2023 Toyota GR Corolla Review // DRAG RACE + LAP TIMES
The brand new Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition ($53,900 in Canada, $42,900 in the US) is here to make a bold all-wheel drive statement. It shares the same 1.6 L 3-cylinder turbo engine as the rally-homologated GR Yaris. But it has even more horsepower due to its improved exhaust backpressure. And is finally available for North American buyers.
On paper the GR Corolla looks unbelievably tantalizing. A 300 horsepower all-wheel drive turbo hot hatch, with dual-LSDs and a manual transmission. But will it live up to its mighty expectations? And will it be able to stand out against its ultra-competitive rivals in the hot hatch category? Thomas and James aim to find out! We hope you enjoy the episode. Thanks for watching! SUBSCRIBE!
A huge thank you to Toyota Canada and VW Canada for being game to make this test happen.
And to our Subaru owner for letting us feature his WRX STI!
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Post-production by Karston Chong and Thomas Holland
Sound by Harrison Dickson and Karston Chong
Music from Epidemicsound.com and Artlist.io
#Toyota #GRCorolla #HotHatch
When you think their quality can’t get better they just crush it 10/10 guys
Damn 💯💯
I think they took it to 11 👍🏻
VW lack of quality is a joke.
@@MatrixDiscovery …? What exactly doesn’t show quality?
The only channel I actually watch the intro's. 10/10
That "Welcome to the few" line from Thomas as he slides in with the Golf R was damn brilliant. As was Karston pulling up to the line in an STi. Fantastic video, gentlemen.
Yes! Thomas nailed it with that line, and Karston is always so fierce!
@@tomfrance69 Corolla GR is superior compared to Golf R.
Give off some ol' Top Gear UK vibes
Just shows how good the DSG is in the new cars. There would easy be 1 second difference in 1/4mile time
@@purwantiallan5089 Overalll?I don't think so,without even considering the DSG option
You guys are basically the classic BBC top gear of our modern era. I’m living through it and I’m here for it! Keep up the great work guys 🎉
Wtf bruh he said the golf r looks nicer 😂
@@tafabeatz9417 because it does
Exactly! I miss Tiff Needell’s top gear as well
@@anttiruotsalainen9661 I liked 5th Gear more than his Top gear content. But that may just be because I got to watch Clarkson Top Gear at the same time, so I was always happy.
I especially enjoy the sound and the music. Well done!!
9:56 Karston looked straight up sinister in the stealth all black Subaru WRX STi. Such a cool car and driver
The introduction of the Golf R was absolutely perfect. 10/10 video love the new Corolla
Best scene I've seen on KZhead thus far, Unexpected and EPIC
Welcome to the few
Remind me of that "R8 vs 911" from TopGear
@@huynhdanny4623 "Rubbish. I'll show you stunning..."
@@sharkrichard3151 yep. I rate this 10.7/10.
The drag races are 1000x better when everyone’s banging gears I love it
Because you're in control that's why it's more fun.
2 Fast 2 Furious vibes
@@GTS300Coupe GTS300, for me Corolla GR is a class above Scirocco R.
@@karlfernandez2322 yep. Fun when you actually drove this at 100kph.
Unless the goal is speed...
You're taking car reviews to a whole new level, 10/10 for both of you.
Not really, haven’t you watched top gear?
@@zayedhossain5497 after top gear , these guys are like the spiritual suuccesors to them
Can’t believe how far the Corolla has come. I own a 2005 daily driver Corolla and baby it for maximum fuel mileage and reliability but would love to park the GR next to it as a fun little canyon car. Great review!
"Welcome to the few." Genuinely, a really, really cool moment. Everything you guys are doing lately is excellent, please keep it up. I'm happy to take longer between videos for your health if it means this quality keeps up. Genuinely incredible how much the channel has grown.
I just came down here to comment that!!
the delivery of that line was pretty sweet
Time stamp?
Bro the delivery of that line was epic
Watch Top Gear Audi R8 vs Porsche 991 Carrera, minute 4:10. Exactly the same energy
One of the GR Corolla's engineers mentioned that on dry grippy surfaces it'd be better to leave it in 50/50 or 60/40, if you want to drift. Source: Engineering Explained
Why would 60/40 be better for drifting if the rear wheels is generally more important than loss of front grip for drifting? 🤔
@@papa_pt awd drifting is just a bit different than the FR drifting
@@papa_pt then check out engineering explained, obviously an explanation that required more than a yt description
@@papa_pt Watch the video he stated above, he explains it very well why.
Engineering Explained isn't accurate about a lot of topics. If you have engineering in your channel name you better get it right... Hence I unsubscribed...
Wow! The production of this video is insane! I feel like I watched an action movie in 30min and never once did I think about turning it off. Great job on this video guys! Great commentary, great comparison, keeps you wanting more and great production!! Keep them coming!
Just started watching reviews. Your sense of humor and personality is like a kickback to the old Top Gear. Love it
That "welcome to the few" line,, delivered on the track as he sharks the Corolla, was GREAT!!!
Definitely my favorite part, so much so, that I showed it to my spouse (who’s not into cars).
@@AHG8R me too love this car, Amichay.
Dude the Golf presentation was just phenomenal, just so badass like a movie presenting the villain of the story
Frrr
@Toni Dinh 🤣🤣
@Toni Dinh not down the strip
Fof with that pile of junk or Golf... Rating and crap for ppl... Shame for this BS review!
wouldn’t last 5 years 😂
This is such a great review....it has really EVOLVED!!! I love the combination of track test and drag race, well done guys!!!
This is the most cinematic car review I’ve EVER seen outside of the Penzoil Dodge Viper short film!!! I don’t know what’s happening but I love it!!! Who ever motivated you guys to start doing this, or whoever made it possible for you to do this if you were thinking of it all along, give them a raise!!!!
These bots and their ass kissing comments..🙄🙄
This was the most Top Gear-ey episode yet. Between overall cadence and subtle directing, it felt like watching a classic TG comparison.
Without all the, " And now we're going drive them through the Amazon jungle BS" Great episode
Glad I wasn't the only one that got those vibes. Especially the first half of the video. Clearly taking lessons from what is successful.
Exactly what I was feeling! The when Karston showed up it straight reminded me of a classic Top Gear where let’s say, Hammond does a test and the boys show up to “ruin” his film. Brilliant. Absolutely loved this Episode!
@@rickymacqueen6690 one can only hope they get big enough to have the ability to do that kind of BS.
@@makattak88 I really don't lol. success?.... sure. Buy once they start shooting vans out of a cannon it's a little much.
That entrance at 6:23 is absolutely badass
not gonna lie lol
Like in a movie 🤣
That so frickin cool
I really enjoy the way you guys present information and driving impressions n such an entertaining manner. Keep it up!
So happy you two are excelling, been watching for so long and quality is just so well received, thx
This channel was already super impressive and now it just got better, Thomas & James make it so fun & enjoyable and everyone working behind the cameras make it a top quality show. Thank you everyone at TH!
Do not forget Carston. I repeat, do not forget Carston!
@@tomgjeka7028 TH for me is miles above Donut Media and Carwow.
The race from stop was so close and fun that Carston broke character at 11:28 😃
Wow, I could totally feel Thomas's excitement after that drag race! You guys are like the modern-day BBC Top Gear, and I'm loving every bit of it! Toyota letting you test the prototype against the Golf R is impressive, and the video was great. Can't believe how far the Corolla has come, and the production quality is just insane. Keep up the fantastic work, guys!
This production value is insane!! I love that you brought the Golf R in as a competitor. Gave me Jason Cammisa vibes with his GR86 review.
I am seriously surprised Toyota let you guys take a prototype around your track and benchmark it against the Golf R. Mad props to Toyota for doing that and great job on the video again, guys!
Toyota knows their customers very well
That had to be the closest drag race I've ever witnessed on this channel. That was so exciting
Closest between two cars. The other cleared out.
I agree
@@Playdory RUF BTR2: AM I A JOKE FOR YOU?
@@ProvacativeAcorn RUF TURBO R: Am i a joke for you, Corolla GR?
This is really well made video! Kodus to you guys and the whole production team!
I love manual transmission, even if its "slower" its the whole experience, which is why I drive! GR looks fun. Great video! really evenly matched cars.
I giggled so much when the STI rolled up to the drag race. You gotta admit for a 20+ year old drivetrain the STI still does really well! Awesome work guys!
20+ year drivetrain in a what year car?
@@VcottntailW i
@@VcottntailW cdxhff
Tbg f go 4ggxc
the problem isn’t the old drivetrain for me. my problem is that it doesn’t rock the EJ207 which is a way more durable motor than the EJ257
I could feel Thomas’s adrenaline after that drag race!
You know a review is good if Smoking Tire drops a positive comment
Mighty car
@@Thawhid COROLLA ALMIGHTY.
@@CanadianMax Corolla Almighty man
Can’t wait for you to take one thru the canyons
You guys have WAY too much fun! Great review, truly.
Well done lads, best review ever! Props to the entire production crew . I’m getting the R.
The fact that a turbo 3 can keep up with a Golf R is truly fantastic
It's more drastic with a dsg trans would have gapped the Corolla even more
dsg is faster but it is boring… is like playing video games. A stick will give you better driving experience and skills requirement if you are a real enthusiast. We’ve come to an electric car era, anyone who can pedal to the floor driving a Tesla will smoke any of these all day but no fun at all.. super fast on straight yet quiet and boring ride. Ever wonder why they’ve input so many driver assistant for the vehicle? Best guess is people who drive it will fall asleep easily😂
@@WhiteWolfos if the Corolla had another 400cc then that wouldn't have made a difference!
Crazy that the Corolla moves that fast with 3 cylinders. Motorcycles have more than 3 cylinders
supped up corolla ? i bet there is no more power increase in that engine, that golf r can o over 450hp on stop engine
That was probably the best drag race i’ve seen for a long time, perfect HARD launches as it should be on these cars and great shifts by everyone!
100%
Yeah, it looks like they all nailed that launch. Very fun for medium fast cars.
I'm so glad you put the uncut shots of changing the settings on the Golf R. Tap, swipe - STEER - tap another menu - STEER AGAIN - confirm.
Loved this episode so much! It’s like a short film, great shots, great writing, fun behind the scenes, awesome overall!
I don’t know if anyone feels like me but watching these 2 brilliant guys feels like i am watching a sort of (old) top gear or grand tour. Love it please NEVER stop💯
These guys have a great energy and bounce of each other really well!
Same thought... They just miss Captain Slow..
Literal goosebumps when the Golf R is introduced sideways. Amazing job guys. This video rocks
The Golf has a shitty chassis saw tons of them going straight into corner on the Nurb, even my 3rd Renault Megane RS is faster than this shitbox.
@@skippylegrandgourou2069 Source: Trust me bro
The production quality is getting insane! Great job everyone!
The intro after the comic skit….. still gives me goosebumps ❤. I’ve watched this video 3 times and still get goosebumps. Great videography 🙏🏻
This makes you realize what Honda did in the hatchback segment with the Type R is very impressive. We can only assume the FL5 will inherit the track crown from its predecessor. Can't wait for their review.
Agreed, they could sell the FK8 as new again and it would still be competitive with these new hot hatches. Clearly the FL5 is going to walk away from both on the track and usability. Honda and it’s Type-R heritage are on another level.
Type R is not impressive…she is the slowest hatch out there and the ugliest!!!
@@jdavidblais what? What rock did you crawl out of...previous gen styling was challenging, yes. But the new got rid of that.
@@jdavidblais Did you see the lap times?
@@jdavidblais it holds the record for hothatch lap times on the nurburgring, wtf u on about? 😂
This episode alone had filled the gap that original Top Gear left, such a great film all round
If they did a tv series I would definitely watch
As an American I can’t say it enough; give Canada a crack at Top Gear. These two plus Fortnine is the new trio we need.
You guys hit this video out of the park, entertaining from beginning to end.
Really nice video; great work!
Still in love with the engine sound of the STI's Boxer
Sti had the best sound hands down
Best sounding 4 cylinder ever made
98% of the reason i bought my sti was the sound. Nice big single exit and a set of headers and it sings me beautiful songs every time i turn the key
So deep
@@rushrules123 the sti and neon srt4 have good sounding 4cyl. 💪
This was such a well produced video from start to finish. Absolutely incredible! Big props to the entire TH team!
Awesome video lads. I've been obsessing over the GR Corolla for a while and you guys definitely did it justice. The Golf and WRX are excellent cars too...Love them all!!
You guys got your hands on the new GR! The car I want, hurray!! That opening was sick! You guys are THE BOMB!! Great Work!!
This video is just next level production, fellas. The intro in particular is spectacularly well done. It actually gave me goosebumps. You guys are knocking it out of the park ⚾
Lol, love Carston and his hyper focused demeanor. Keep him on the show
Basically the Throttle House Stig
@@lukewaldo2617 exactly 💯
@@lukewaldo2617 lol, I was thinking the same thing. When they introduce Carston from now on it should be "The Carston".....
*Karston.
@@franciscoandresmontestorre1895 sorry my fault on spelling
Finally someone that knows how to launch/drive an STI. Also not only the STI, all the manual cars. Everyone has this bad impression of them being slow due to seeing first time manual drivers. Solid video, great comparison all really great cars! Loved the surprise in this one!! Would have clicked faster if it was in the title but even better as a surprise nice touch!!
Absolute best car review I've ever seen!! Great work!!
Am I the only one who enjoyed the edits of them shifting there cars each time between the VDub and Corolla the little “linkage/pedal noises” LOVE IT
Whilst the rest of the review crowd are walking around Corolla's, you guys already have it racing a Golf R. Absolutely nailed it boys!
This was a fantastic comparison! Keep up the excellent content.
What an awesome introduction for the Golf R. Perfect writing and editing.
300 HP from a 3 cylinder! Times have definitely changed! Good stuff all the way around. Kind of like the last big efforts put into internal combustion engines before the electric age takes over.
Before the Socialists/Communists take over.
@@robhargis6980 There is always someone like you out there. Completely misinformed on why and how things come to be. Oh well...🤷♂️
Koenigsegg’s 3 cylinder makes 600 hp, so it’s been done before. However, 300 is still impressive!
@@JayFade But koenigsegg is koenigsegg, they're honestly competing with themselves at this point.
@@ryujin1846 for real though, & that’s gonna be in their “affordable” car lol
Carston smiling at 11:27 to 11:28 of the video, is a gem! FINALLY
This video made me ( car enthusiast ) smile and happy ....this comparison made my day .....thank you so much
Welcome to the few that’s dope. That part alone when the gulf was introduced alone solid the video 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Good work guys.
James has been working on his driving, that seems pretty clear. Epic review! Love the track focus.
Loved all the cinematic shots and amazing editing, u guys are just pushing it to a different level, keep it up💪
Crazy how big this channel has gotten! I started watching when it was 60k!
Incredible review
the drag race had my on the edge of my seat! amazing job as usual dudes!! killing it!
I was expecting the GR Corolla to beat the STI seeing that it was nearly 300 lbs lighter but wow that ancient EJ did much better than I thought. Fantastic racing and video!
The Golf has 7 more lbs of torque than the Corolla with 15 more hp but nothing a better set of tires and better LSD would not fix.
i don’t think the STI is stock. they aren’t very fast, and would get gapped way harder my a mk8 R than this
@@klct555klct That STI is 100% stock. I didnt hear launch control being used which would be an obvious indication of it being tuned. I also didnt hear any aftermarket intake or BPV/BOV noises either.
@@BDA0531 On that, my friend, you’re 💯 right
But you all forget that the GR has 1 less cylinder that the other 2, now that's impressive engineering.
Throttle house should be hired by every single car company to create ads, they made an intro about a Corolla feel as EPIC as a Lamborghini SVJ.
Agreed i said the same a few weeks ago They should do every cars release advertisement
This channel is top notch! Keep up the great work.
There I was, stoked to be watching your GR Corolla review and out of nowhere comes the MK8 Golf R! “Welcome to the few”. You guys are killing it!
Great cars, but absolutely legendary presentation! Been watching you guys for a while now but the videos just keep getting better and better. Absolutely did both of these great machines justice
Ah man these videos are just too much fun, even had some of the best taglines so far “Juvenile! No… RALLY CAR” and “Welcome to the few” Keep killing it :)
Great video fellas!
Once again a brilliant brilliant video, every time I watch you guys I'm more and more impressed with the videography, the directing, and the pace, I never get bored watching you guys and never feel the need to skip ahead. Hands down the best car review channel on the internet right now.
Great video.... loved how you guys were just hammering the gear shifts like the good old days. One of my favorite drag races ever.
Thanks for the awesome video!
The music and timing is phenomenal!!!
Everyone’s excited about the GR Corolla and you can tell in the video they are too. You guys keep putting out excellent content and I wait for the day current top gear reaches out to you to be the next hosts
kzhead.info/sun/hrl6j9RpbImjkqM/bejne.html LMAOO
GR Corolla vs Skyline GT-R R34 could be interesting.
A45 AMG!
How I wish you guys had the Focus RS too in there for company today!! That's the OG rear overrun drift inducing hot hatch with pops and bangs!!
I imagine, the Focus RS, especially if it was the '18 with the LSD and on Cup 2 tires, likely would have been in a different class and taken away some of the shine from this group. Still, would have been interesting to see. Hopefully we'll see that video sometime in the future.
Awesome job guys, really ! I'm about to order one of these, and even as a automotive engineer / ex-racer it's a damn hard choice. R's controls have to go, but DSG is very sweet, even more so on 400 during daily crash. Ordering R this weekend, again many thanks from someone that you really helped.... owe you one o/
Its the only one of the 3 that feels like a normal car when doing normal car things. Its not going to be as good on a track, but not having your teeth rattled out is worth the trade off.
I think I’ve watched this episode 10 times so well done. All affordable fun manual awd cars
The sound design in the opening few minutes of this was magnificent. Well done, lads!
I would already call Throttle House a top tier production, and you all keep improving it! Amazing work by the whole team
Wow. These cars must be SO much fun in the mountains and foothills, especially the GR Corolla.😍
Man that's a cool ride love my 22 WRX, but I'm excited to see watch the gr does
I know it is old at this point, but I'd be curious to see how the Focus RS did around the track.
I absolutely LOVE these longer videos, hope to see more of it, excellent work as always and I’m loving the redesigned intro/logo 🔥
“That GR’s quick in the corners” Takumi is that you?!
*Eurobeat music intensifies*
This is my first time watching you guys, what a great review
Always love waking up and finding out there’s a new TH video! Great video as always!
10/10. Loved this 🙌🏽
this is easily one of the best ever car reviews i have ever watched. this is cinematic perfection boys !
6:18 Great transition! That was some golden age-Top Gear-type of directing - good stuff, guys!
Best Review of the GR Corolla right now. You guys are incredible and well informed.
Awesome review
MAKING THE VIDEOS THAT WE ACTUALLY WANT TO SEE! EXCELLENT JOB THROTTLE HOUSE!
Well done, boys! And nice touch adding the STI for perspective.
The pure joy these guys are having. I'm so jealous. You guys are great thank you.
Gentlemen, another great video! Just put a deposit down on a Core Edition and very much looking forward to seeing what it can do!
The “welcome to the few” gave me real goosebumps, amazing video
Watching the Golf R chase the GR Corolla around the track was absolutely heart pounding! Best review yet!