The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla Will Roll Into Dealer Showrooms This Fall
It’s safe to say that we are a little more than excited for the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla to finally make its way onto the streets. Its specs, which include a 300-hp engine and an AWD layout, are music to our enthusiast’s ears. Fortunately for us and every other GR Corolla fan, Toyota announced that we could expect to see the hot hatchback show up in dealer showrooms in the fall.
When can we expect the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla to show up?
Toyota didn’t release a specific date for the arrival of the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla. However, it did say that the GR Corolla Core grade “is expected to arrive at dealership lots in the Fall of 2022.” It’s pretty vague, but that means that it could be coming in the next couple of months, barring any supply chain issues.
In the same release, Toyota mentioned that the GR Corolla MORIZO edition should show up in the winter of 2022, which could mean November or December. Additionally, the upgraded Circuit edition will show up in the Spring of 2023. That could mean April or May, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it showed up later than that.
In terms of pricing, the 2023 GR Corolla will carry a starting price of $35,900. The GR Corolla Circuit edition will have a starting MSRP of $42,900, and the MORIZO edition will start at $49,900.
Of course, those “starting prices” are practically a wish considering most dealerships will likely mark up their cars by a healthy margin. It’s unfortunate, but it’s the state of the car market right now.
What’s so special about the GR Corolla?
In case you’re wondering why we’re such big fans of the GR Corolla, consider the fact that it’s powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, not four. That tiny engine is force-fed 25.2 psi of boost and pumps out 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The MORIZO edition ups the boost level to 26.3 psi for a larger torque rating of 295 lb-ft.
But the power and torque rating isn’t the only thing that makes this car special. A six-speed manual transmission is mated to that small engine, which transmits the power to the car’s GR FOUR All-Wheel-Drive system. That system can be configured to distribute torque in a variety of front and rear bias outputs – 60:40, 50:50, or 30:70.
But that’s not all; the GR Corolla is also practical. Its hatchback body can fit up to five adults and wrap them in comfort with GR-embossed cloth seats. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on all trims and there are even heated seats. The GR Corolla Circuit edition adds a carbon fiber roof, vented hood, and rear spoiler.
What does the MORIZO edition have?
The MORIZO edition carries the same powertrain and chassis as the other two trim levels, but it’s lighter weight. That weight saving sacrifices practicality because Toyota deleted the rear seat to get it. It also installed Brin-Naub synthetic leather front seats, red seatbelts, and an Ultrasuede MORIZO-signed shift knob.
On the outside, the GR Corolla MORIZO edition sits a little lower than the other two trims and has a couple of aero enhancements in the form of a rear-lip spoiler and wider fenders. Is it worth the extra $15,000 over the base model?
Sure, if you account for the fact that only 200 copies will be produced for the 2023 model year. Pricing aside, we’re glad that Toyota made a GR Corolla in the first place and are excited to review it in the future.
