The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Is Even Better Than I Expected 

I genuinely want to buy one of these as a daily driver but I know they're going to be scalped from dealers for years

GR Yaris is still my favorite, there aren't many cars like it. I love that Toyota is cool again

THIS is a cool car. In a world full of lumbering crossovers, I'm so glad Toyota has given us this badass little hatchback that can out maneuver all of them, and do so in style.

Awesome to see Doug legitimately hyped for this car.

It’s a great car at MSRP. With a 25k markup attached to it like many will have… not so much.

It's a shame what the dealerships are doing to this. Insane markups combined with the botched roll-out of the GR Corolla. Looks like I'll be waiting a while to pick up one.

There is a reason for the three exhaust pipes on the gr corolla.. the middle one opens up at full throttle to relieve back pressure

I really really really hope Toyota will produce more circuits. I’ve been on the list since April, but I’m still being told that chances of getting one are slim.

300hp 3 cylinder awd daily is such a crazy combination. Want one so bad

Just imagine if Subaru kept the WRX hatch. What a blunder that was

Haven't seen Doug so truly piped up in a little while. Love that car Shows that he does too

This video reminded me of the Plaid video where seeing Doug's reaction to each car's best feature was as an absolute joy. I love this video because it shows that even though you can have a very expensive car like the Plaid with it's super car acceleration, you can still have the same, if not more, fun in a light and nimble GR Corolla, yet still be blown away.

Anyone else love watching Doug drive and pass other vehicles and checks both mirrors to make sure there’s no coppers on his tail. ❤😂

That smile when he accelerated onto the highway. That's what it's all about

Have one, had it 2 weeks, and I love it. Doug's hit it 100% on the head, kind of reminds me of riding my SeaDoo Spark 2 seater. It's like a dirt bike on the water, unlike the 'usual' jetski, you're able to toss it around and such, and this one (to me) is reminiscent of that. Including the ride, as both are absolutely less than luxurious, but at 675 miles in so far, I've found that I don't really care. It just rocks my world. Toyota FTW.

This could be seen as a spiritual successor to the STI hatch, but better - and I'm an STI hatch owner myself. The STI had quad exhausts, so like the GRC, one tip per each cylinder. All the interior badges and red stitching are eerily similar, and the hood vents are very visible, just like the hood scoop on the STI. On top of that, both have 3 differentials, front McPherson strut, rear double wishbone suspension, 4 pot front brakes, 2 pot rears, 6-speed manual and were originally designed for rally. All of this, but the Corolla is still lighter and more reliable than the STI. I want one.

My late father used to joke about cars having twin-exhausts (like 15-20 years ago when only like a Merc S600 would have two visible exhausts, or a Ferrari). He always said that "oh look, that car has individual exhausts for both cylinders!". Well, here we are, in 2022 when it's become a reality. Jokes aside, I am glad that Toyota are producing fun and sporty cars seriously once again.

You merge Toyota's reliability, a practical vehicle, and super fun to drive, this is absolutly fantastic, this thing is already a classic!

I have both. The GR I use daily and the Type R when it's sunny outside. Very different machines. Both great in their own way. These are two of the most competent machines that have come out of Japan. They are that good.

I’m proud of Doug. Ive been watching sense day one..i feel like I’ve watched him grow up lol. You’re the best Doug

As a life long Toyota fanboy Ive owned many cool older sporty Toyota's. But the last 15 years Ive bought other companies as Toyota had just become to boring and I couldn't afford the LFA.. So glad to see them back in the fun car game.

Doug just confirmed everything I've ever thought about this car since the announcement. What a fun car.

I just got the core model with most of the features the circuit has. It is one of the most fun cars I’ve ever driven, the car just wants to go faster and faster.

Love to see some genuine automotive enjoyement from Doug. You clearely can see that it come from its guts !

Dealers will absolutely ensure this car is dead within in the next five years. It would be an amazing deal and a good seller for $35k, but the outdated dealer model, with its insane markups, will ensure Toyota never ramps up production because of "low demand" created by the insane markups. Dealers will use the "limited production" line to justify $20k+ markups, and thus drive away the bulk of potential buyers. Ever since the Focus RS left the market, I've been hoping for a decent performance hatchback option, besides the Golf R. I hope Toyota keeps their dealers in line, but I'm not holding my breath.

Great car from a company led by someone who truly cares about producing cars for the enthusiast.

Great review Doug...I love the GR Corolla and almost purchased an XSE Corolla but didn't because it's FWD. As a Subaru WRX enthusiast I'm into the hatchback scene and the GR Corolla is a dream come true for USDM but unfortunately the GR Corolla isn't available at MSRP or even close to MSRP. So owning a USDM GR Corolla is as big a dream as owning a USDM Lancia Delta Integrale!! 😊

The true feat here, in my opinion, is the versatility and beauty of the Corolla's design. This carries over to other Toyota models, hell, even other models from other brands, but the Corolla alone is genuinely a great looking car. Toyota took advantage of that and made this. Amazing.

2:17 3 lines for 3 cylinders...THE THEME ON THIS CAR IS "3"... 3 lines on the engine cover, 3 cylinders, 3 exhaust tailpipes, 3 pedals (clutch, brake, gas), 3 hundred horsepower, GR FOUR written 3 times on the exterior (on the front, and on each side), 3 available trims (core, circuit, morizo), 12:25 3 awd torque split settings (60:40, 30:70, 50:50), 13:24 3 drive modes programmed in (sport, normal, eco), 16:34 3 split screens in the gauge cluster screen (left, middle, right), 3 times as many core models produced than the others (5100core vs 1500circuit+200morizo), 3 spokes on the steering wheel, 3 rear view mirrors, 3 windshield wipers (2 front, 1 back), 4:48 "No 3" written on the front tire, 3 rear brake lights, 3 headliner mounted lights (2 for front passengers, one in center near rear), 3 seatbelts in the back seat, 3 dials on the center dash (infotainment, and 2 for climate control), 3 switches next to the wireless charging pad (on/off, heated seat driver, heated seat passenger), 3 directions you can select using the shifter (reverse, neutral, forward gears), 3 locations for rear cup holders (left door, right door, center arm rest), 3 outlets for powering accessories (1 USBC near the wireless charge port, USBC & 12V for the rear passengers), 3 locations on the dash for air vents (driver, center, passenger), 3 cruise control settings on/off increase and decrease speed, final score was in the 60's - sixty THREE to be exact, 3 spark plugs under the hood, 3 pistons, 3 direct injectors, 3 port injectors, 3 ways they rate mpg (city, highway, combined), 3 people actually read through this entire comment to the end, congrats😀

I think the normal Corolla Hatch is already pretty cool looking in higher Trims with the Alloy Wheels honestly, I really wanted and still want one even before this GR one was even a thing.

I’m glad to hear this about the Corolla. Doug’s description reminds me of the DC2 type R.

I totally agree with your assessment. Been longing for a Civic Type R competitor for a lonnnggg time. And it’s finally here and they nailed it.

The true crazy thing is just how well built the 3 Cylinder is. Those cylinder walls are THICCC

I was lucky enough to drive a GR Yaris in Japan earlier this year and it was hands down one of the best days of my entire life. If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of these you absolutely will not regret it. Toyota has absolutely hit the handling out of the park with these GR hatchbacks and it is downright exhilarating to drive.

Stoked for mine. Can’t wait!

Thanks Doug, I love this car as well. Great job!

Haven’t seen Doug so passionate while driving on the freeway for a while 🎉

Man, you are like a carfather to me. Watching your videos, seeing you enjoy how the gr coralla feels confident around the corners. You deserve your community man, you love what you do. Everytime i watch your videos I wanna go out driving.

Compared to my GR Yaris, that trunk space looks huge. About the red stitching: almost everything that has red stitching is shared with the GR Yaris: wheel, seats, handbrake, etc. The dash is different, and there you got black stitching. Rear seats are different too, the yaris has full leather on the back

This is basically a Toyota Matrix Extreme. Thanks for the review and extensive notes! Keep up the good work.

Doug: I don't state my highway speeds while filming Also Doug: watch me pass these cars 30mph faster 😏

I would still have preferred the GR Yaris. It has a bit less power but it also weighs 400lbs less. Having a light car is just amazing for driving dynamics.

I tried to get one of these when the price was announced, my dealership told me good luck. I don't really understand why manufacturers are doing things like this, make the car.... sell the car.... I don't understand this limited production shit for fun versions or normal cars, they know there is gonna be HUGE demand so why not just make them. These would sell like the Focus ST when it came to the states in 2013

Only one of these available in my area at the moment is a gently used base model with 600 miles... for $46,000. $9K markup from base MSRP for a car that's already had an owner (briefly). Pretty much the same story with the GR86 where I've seen them having asking prices above $44K for new (although you can find them for only $38K).

I could feel the enthusiasm from Doug in this intro. Can’t wait to check one of these out.

Corolla is preserving car culture. Welcome to the future.

I just went to a Toyota dealership yesterday to assist my son in buying a Prius Prime. They had a GR Corolla on the lot. What a beautiful car. I was even able to fit in the drivers seat and shift the gears. (I'm 6'4" and rarely can do this in compact cars.)

I currently have a Circuit and i LOVE it, i will like to add that yes it will show music on the cluster when using carplay and navigation will also display. Music is not constant but if i'm navigating, it auto displays

This is the kind of review we want from you, Doug. Quirky and truly interesting reviews are what define the Doug Demuro we know and love, not boring commuter crossovers that are 99% the same inside and out across all brands.

For how much fun it seemed like you were having, I'm surprised you gave it a 7 for a fun score.

The dial to change how the AWD system works is so cool

So fun to see you really surprised by the driving experience. Your enthusiasm almost makes want to look past the manual and harsh ride for a daily on the bad roads of Fullerton,CA

The reason people were excited about this is not because it was not done before, it's because in the year 2022 it is so damn rare to have a raw car like that. They just don't sell that much with the masses. And the Ford Focus RS was discontinued anyway

The best thing about dough is that he shows regular people that 300 hp cars can be funn and feel fast, you can see on his expression that he is genuinly exited about it. I feel like most car reviewers think that every car that is'nt a supercar is slow. it's all about contrast i guess, but I'm still just as exited about my sti as the day I bought it almost 4 years ago. Before I bought it I thought I would need to spend all this money to get 400 hp, but I really dont feel the need for any more still to this day

Love your videos Doug keep it hpt

Nice review! I love hot hatches and quirky cars. I was excited for this and still am to a degree but now that I'm seeing it in person it doesn't look that different to me from the regular Corolla. I think maybe it's the wheels, which obviously you could swap out, but still. Also no unique exterior color options other than black, white or red I believe. Oh and lastly you mention that the Focus RS had 300 HP but it's actually 350 🙂 I concur too on the numbers of the Core versus Circuit model - Circuit is definitely the one I'd be after.

You know you are living in an alternative reality when Doug says a Corolla starts at $51K 🌎🌎

I love that they actually added a piece to the rear door to connect to the fender, something the previous civic didn't do.

I work for Toyota’s ad division. We were so excited for this one to get to y’all. So glad you love it Doug ❤❤

Not the best of your THISs, I have to say, but awesome video as always. "CARS and Bids" satisfying as usual though. Keep up the great work!

The G16E-GTS motor is incredible, same motor in the yaris and corolla. Motive garage out of Australia has put close to 500hp down on this motor. Only failure point so far was the head gasket, they're working on a better aftermarket one. Already alot of aftermarket support and just gonna be more to come. Highly recommend motive garages videos if your wanting to know more about the motor. They do a very great analysis of everything. Cheers

Hey Doug, thanks for reviewing this video and comparing it so much to its competitors. One question i dont think was answered in the video is, how is the clutch?

Recently got a 2018 fiesta ST and I’m absolutely loving it

I love the fact that after years of shooting these videos Doug, you can first, still get excited about cars, and second, be surprised.

Even with a cold, there are no days off for Doug? Thanks for this well awaited review watching from Kenya. Now, I'll just wait 5 years till I can get one for cheap

I'm surprised that Doug still doesn't know that the center exhaust pipe has a purpose. Its function is to reduce the backpressure and help the car achieve 300 horsepower.

I need to get one!!! I hope it does well in da snow! From upstate NY!!!

I honestly am happy the car doesn't have rev matching by default. The fact that it's so crude and presumably raw is the part that I absolutely love. I don't need or want gimmicky stuff like sunroofs and luxurious rides. I solely drive carbureted cars with manual everything because modern cars simply don't do it for me. I get the feeling this is one of those few cars that'll suit my driving but sadly they'll likely be scalped beyond reasonable prices until Toyota quits producing them. 😢

Great video Doug! I love seeing you rave on like a child when you find something different and enjoyable!

I wouldn't mind having a Toyota garage including this, Supra, and a GR86. The last time I felt this way was when I coveted a RSX, NSX, and S2000 from Honda.

I am a die hard muscle car guy. Camaros especially… but there is something exciting about this thing… I just keep watching videos on it lol.

Just gone from a GTI to a GRC, Doug is totally correct with all his driving comments. Daily driving the GRC requires commitment, but to be honest, it makes the commute an event though I do miss the GTI's interior and that awesome DSG.

Finally you did it !

It would cool to be able to obtain one, but we will have to see how the market and dealers treat it, may very well turn into another focus RS situation sadly, hope it’s not the case, would make a great winter daily for me

Some cars I wish Doug didn't even mention but he finds a way to boost the popularity in every car I want. New or old 🤣

What I certainly love about this is that Toyota made AWD in a hatchback and a manual. Personally, I love AWD in any "sedanish" platform. I think Toyota really knocked it out of the park with this one.

Fun seeing Doug genuinely love a car. Also nice that it is an affordable one. If only you could get them at sticker

I love this thing... Been saving up to buy one but with the insane markups and the limited practicality I ended up going a very different route for my everyday driver. I hope it sells well and they make more of them so I can get one in a few years.

Didn’t even know this existed until I was scrolling the Toyota website looking for a regular Corolla for a daily... now my eyes are opened

Doug you was fake movin that thing I seen the brief cut up, love from NY keep up the great vids

So, I know we don't talk about aftermarket a ton on your channel BUT I've seen the block of that engine. The sidewalls are massive and one piece across all three cylinders. There was a group, I don't remember their name I'd have to look it up, but the turned the yaris up to about 480 I think. I can easily see that engine being able to produce 600 with some good head studs, a good turbo, and proper tune.

I have a 2016 GLA45 and am considering getting one of these little monsters. Fun is my most important metric.

I showed up with a stock 2003 SRT 4.....I learned mountains of driving knowledge in the 3 hours on track and in the paddock

When I first looked at this car it really reminded me of the Renault R5 Turbo from circa 1980-86.

So excited for this car and I want one. Those dealerships are going to mark them up so much just like the type r

As a last gen STI owner, the GR Corolla ticks every single box and if I can find one that isn’t marked up, I will totally add one to the garage next to the Subaru. It’s got the harsh ride, it’s got the racy engine noise, it’s got the sharp handling and exceptional AWD system, and it has a unique sound that no other car does. The only thing I can imagine being worlds better than the Subaru is reliability, I’m terrified of the engine letting go in the STI, but in a Toyota I’d have to worry about none of that.

Dammit Doug! LOL! I want one of these so bad, my teeth hurt! Great review buddy!

300hp all wheel drive sounds beasty on a hatchback like this, nice

i like how rev-match isn't always on. for daily driving, it's a nuisance. if sometimes needed on these daily drives, it should be instinctive for you to rev-match.

Just imagine once the tuners get some time with this platform! A 400awhp GR Corolla is on the table for sure and that would be insane.

I've heard everything I wanted to hear from you, Doug. In recent months, I've been contemplating dropping off of a dealer's GR Corolla wait list and getting a GR86 instead. But what you found about GRC brought me back to it. What you found is what I want in a car I own and I drive. I'm in a fairly good position on the wait list. No more screwing around with GR86. I am going to get a GR Corolla. Thank you, Doug.

i used to daily my race car. i grew up driving 60,s pickups that usually didn't have all the gears. I just got a GR Corolla Core with the performance package and Tech package wich means it is just missing the body work upgrages and to my toughened driving style it feels wonderfly soft and plush. and its fast and sporty enough that i can daily drive it without getting so board i want to die. i have had it for 48 hours and it had 427 miles i picked it up with 8 miles on the clock. i LOVE IT.

Thank you a lot for putting the L/100KM, appreciate it❤️

While this car is amazing, it still disappoints me to no end that Toyota won't sell the GR Yaris here in North America! Not all of us want a 4/5 door hatchback and a smaller 3 door would be perfect! Also, I cam almost guarantee that dealership greed is going to ensure that none of these will go out the door for less than $60K and that will spell the end of the GR Corolla due to poor sales from dealership greed.

never seen Doug salivate like this over a car !! he was spitting everywhere!

Toyota really needs to be careful when releasing this car. It's AWD. A lot of folks in climates that get snow are gonna want it just for that. It's fast. It's balanced. It's practical. There are very few cars out there today that fit this bill. If you want a sports car, you don't really need AWD. If you want practicality, there's better options. This car might be more stiff than necessary for a daily but it fits the bill of everything I'd want in one. Fast, AWD, reliable (AFAIK since I haven't seen any reliability criticism of the GR Yaris), and practical. This is probably a dream car for a lot of people like myself and it'll be a damn shame if dealer greed kills it and makes it go the way of the Focus RS.

I hate the 3 exhaust tips too! Aftermarket diffusers will be made and a nice single exit will go nicely 👌🏼

What's nice is finding parking and driving in inner city with a hatch 😍

I really want one, Toyotas line up the past couple of years have been fire

I love that third exhaust (diffuser) . To me it's a major quirk and feature. And the 3 cylinder Turbo AWD? ❤️❤❤