Toyota's Ultra Hot Hatch Gets Some Upgrades And A Higher Price

This week, we have confirmation that all the upgrades appearing on the new hot hatch in Japan will also appear on the U.S. market version. Not only that, but Toyota has given updated pricing for the slimmed-down trim line-up, and the new model's upgrades come with only a slight increase in price.

It's Stiffer, Cooler, And Louder

Toyota made two main changes to the mechanicals of the GR Corolla. First, it added much more structural adhesive. More specifically, it added a whole 45.6 feet of the stuff, all in the name of increasing chassis stiffness. This is in addition to the extra adhesive and redesigned subframe and suspension bolts from past years. Furthermore, Toyota added another air intake to keep the engine and intake air temperatures down. Apparently it also helps with keeping the optional automatic transmission (which brings with it a sub-radiator just for the transmission) cool. It's included on both trims, and the Premium Plus trim gets an additional sub-radiator, which should be particularly appealing to owners planning long track sessions. These changes don't do anything to the car's output, though. The turbocharged 2.0-liter three-cylinder continues to make 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

Those mechanical tweaks aren't the only changes. Toyota updated a few other little features inside and out. The vented hood is now standard on all trims, and so is the leather and faux suede upholstery. On the Premium Plus trim, the GR Corolla now gets a JBL sound system with an added subwoofer, bringing the total speaker count to nine. This sound system doesn't just deliver your music or podcasts, but also fake engine sounds. The company didn't say whether that function could be switched off. We hope it can, since we're not fans of simulated engine noises, and the GR Corolla already sounds good naturally.

There's One Less Trim

Besides the feature changes, Toyota has simplified its offerings. The Premium trim goes away, leaving just the base Core and the top-level Premium Plus. The latter is distinguished by a carbon fiber roof, black rear spoiler, red contrast stitching (rather than grey), a head-up display, and the aforementioned upgraded sound system. Both trims will continue to be offered with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Fortunately for potential buyers, the 2026 GR Corolla isn't much more expensive than last year's. The new base MSRP is $39,920, and the destination charge is $1,195, making for a total of $41,115. That's an increase of just $760. The Premium Plus trim starts at $45,965, or $47,160 with destination. That's even closer to the last model, with a price increase of just $150. Like last year, opting for the automatic transmission adds $2,000 to the car's price. You'll be able to snag one in the next month or two, since Toyota said GR Corollas will hit dealers this fall.