The Toyota GR Corolla Loses A Pedal For 2025

Don’t worry, you can still order the Toyota GR Corolla with a manual transmission.

We’d argue you should, though the GR Corolla’s new 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) — while it might subtract some driver engagement — adds a lot of appeal to a broader market. It’s part of a larger batch of changes for the 2025 model year, but the new transmission should help keep the super-fun hot hatch on sale for many years to come.

The new gearbox packs improved software over the likes of the autos found in the GR 86 or the Toyota Supra. Instead of using vehicle behaviors like speed or deceleration, the DAT uses brake and accelerator inputs to decide what gear is best and when. Toyota touts development across circuit and rally driving courses to hone the transmission’s logic, and “optimized” shift points to give similarly close ratios to the manual.

Cars equipped with the auto will also see a new transmission cooler with a sub-radiator, which is standard on higher trim levels. We’d like to see Toyota get serious about the rally-adjacent vibe behind the GR Corolla and offer it with a lift and some dirt tires, but the 2025 model year updates will have to do for now.

Other mechanical updates are focused on the engine, brakes, and suspension. The former sees a power bump — the 1.6-liter 3-cylinder puts out the same 300 horsepower but with an increased 295 lb-ft of torque (up from 273). Meanwhile, a new front fascia with larger openings and air curtains helps with brake cooling and aerodynamics simultaneously.

As for the suspension, Toyota has fitted new rebound springs to mitigate wheel lift during hard driving. Updates to the rear coils and stabilizers ensure more in-corner stability, while a higher trailing arm mounting point should reduce squat during hard launches. Critically, Toyota has made the front and rear Torsen diffs standard — a desirable option that was previously missing from Core trims in North America.

Speaking of trims, Core and Premium trims see no other updates, but there is a new Premium Plus trim. It’s a smorgasbord of the performance offerings from Circuit and Morizo Edition GR Corollas, with some new items tossed in. This includes matte black wheels, a vented hood, and the sub-radiator mentioned above. There’s also the carbon roof seen on some GR Corolla models with a new head-up display.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but we’re sure to find out closer to this winter when the 2025 GR Corolla hits dealers.

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