The new 2026 Toyota GR Corolla, featuring the GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive System, is designed to master all sorts of terrain—whether on the track, dirt or snow—company officials stated in a press release. The GAZOO Racing team has been driving in challenging environments, such as the Nürburgring, to implement track-tested enhancements for the 2026 GR Corolla model year.
With 45.6 feet of additional structural adhesive in the front and rear sections of the body, the GR Corolla boasts improved body rigidity and rear grip for better suspension movement and direct feeling, helping to ensure consistent steering and stable cornering. Plus, a new secondary air intake duct helps optimize temperatures to deliver maximum engine performance.
The 2026 GR Corolla & GR Corolla Premium Plus
For 2026, the GR Corolla is available in two grades: GR Corolla and GR Corolla Premium Plus. The GR Corolla comes equipped with a bulge hood with functional gloss-black air vents, a color-keyed spoiler and gloss-black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels, all complemented by Brin Naub suede-trimmed sport seats with gray stitching.
The GR Corolla Premium Plus offers a host of standard premium features, including a forged carbon fiber roof, a gloss-black rear spoiler, matte-black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels and Brin Naub suede-trimmed sport seats with red stitching, along with a head-up display for an enhanced driving experience.
The JBL Premium Sound System has been enhanced, and the 2026 GR Corolla Premium Plus grade now features nine speakers throughout the vehicle, including a subwoofer in the luggage compartment. Additionally, vehicles equipped with the JBL Premium Sound System now include Active Sound Control (ASC), which emits sporty sounds through the speakers that correspond to changes in acceleration, deceleration and driving force based on accelerator and shift lever operation. This provides the driver more audio cues to help sense the vehicle’s state.
Rally-Inspired Performance
The 2026 GR Corolla is powered by a turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine. The high-power engine outputs 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque. High-strength engine components and a turbocharger also help the GR Corolla bring on the most thrilling ride, noted the release.
The GR Corolla is available with either an 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) or a 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The 8-speed DAT, designed for sporty driving, senses the way the driver steps on the brakes and operates the accelerator. With these inputs, it can anticipate when gear shifting is optimal even before changes in vehicle behavior occur, achieving a gear selection that reflects the driver’s intentions. This leads to shifting that is similar to that of professional drivers, officials said.
The six-speed iMT offers drivers the thrill of manual shifting while incorporating sophisticated rev-matching technology. This system automatically adjusts engine rpm during downshifts, helping to ensure seamless gear transitions and reducing the risk of engine stalling and loss of traction.
To keep the higher engine output and 8-speed DAT at an optimal temperature for performance, an automatic transmission fluid cooler comes standard on 8-speed DAT models. For drivers interested in even greater engine cooling capability, a sub-radiator is standard on the Premium Plus grade.
The GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive System
At the heart of the GR Corolla is the rally racing developed GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system. Developed in collaboration with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, it is designed to deliver exceptional levels of traction and control by optimizing drive power to each wheel. Drivers can select Normal, Gravel or Track AWD modes to adjust front/rear wheel torque distribution.
Normal mode adjusts the front/rear torque distribution to 60:40 for everyday driving. Gravel adjusts the distribution to 50:50 to help deliver maximum traction. Track mode adjusts distribution by continuously varying the drive force distribution from front-focused 60:40 to rear-focused 30:70 based on the driver’s input and vehicle status.
Front and rear Torsen Limited-Slip Rear Differentials (LSD) are standard on the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla, offering dynamic cornering performance and grip with control of left- and right-hand drive torque distribution on the front and rear axles.
Launch Control on GR Corolla DAT Models
GR Corolla DAT models also come equipped with launch control, helping to increase acceleration off the line. It works by maintaining a set engine rpm, allowing the car to build power before the driver engages the throttle. Launch control is designed to maximize traction and power while minimizing the time it takes to accelerate. Toyota says the launch control is intended to be used for track driving, not for use on public roads or for repeated short-interval use.
The 2026 Toyota GR Corollas are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this fall with a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $39,920 (excluding dealer processing and handling fee of $1,195).