GR Corolla vs Focus RS vs Kona N - Waking the Dead | Everyday Driver TV 

It’s just amazing to see Subaru Impreza WRX STi’s, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s, Honda Civic Type R’s, Toyota GR Corolla’s, Hyundai Elantra N’s, Mazda 3 Turbo AWD’s, and Ford Focus RS’s on the road. Great cars for families that want to bring kids everywhere and for daily drives to work.

I am still in love with my Focus RS

A 17 focus RS owner here. Everything is stock, 92k miles and daily driven. I can’t complain it has never given me issues! I love my focus and I’m going to keep it forever. Crazy how the car market is right now. I remember I got mines for 38k brand new. I work at Toyota in southern Cali and they’re marking up the gr Corolla at least 10k.

I was hoping so much that someone would get the Focus RS back out against the GR Corolla. I loved mine for four years of trouble free ownership and while I've moved on, I still adore the car.

Nice to see Toyota getting back into performance. I have missed the days of MR2, Supra, and Celica GTS in the 90s

I love you guys for bringing back the RS and for comparing it to GR! This is what I have been waiting for! Me as someone who had an RS I of course would still pic the RS, but the GR is a really really nice car that is worth the hype! ❤

So cool too see a Focus RS with over a 100K on the odometer shows the durability of the car

Seeing the Ken Block hoonigan RS hits different after his passing

Great comparison. I've been waiting for video like this. The Circuit Edition is awesome. I still daily drive my RS. I'm up to 62k miles. No major problems to this day even after all my mods. I'm impressed you were able to find an unmolested RS for this video.

Guys! This is great! So glad it dropped as a RU-vid episode so quickly and not having to wait for a TV episode to drop then become available.

Awesome Vid!!! Love the content as always guys!!!! Both the Kona N and the GR Corolla have been on my radar. Thank-you!!!!

I feel like the focus RS still punches extremely hard in and above its weight class

I have a Kona N as a daily and a stage 2 modded M4. The Kona is a ton of fun to drive to work and run my kids around. I wanted an RS, but they are all marked up for an older car and ur Civic Type R is still way marked up. My only debate is if I should have got the veloster N instead, but this car is super convenient and I tend to smile frequently in it.

Great job guys! Thank you for the continued great content over the years!

You guys do fantastic reviews. Thanks for that.

Fantastic video, gentlemen! 😎👍 That GR Corolla continues to impress. Still can't get over how it's pumping out all that power from only 3 cylinders. 🤯

I love my 2017 FOCUS RS, the last hothatch! a 5 door hatchback turned up to 11. At 100k, I got the updated shocks and mountune springs and the ride is great now. On a back road, I have to look back to remind myself it has rear seats, it's like a true sports car.

Great review great video and everyone been waiting on this head 2 head

Props to you guys and the team for comparing GR Corolla to the modern day hot hatch/ rally benchmark Focus RS.👍🏼

Great job guys thanks as always you 2 are at the top of my RU-vid list. And that means alot since I turned my tv off 5 years ago. You guys made doing that alot easier GOD BLESS

it's fascinating watching different videos from around the world and the different roads that exist. and you see how cars are set up to suit those conditions. and then to tune a car that works everywhere, all the time. what a challenge! explains why UK loves it's small hot hatch, like the Focus and Fiesta.

Just rolled over 80k on my RS. It's been super reliable. Got a new cat under warranty at 70k and that's it. Sure can build American cars in Germany...

Great show, keep it up guys!!!

I have been waiting for an episode like this!!

I have a 2018 RS….. it’s bright & draws a lot of attention because most people don’t know what it is….. it’s a great car, for the right person.

I love my Kona N but I'm not sure why the Veloster N wasn't used for the comparison. It's being discontinued but you can still buy a '22 VN whereas the RS has been gone for longer. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the video! :) Fun fact: the Kona N is actually slightly taller than the regular Kona bc of its bigger 19 in wheels. I really think they should've sold it on lowering springs and a manual option 🤷‍♀️

Thanks for advocating for us enthusiasts, Todd. Not that the dealers will listen to you, but I think it's great that you voiced your disapproval for their market behavior. It's an unfortunate time to be an enthusiast with these prices the way they are. Hopefully it gets better soon.

Great video you guys

This is the newest GR Corolla video in weeks, thanks for the content

Focus RS owner here with 60k miles and… yep, it’s kind of a one trick pony. The suspension is way too stiff around town and combined with a relatively meh interior, it’s not a particularly rewarding experience in any situation other than driving spiritedly. “You’re always searching for the limit” is spot on, it’s VERY rewarding in the twisties, on track and an autocross. In fact, its mind blowing how capable it is compared to cars twice and three times its price. And it’s fun, TONS of fun in those situations. However, it’s entering second-car status for me. I’d say “daily if you must” but it’s better paired with a softer everyday car.

2016 RS owner here, FBO. Bought it when they were released, never once regretted my decision.

Great work!

My 2014 focus st is making 290 whp & 385 lb ft of torque 😎🤠 it always puts a smile on my face

This makes me even more excited! I have a deposit for one at MSRP! I'm too far down the list for a Circuit Edition but a Core with perf pkg seems to be all you need!

Been waiting for this!

I've owned my 2017 Focus RS since new - 6.5 years and 72,000 miles. The ride has softened up just a tiny bit as it's reached the car equivalent of middle age. It's still an incredibly special car, and you're right, it doesn't feel like it's 6 years old - to me it still looks sharp, not quite "FD RX-7" levels of timelessness but still thoroughly modern. Mine was affected by the head gasket issue and I can tell you Ford went above and beyond with Focus RS owners to make it right. Basically if the cooling system held 15psi overnight they would just replace the head gasket. If it didn't you got a new cylinder head. Mine passed the pressure test so it only got a new HG. I've had 2 other problems: a transmission fluid leak on the shift assembly, and a fitting failed on the AC system. Besides that it's been just regular oil changes, spark plugs, brakes, tires, and cabin air filter. Most of the people who blew these up either tried to cram too much boost into the fully open deck RS block, or worked the turbo hard when it was cold which is a big no-no on any turbocharged car. I've had a bunch of Blackstone UOA reports done - every time it's come back with an extremely clean bill of health.

My favourite two hot hatches here in Australia are the Hyundai i30N and the Toyota GR Yaris, however I don’t think America gets them unfortunately. They’re smaller, more nimble and fun versions of the Kona N and the GR Corolla.

I love my 1.6T AWD Kona. It moves when I want it to. I named her “ The Little Beast”.

Great video! I still own my 2017 Focus RS (5 and a half years), it has always been a great car and through some modding up remains a fun badass car to drive and among all my friends is the car to beat

Great review men, noticed it was on a race track so disappointed you didn't compare times

While it's not a hatchback and it's FWD only, I wish you would have compared the GR Corolla and Focus RS to the Elantra N. I appreciate your show and perspective on each car.

Thank you to Ford, Hyundai and Toyota for producing these cars, even if not all of them are still available new. I've had such wonderful experiences in rally cars and rally-replica cars over the years, including the Ur Quattro, Celica GT-4, 323 GTX, Galant VR-4, Impulse RS and Evo VIII RS. It just might be time for another one.

As an rs owner I was so excited to see the comparison, thank you

❤ Loved the video.

I have a kona N... And holy crap that is a fun car and yes, it's a tall hatchback. lol

I went from an EVO VIII>Mazdaspeed3>EVO X>Focus RS>STi, and now an Elantra N MT. The Elantra N is legit and hilariously fun. Can't wait for your review on it

Ah man you are literally in one of my favorite canyon runs I’m so jealous I moved out of Utah a few months ago and the only thing I miss are the canyon runs and back roads

Thanks for a great shootout of the N, GR, RS.

Great video. I love my 2016 RS and I completely agree with your feelings on the car. I still thought about going for a GR Corolla but I don’t want to pay the dealer markups, and really I think for an RS owner there is no point to switch unless they own a high mileage RS. Mine is at 40k miles so no reason to move on from it yet, but I love that hot hatches are still being made and I can’t wait to see them in the flesh.

I put a deposit on one of these in February. Told I was second in line. Really hope I can get my hands on one of these near launch🤞

You guys think of the best comparisons. Love the videos AND podcast. Here’s to 1 million subscribers! Btw I need biceps like Paul 😂

And I was hoping somebody would being my ride.. The Kona N. Thank you for this

I am a Ford Fiesta owner, no issues since 2015. And this is the review I always like to watch.

I sold my 21 VN DCT and purchased the Kona N. Okay I was going to get the Elantra N but the Kona N was a much better fit for me. I have not smiled while driving as much since I got the 12 Fiat Abarth. Kona N has been a pleasure to drive every day . I have a Rivan on order but it will be hard to get rid of the Kona N. I might have to keep it as well.

thanks for posting this. all the cars are fun. the focus is just more powerful in its weight/price class. 2016 bought at sticker after 5K deposit and 13 month wait. 115k miles, no issues other than standard recalls (head gasket) and replacing skid guards. 25.1 mpg across the 155k miles. pretty decent for fun every second you are driving.

2016 focus owner here got it brand new 7miles in 2017 have 45k miles and not a single issue. Love the car very much and has been great to me 🤘🏻

Still own a ‘16 RS and it’s my favorite car I’ve owned. It’s so good to see someone bring it back out because even though discontinued, it was the car to beat in this class.

I had a feeling it would be said that the GR Corolla brings out the red mist. I loved my '03 WRX wagon, it was a perfect do-everything car, but it was a car that worked better and just felt better the faster it was driven...and almost cost me my license. But that was nearly 10 years ago. While I'm done waiting for Subaru to bring back the 5-door WRX (in the 'States anyway,) I'd be curious to hear how the WRX stacks up to the GRC. Another excellent video gentlemen! I've been looking forward to this one for several months now and based on your detailed and well-articulated driving impressions, it sounds like the GRC could fill my WRX wagon's shoes. Cheers!

Great video! I wish the Corolla was more available, I would of traded my 86 in for one.

GREAT video, as always, guys! If my memory is correct, the road is Highway 6 between American Fork and Price. Gorgeous road, kinda scary in winter.

Before I even let the ads finish I can tell you it’s the RS all day lone not even close or even a question, period

Even as a Focus ST owner of the first one to roll out of my dealership in 2013, I was so excited to see this comparison and to fun that the sister car RS is still relevant. My ST has 177000 km on it now and it's starting to show its age. My clutch is starting to slip. But aside from that the low clearance severely restricts my love for hiking in the backcountry. I've got a Kona N-Line (not Kona N) AWD on order to be delivered in the new year. But even now my ST is still a capable canyon carver with its willingness to do lift off overseer. I will sorely miss my ST when it goes.

First time viewer; this was like watching an episode of the grand tour/top gear and I love it.

Great review. I feel like the Elantra N might have been a better real world comparison. I understand you were all going for the hatch thing though. Great videos. Keep it up.

Definitely the comparison I wanted with the Kona N and Corolla GR!! Thanks guys

👏👏👏GREAT JOB GUYS 👏👏👏 HAPPY FRIDAY...HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND EVERYONE ✌️

Excellent review!

Best enthusiast channel on RU-vid. Car guys reviewing cars for car people

There's a lot of automotive journalists out there, but Everyday Driver has some serious soul in their reporting. Love this comparison, definitely love that GR Corolla.

Great initial comparison, very excited to see what you guys think of the Elantra N and how it compares to the gr in the realm of sporty “affordable” daily’s

good video, thanks

Love this video. Wish I could afford get any one of these.

Nice to see the GR-Four badging on the Corolla, recalling another rally-bred Toyota (GT-Four) from years past

Difference between the Veloster N (also has NGS) and the Kona/Elantra N is their turbos. Kona/Elantra have a Hybrid Turbo vs the standard turbo in the Veloster. The difference in the turbos make a massive difference. When you swap the Hybrid turbo into the Veloster, the Veloster is faster due to weight. I own the Veloster N and I love it. We have a giant "N" group of Elantra/Kona/Velosters and go to the tracks from time to time.

nice episode guys

I loved and still miss my Evo x every day. Looking for a GR Corolla within the next year. Hoping Corolla doesn’t kill it off immediately, and hoping the dealers don’t make sales difficult so Corolla sees the interest in these.

Great video! I’ve had an RS as my daily for four years and still love it. It’s great to see that it’s still relevant almost seven years after it was introduced. Mine has 68k trouble free miles. I put Continental Extreme Contacts on it which improved the ride. It was also good to see my impressions of the steering feel confirmed. When I first bought it, I had a Mazdaspeed Miata and actually preferred this electric steering rack to the hydraulic rack on that car.

My brother has a Focus RS 2018. Ford hit a home run with that one. Still the car to beat.

Its amazing to me that these guys still dont have 1M subs. This is one of the best car channels out there!

Took my ‘18 RS to a track day and passed a Huracan and two 911 GTRs. They had me on straights but not enough to make up for the RS’s superiority through corners.

I'm still disappointed they marketed with a $30k price point and it starts at $36k, by the time you add tax, title, dealer fees and mark up its going to be over $40k for the base trim.

Been lovin' my Kona N, NGrinShift and all! But love that we have these type of cars still before the EV takeover T_T

This has been very informative and was the exact comparisons I've been looking for

I'm a ford fan , and ordered a brand new ford puma st in mean green colour due next week in Scotland, out of these three cars in video I would definitely choose the gr corolla looks amazing and love the exhaust layout out back 👌👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Why on earth did they never release the I30N hatch in the US? It addresses all the issues with the Kona in the video.

I'm still a firm believer that the Focus RS is the definitive hot hatchback sold in the United States. It's been almost 5 years since it's been gone and it's still King. They use price of them reflect that they're still selling for MSRP if not more

I own a Ford focus Rs MK3 and I was really looking for this video. Thanks 👍👍

I graduated from college this summer, and when I get a new job I’m so getting a GR corolla.

It's too bad you didn't drive a 2018 RS with the revised dampers, it transforms the car into a great daily driver, and it's even better on the track thanks to the front LSD. Great review all the same!

So nice to see Toyota make a hot hatch! and love your reviews. I've a 2018 Focus RS limited edition with improved suspension and kept everything all stock. I absolutely still love it. Key statement you make, "The GR has a bit more body roll than I'd care for" but then knocks the RS stiff suspicion but rave on handling/cornering. Hey guys, it's the stiff suspension that give the amazing handling/cornering. :). My 18 RS has 37k miles and has been 100% reliable thus far and still is all tight. The 18s didn't have the gasket issue, have a limited slip differential that prior years didn't have, and more. It's held its value a LOT better than critics predicted!! In other reviews of the GR Corolla, it has a pretty quiet exhaust it seems, which is a real bummer. I love that there's another hot hatch on the US market though!!! The US never seems to have enough or as much as other countries. Maybe the GR Corolla will be a solid choice when I'm back on the market...I'm a hot hatch guy! PS: I'm stoked to hear the reviewer here say that the RS he's in "feels new."

I miss myvm focus rs dearly, but I decided to get a tundra. Now I'm looking at the corolla and I'm excited this video came out 😁

I just bought a Kona and the letter N @MSRP price, I love it, it is super fun! Good luck trying to get a Toyota without waiting for more than a year.

Focus rs is a beast. Wish Ford kept it . Shocked the gr Corolla was first place given the focus was faster to 60 .

I had my focus rs until 93k on the clock until the alternator crapped out on me. Made about 410-420 wheel with an nx2 turbo. Great car, pretty darn reliable tbh for how much shit I put it through. I could've kept driving it past 93k but I decided to move into a miata for the time being!

Good video guys

Great to see the RS back...Wish you all in the US got to see the Renault Megane RS 265, 275 or even the newer 280 and 300 Trophy as they are just stellar hot hatches and the older ones were a match for anything it it's class.

Great review, since it means shorter line-up for Kona N. At over $10k less then the most basic core version (Canadian), it has character that'll age better.

I remembered when RS first came out in 2016 everyone was complaining about its high sitting position😂😂😂😂 now it is the best?

My friend just got his GR Corolla. Have not even picked it up yet. delivered to dealer today.

Great video. Enjoyed with a coffee.