I am leaning towards an 86PP.
I wish we got the Yaris GR here in the U.S. 2800 pounds . 2 door . 257 hp. Tossable
With markups a reality. Would you say a slightly used GRC with 2k miles on it or would you say a FK8 CTR used for close or the same price. I know the GRC is newer but wondering if the FK8 is the better buy especially if you can get a Limited to get that classic phoenix yellow.
Depends on what you want in regards to practicality, but I’d definitely rather have a GRC over a last gen CTR personally.
@@MattMaranMotoring No I appreciate the response. For me -don't need AWD where I'm at (TX) - but I do want a fun daily that can my current ride into a project car. So not having the opportunity to test drive a GRC yet - that helps out. Having something that will be a driver's car as well as offering fun factor and practicality - thanks.
And how much does this Corolla cost?
Markups are not really a big thing anymore. Two local dealers around my area were just selling them at sticker.
I wish the rest of the internet felt the same way lol.
Jeesus christ, right from the beginning with the horrible/aggressive shifting 🤣🤣 this ain't F&F lol
The only issue I'd have with buying used is what do you lose buying used? I'm sure the warranty is quite a bit shorter and you never know what the previous owner did, even with a few thousand miles. I've looked at used vehicles, but can never bite the bullet as a car guy because I cannot bring myself to trust people took care of the car as well as I do.
Whatever Toyota does to keep MSRP down is pointless if they allow dealers to markup the cars.
Matt, that feeling that you referring to is called, as James May put it years and years ago; the fizz. It’s the actual emotion of the car. Accountants be damned, it’s the goal of any performance division engineer.
I was looking at a Corolla but the markups are ridiculous I saw one for $179,000😮😮😮
How about road/wind noise? Would like to have heard something about that.
I'll say that road noise didn't annoy me while driving, but it's a Corolla that's focused on being light, so road noise is certainly going to be more pronounced than a less sporty, larger car. From my memory, it's pretty similar to the Civic Type R. Integra Type S and Golf R definitely are quieter inside.
@@MattMaranMotoring Thanks, Matt! Love your videos. So impressed that you personally respond to comments here.
I always love responding and interacting!
The interior is just a bit cheap for me, especially considering the price
Don't care if this is the slowest of the latest hot hatches, as long as it has the best connected feel and driving enjoyment I will find one to accompany my almost-18 year old STI.
I really want to get that 2024 model year with circuit edition in flaming(?) blue paint then put gold wheels on it.
That'll look awesome!
Word of advice: DO NOT BUY ones that has low miles and up for sale. They are most likely to have a very hard 1~10k miles either on track or on stoplight getting clutch dumped on boost. Be patient, you can certainly get a good priced new ones if you look a little further.
Did you have more fun with this or the CT4-V?
Hmmm, that's tough. I'd say they were pretty equal amounts of fun just in different ways. Is the CT4-V double the fun for almost double the price though? Definitely not, but it's more luxurious and has other things like more power to justify the extra money.
@@MattMaranMotoring Thanks Matt! I dig your reviews. I actually meant the non Blackwing CT4V because it's kind of the same price as a GR Corolla but it's RWD
@@motormusique Oh gotcha, sorry I misunderstood! The CT4-V is a lot of car for the money and I brought it up in my Integra Type S review. Here I'd say at least as far as MSRPs go it's about $7k more comparably equipped (heated seats and wheel), so it's a better competitor with the others that start at higher prices. To answer your question though, compared to the CT4-V I had, I definitely had more fun in this, but the CT4-V seems like a strong buy if you won't miss the manual transmission and the extra fun of the adjustable torque split and lighter weight.
@@MattMaranMotoring thank you! Yeah unfortunately I have to make the choice between manual or rear drive, nothing exists with both that is practical and relatively affordable
Matt, GR86 or GR Corolla?
All depends on what you want and need. If you don't care about the AWD, 4 doors and hatch practicality, GR86 is a lot of fun too for at least $10k less.
I would drive this a Prius to get the best MPG possible. 😂
Hey! How can I get in touch with you?
Read the video description it has contact details.
@@jasoncee666 Thank you!
I know I'll get crap for saying this but I just wish they made these cars (this, acura type s, civic type r etc,) with an automatic. But I'm still glad that they make these vehicles at all.
There's rumors that automatic transmission GR Corollas have been spied testing. No idea if it'll ever come to market but if the rumors are true than Toyota is at least strongly considering it and looking into it.
automatic sports cars should be illegal
@@fortheloveofnoiseagreed, sucks the fun out of driving the car. These cars don’t need autos
Would really prefer a two-door version. Have no need for back seats let alone rear doors.
Too bad you guys don't get the superior model, the GR Yaris 😎
You could always try to find a Morizo edition, those have no back seat haha.
get the new MR2 when it comes out
0:44 vintage Matt Maran fans love hearing this
Not a direct comparison but I want a GR Corolla or CX 30 as a daily driver. I don't NEED the speed but it would be nice to have.
What?
Very random choice of cars but suurre
@@NaijaBull not random both are fun awd.. I know the GRC is purposely built for performance though. It's not a direct apples to apples but both are nice
Dealers will charge what consumers are willing to pay. They are in the business to make money. We consumers need to speak with our pocket book and refuse to go over MSRP.
In Canada a pre owned veloster N is 25k cheaper than a marked up Gr corolla lol.
But markups are illegal in Canada tho :^)
And the Veloster N is even more fun to drive than the GR.
Ah, even after all these years... Subaru Derx
2nd!
At $35k the interior is BARELY acceptable. I would want it to be about $25k for that interior. Maybe add $5k for the upgraded engine, $30k out the door and I'm in. I would do $35k fully loaded. At the $55k that dealers are asking it's absolutely a no go.
I got to drive and delivery the first GR Corolla (Core) we got at our office yesterday. It was fully loaded and the original sticker price had $9k markup but the client got it for $6k over, so $51k out-the door price. The guy put down half for downpayment. You won't find these selling for MSRP anywhere in the country because they're so rare.
Not true, commenters on here saying they got them for MSRP. Just gotta find an MSRP dealer, they exist.
I bought mine for msrp lol, dealers just say that to justify the mark up
Got my Heavy Metal Circuit @MSRP.
Whaaaaat no mustang review this week?
Nope, no invite from Ford...
I wonder if this car is special?
It's just sad that Subaru (to me) slacked on the WRX, however. .... competition. ....is a great thing. ....maybe this will light the fire under SOAs ass .....and some other manufacturerss....
I would hope so but Subaru doesn’t seem to care about being competitive anymore in most cases.
It's a 15k car with a 15k drivetrain.
It’s mark ups and low supply.
is it worth the marked up $80k ? nah
I discuss this at the end of the video...
corolla reliability is another selling point and it is made in japan dealers need to be punished
The selling point for a WRX at this point is you can grab them under MSRP in a lot of places. My wife's was $36k delivered brand new.
WRX is still a good car, it's just not nearly as much fun or special, hence the abundant supply and discounts.
I really wish it was illegal in this country for dealers to mark up a car above MSRP. For $50k I would rather buy a used M2.
Or even a Supra. There is no way a used supra should be the same price as this car.
At least markups are illegal in South Africa
Watch till the end, these are not $50k.
There is no markup for these things
Your old name used to be Subaruwrxfan
No moonroof and the big brick like center screen are the 2 dislikes about this hot hatch...
Matt as a fellow moran Frank Jensen Moran is my name I come from a small island in canada called prince edward Island population 150,000 moran population 7 how about where ur from my fellow car enthusiasts
First
Either this car has a TON of road noise or your changed up your mic setup because I can barely hear you brother
It all comes down to the roads I'm driving on. Lots of rough crappy roads around here. But it's a Corolla, so it's gonna have road noise too regardless of the road.