Conquer Every Corner in the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla

Rhea-AI Summary

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has unveiled the 2026 GR Corolla with significant performance enhancements and technological upgrades. The vehicle features improved body rigidity with 45.6 feet of additional structural adhesive and a new secondary air intake for better engine temperature control.

Available in two grades, the GR Corolla comes equipped with a turbocharged 1.6L engine producing 300 horsepower and offers either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The model introduces an enhanced JBL Premium Sound System with Active Sound Control and starts at an MSRP of $39,920.

Key features include the GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and advanced connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Positive

• Powerful turbocharged engine delivering 300 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque
• Enhanced body rigidity with 45.6 feet of additional structural adhesive for improved handling
• Advanced GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system with adjustable torque distribution
• Competitive starting price of $39,920 for a high-performance vehicle
• Comprehensive technology package including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Negative

• Base price increased compared to previous model year
• Additional dealer processing fee of $1,195 required

• New Structural Enhancements Improve Body Rigidity
• New Secondary Air Intake Improves Engine Temperature Control & Performance
• 2026 GR Corolla is Available in Two Grades: GR Corolla and GR Corolla Premium Plus
• Available JBL Premium Sound System Enhanced with Active Sound Control  and a Subwoofer
• Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing Starting at $39,920*

SONOMA, Calif., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready to unleash your spirit of adventure with the new 2026 GR Corolla. Featuring the GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive System, this machine is designed to master all sorts of terrain—whether it's at the track, on dirt, or on snow—this powerhouse is the perfect partner for exhilarating journeys and unforgettable thrills.

The GAZOO Racing team has been hard at work, driving in challenging environments such as the Nürburgring, to implement track-tested enhancements for this 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 for relentless power on those long drives.

For 2026, the GR Corolla is available in two dynamic grades: GR Corolla and GR Corolla Premium Plus. The GR Corolla comes well-equipped with standout design features like a bulge hood with functional gloss-black air vents, a color-keyed spoiler, and striking gloss black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels, all complemented by Brin Naub® suede-trimmed sport seats with sleek grey stitching. Step up to the GR Corolla Premium Plus, which 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 bold red stitching, along with a Head-up Display for an enhanced driving experience.

The JBL Premium Sound System has been enhanced to elevate the audio experience during everyday and track driving. The 2026 GR Corolla Premium Plus grade now features nine speakers throughout the vehicle, including a subwoofer in the luggage compartment, delivering clearer and more powerful sound. 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.

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.*

*MSRP Excludes Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1,195. All prices are subject to change.

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.

The GR Corolla is available with either an eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) or a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The 8-speed DAT, designed for sporty driving, delicately 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, thus leading to shifting that is similar to that of professional drivers.

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/or 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.

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. With the twist of a dial, the driver 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.

GR Corolla DAT models also come equipped with launch control, helping to enable powerful 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. Launch control is intended to be used for track driving, not for use on public roads or for repeated short interval use.

Impressive Connected Technology
Behind the GR Corolla's steering wheel is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable settings and, in the center of the dash, is the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an eight-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offers a user experience with touch and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant through an available Drive Connect* trial or subscription, simple phrases like "Hey Toyota" awakens the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more.

The cloud-based native navigation system offered through an available Drive Connect* trial or subscription, allows for real-time Over the Air updates for mapping with Google POI data integrated to ensure up-to-date search capability.

Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity and supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto^TM compatibility. The 30 day/3 GB Wi-Fi Connect* trial offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices by turning the GR Corolla into an AT&T Hotspot*, and it also offers the ability to link your separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to your vehicle with Integrated Streaming.

The GR Corolla also offers a host of additional Connected Services. A Safety Connect* 5-year minimum trial includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. A Service Connect* 5-year minimum trial provides drivers with the capability of receiving Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders.

All models include a 1-year trial for Remote Connect* which provides remote door unlock capability, vehicle status notifications, and a guest driver monitor. DAT models also get remote start capability.

*4G Network-dependent.

Safety & Convenience
The GR Corolla comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard. This safety suite includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If you don't react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Intended for highway use, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph and uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Is designed to detect lane markings or the road's edge at speeds above 30 mph. LDA w/SA is designed to provide an audible/visual warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, Steering Assist is designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
• Lane Tracing Assist: When Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is enabled and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Road Sign Assist: Uses the forward-facing camera to recognize specific road signs, such as speed limit, stop, and yield signs. Road Sign Assist provides sign information to the driver via the Multi-Information Display.
• Automatic High Beams: The Automatic High Beams are designed to help you see more clearly at night at speeds above 21 mph. The Automatic High Beams system is designed to detect the headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of preceding vehicles, then automatically toggle between high and low beams accordingly.

The automatic transmission models are equipped with:

• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is an adaptive cruise control system that is designed to be set at speeds above 20 mph. DRCC uses vehicle-to-vehicle distance control to help maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
• Proactive Driving Assist: Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) uses the vehicle's camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. PDA can also provide gentle braking into curves.

For complete details on Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, please visit Toyota.com/safety-sense.

Pricing*

Model #	Grade	Base MSRP
6280	GR Corolla Base AT	$41,920
6281	GR Corolla Base MT	$39,920
6286	GR Corolla Premium Plus AT	$47,965
6287	GR Corolla Premium Plus MT	$45,965

*MSRP Excludes Dealer Processing and Handling fee of $1,195. All prices are subject to change.

Complimentary 1-year NASA Membership 
NASA (National Auto Sport Association) Membership NASA membership is a non-transferable, original owner benefit, and expires 1 year after purchase of your new Toyota GR sports car. The 1-day High Performance Driving Event (HPDE) is included as a membership benefit and must be redeemed within 1 year from the time of purchase of your new vehicle. Valid in U.S. only. For qualified drivers over 18 years of age, with a valid driver's license. Participation in high performance driving creates a risk of personal injury or death and may cause damage to your vehicle that is not covered by your insurance or warranty. Please refer to your insurance policy and your vehicle's Warranty and Maintenance Guide that describes the terms and conditions of Toyota's New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage as well as general owner responsibilities. NASA membership and complimentary HPDE are not redeemable for cash or any other offer. See https://gr.drivenasa.com/ for details.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty. GR Corolla also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.

About Toyota  

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.   

Toyota directly employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 35 million cars and trucks at our 11 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota's plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. 

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved communities near the company's U.S. operating sites.  

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com. 

Media Contact:
Breanne McCallop
breanne.mccallop@toyota.com

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

FAQ

What is the horsepower and torque of the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla?

The 2026 GR Corolla features a turbocharged G16E-GTS 1.6L engine producing 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque.

How much does the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla cost?

The 2026 GR Corolla has a starting MSRP of $39,920 for the base MT model, while the Premium Plus AT trim starts at $47,965, excluding the $1,195 dealer processing fee.

What transmission options are available for the 2026 GR Corolla?

The 2026 GR Corolla offers two transmission options: an eight-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT) or a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) with rev-matching technology.

What are the key features of the GR-FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system in the 2026 GR Corolla?

The GR-FOUR system offers three selectable modes: Normal (60:40 distribution), Gravel (50:50), and Track mode (variable 60:40 to 30:70 distribution), plus standard front and rear Torsen Limited-Slip Differentials.

What safety features come standard on the 2026 GR Corolla?

The GR Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist.