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Cars.com editors recently tested the all-new 2023 Toyota GR Corolla, and while we can’t disclose our first-hand impressions until later in the month, we can share the price tag the hot hatch will carry when it arrives in the fall. The base Core trim will go on sale first, followed by the limited-run Circuit and Morizo Editions (the latter bearing the racing alias of Toyota President Akio Toyoda) in the spring.
Related: 2023 Toyota GR Corolla: The U.S. Finally Gets a Proper Hot Hatch
All GR Corolla models are powered by a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo engine that come paired with a six-speed manual transmission and four driver-selectable modes (Eco, Sport, Track and Custom). Core and Circuit Edition trims make 273 pounds-feet of torque, while the Morizo Edition boosts torque to 295 pounds-feet. All models come with standard driver-adjustable all-wheel drive: The Circuit and Morizo Editions offer standard Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear, which can be added to the Core with the available Performance Package.
Standard tech features for all GR Corolla trims include an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which is shared with other 2023 Corolla variants. The suite bundles automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane-centering steering assist, adaptive cruise control and road sign assist. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster features a GR-developed meter that displays four-wheel-drive mode, turbo pressure, gear position indicator and tachometer.
The two-row Core and Circuit Edition offer seating for five occupants, while the Morizo Edition only seats two. The Core starts at $36,995, the Circuit Edition at $43,995 and the Morizo at $50,995 (prices include destination). Production of the Circuit Edition will be limited to the 2023 GR Corolla’s launch year, and the Morizo Edition will also be limited, according to the automaker, but it’s unclear how long the two-seater will be available. The GR Corolla Core will arrive in November, followed by the Circuit and Morizo Editions expected by the spring.
The base Core model comes standard with black fabric sport seats with gray stitching and a six-speaker audio system. It also gets three exterior paint color options (Ice Cap, Black and Supersonic Red), along with a color-keyed roof, rear spoiler and 18-inch gloss-black alloy wheels. Three packages can be added to upgrade the Core: The Performance Package adds a dual limited-slip differential, four-piston aluminum fixed-caliper disc brakes and red calipers for $1,180; a Technology Package adds a premium audio system, built-in navigation and wireless charging for $770; and a Cold Weather Package adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for $500.
Stepping up to the Circuit Edition gets a forged carbon-fiber roof, vented bulge hood, unique rear spoiler and heated side mirrors. It also swaps the black exterior paint option for Heavy Metal (dark gray) and adds red brake calipers with the GR logo. Inside, the Circuit Edition gets suede and imitation leather seats with red stitching, heated seats up front, plus a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped Morizo-signed shift knob. Other upgrades include a premium eight-speaker JBL audio system and automatic climate control.
The Morizo Edition loses the second row in favor of weight reduction and improved performance, according to Toyota. While most interior and exterior features match the Circuit Edition, the two-seater model gets two exclusive exterior paint colors: Windchill Pearl and a matte Smoke gray along with unique 18-inch forged alloy wheels.
The GR Corolla’s roster of rivals includes the all-new Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX and Volkswagen Golf R. While the 2023 Civic Type R’s pricing remains under wraps for now, the GR Corolla falls mid-pack among the remaining rivals: The Elantra N starts at $33,245; the 2022 WRX starts at $30,600; and the 2022 Golf R at $45,185.
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