The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Leaves No Breathing Room, Up to Three Traction Modes to Dominate Any Road
Not yet sold on the European continent, the significant improvements made to the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla are, for now, an exclusive domain for Japanese customers. Innovations that have taken this compact to a new level, especially its three-cylinder engine. A true madness that you can't imagine.
2026 will be one of the most exciting years for Toyota. The Japanese brand has great premieres ahead, and one of them is one of the most anticipated by high-performance enthusiasts. Those who will feel true passion for a compact that has been confirmed by the manufacturer's representatives for Europe, but is taking its time.
And much more when interested parties learn about the impressive innovations that the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla has received. This flagship was already one of the most sporty compacts in the world, but the folks at GAZOO Racing have improved the impossible. As you can see, the "facade" has not been the target of these Japanese engineers, so all the innovations are found beneath the bodywork.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla, the best for the senses is what you can't see
This new 2026 Toyota GR Corolla features a new structural adhesive that now extends up to 32.7 meters. The Japanese brand has extended this measure to the front of the body, the floor, and the rear wheel arch areas, achieving greater rigidity of the body structure.
The Japanese ingenuity knows no bounds, as evidenced by a new cold air duct, which, activated by high revolutions, is connected to the secondary intake duct below the air filter. This duct draws in outside air from the grille, reduces the intake air temperature, and helps maintain the stable 304 hp developed by the three-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbo engine that powers this GR Corolla.
More dynamic, the new GR Corolla, a compact with three drivetrains
Another improvement coming to the engine in the coming months relates to the engine control unit, a update that will increase the torque from 370 Nm to 400 Nm. The all-wheel-drive system "GR-FOUR" will also be modified to include new driving modes.
The "Rear" mode, which transfers 70% of the torque to the rear axle, will be replaced by the "Gravel" mode, which equalizes the power distribution between the two axles. The "Track" mode no longer has a fixed 50:50 ratio, but features variable power distributions, choosing between a 60:40 in favor of the front axle or a 30:70 in favor of the rear.
These innovations affecting the engine and all-wheel drive will be available in the spring of 2026, in the land of the rising sun, although we hope they will also reach the GR Corolla that will debut in Europe. The rest of the innovations are already on sale in Japan with prices ranging from 32,600 euros to 34,360 euros for the most expensive...
