Toyota Motor Corporation’s high-performance hot hatchback, the GR Corolla , will undergo a full model change and be released in 2026. Orders for the current model, which will be released on March 3, 2025, only began on February 4, 2025, but development of the next-generation model is already underway. Here’s a detailed look at what kind of model it will be.
Summary of information about the next-generation Toyota GR Corolla
- Release date: 2026
- Base model: Next-generation Corolla
- styling:
- Incorporating the Crown design, the new design has been revamped to create a sharper, sportier look.
- Hammerhead lights not included
- Platform: Upgraded version of the TNGA platform
- The overall length has been increased and the hood has been lowered, giving the car a sportier look.
- Powertrain:
- Possibility of retaining the current 1.6L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine
- There is also a possibility that it will be equipped with a newly developed 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine.
- If a 2.0L engine is adopted, it is expected to have a maximum output of over 400ps.
- others:
- The GR Corolla is a hot hatchback with an internal combustion engine that will be a valuable asset as electrification advances.
- The next-generation model will see significant advancements in both design and performance.
- The world premiere could take place in late 2025 or 2026
About the new Toyota GR Corolla full model change
The next-generation GR Corolla, like the next-generation Corolla on which it is based, is scheduled for release in 2026 and is expected to feature updated styling and performance upgrades. With the growing popularity of SUVs worldwide, the GR Corolla could be one of the last great internal combustion hot hatches for driving enthusiasts. In an increasingly electrified automotive industry, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division continues to explore the potential of the internal combustion engine, and the GR Corolla is a symbol of this.
Toyota’s new GR Corolla full model change exterior
CG projection created by Theottle
The CG rendering, created by digital artist Theottle, shows the car sharing some of the front-end design of the base model Crown, but with sharper bodywork. A notable feature is the absence of hammerhead headlights.
Toyota’s new GR Corolla full model change specifications
The next-generation Corolla is expected to use an upgraded version of the current model’s TNGA underpinnings. It will be longer and have a lower hood, giving it a sportier design. Toyota has used a similar approach with recent models, including the redesigned Camry sedan, and it’s possible the next-generation RAV4 SUV and Hilux mid-size pickup truck will follow suit.
Toyota’s new GR Corolla full model change powertrain
The most notable issue is the powertrain, which is likely to retain the current 1.6-liter inline three-cylinder turbocharged engine, but there is also the possibility of a newly developed 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine being installed. If the 2.0-liter engine is adopted, we can expect maximum output to exceed 400ps, the strongest ever.
For reference, the current GR Corolla is equipped with a 1.6-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 304 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The GR-Four AWD system also takes its driving performance to an even higher level.
| Specifications | Evolved GR Corolla | Evolved GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,410mm | 4,410mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,480mm | 1,475mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640mm | 2,640mm |
| engine | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged |
| Maximum power | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
400Nm (40.8kgfm) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
transmission |
6 speed iMT | 8-speed automatic transmission (GR-DAT) |
| Drive system | 4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
4WD (Sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR”) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people |
| tire | 235/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
245/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 12.4km/L | – |
A word from the editorial department
The world premiere of the next-generation Corolla family could take place as early as the end of 2025, but 2026 is considered the most likely date.
The next-generation GR Corolla will have evolved in every aspect, including styling, performance, and powertrain, and car enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
Toyota GR Corolla
