While many drivers know the Toyota Corolla as a reliable and great sedan or hatchback, Toyota also offers sportier versions of the Corolla. In fact, Toyota recently announced the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla, which is a hot hatch performance version of the model, and it has some stiff competition. Here’s a look at how the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla compares against the 2022 Hyundai Veloster N. 

An overview of the 2022 Hyundai Veloster N

Although Hyundai is killing off the Veloster, the Veloster N trim will remain, and it’s still a good option for folks looking for a hot hatch. The Veloster N starts at about $33,000, and it has some unique traits along with a lot of horsepower. The Hyundai hot hatch is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and it gets 275 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

It has front-wheel drive and a manual transmission as standard. There are also a lot of performance-oriented upgrades, which include an adaptive suspension system, which should allow the Veloster N to handle well. In terms of speed, the Veloster N should go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.9 seconds, though this number can be trimmed if drivers opt for the $1,500 dual-clutch option.

In terms of looks, the Hyundai Veloster N definitely looks like a sporty hot hatch. It has a rear wing and a unique three-door design. For comparison, most hot hatches have five doors. Hyundai also gave the car some excellent tech features, such as an 8-inch touch screen display, which will make the vehicle more usable as a daily driver. 

Everything we know so far about the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla

The Toyota GR Corolla, according to CarScoops, builds on Toyota’s experience with other hot hatches. Toyota hasn’t released any pricing details, but the GR Corolla may be in the $40,000 price range. In terms of its power, the GR Corolla is powered by an upgraded version of the engine that’s already in the GR Yaris. 

It’s a 1.6-liter turbocharged I3 engine, but it gets 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the GR Yaris’ version of the engine only got a max of 268 horses. This powerful engine should allow the Corolla hot hatch to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. That being said, Toyota also hasn’t announced the car’s performance estimates, so that number may change.

The GR Corolla has a manual transmission and all-wheel drive as standard. It’s equipped with a rear wing, and much of its insides are upgraded for improved handling. As such, the GR Corolla should handle well around corners. Its interior also has some features, including an 8-inch touch screen display. 

Which one of these hot hatches is the better one?

Since so few people have driven around in a Toyota GR Corolla, it’ll be a while before car critics can look at the car and talk about its pros and cons. That said, there is one big difference between the GR Corolla and the Hyundai Veloster N, and that’s their price tags. In all likelihood, the GR Corolla will be about $10,000 more expensive than the Veloster N is.

The Toyota makes up for it by having a more powerful engine and a faster acceleration time. That said, the Hyundai’s engine and acceleration aren’t bad by any means. The Veloster N isn’t the most popular hot hatch, but it can hold its own against its peers. In any case, the GR Corolla seems to be the better car, but it just won’t be cheap.