Toyota GR Corolla engineered to be cooler for 2026 to outperform Hyundai i30 N, Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R

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Toyota Australia has confirmed it will improve the performance of the 2026 GR Corolla “when driving at its limits” by improving engine cooling and increasing overall rigidity.

The changes come as a result of the GR Corolla’s extensive motorsports involvements, particularly Japan’s Super Taikyu racing Series.

It is expected these tweaks will raise the price of the MY26 GR Corolla, which currently starts at $67,990 for the ‘GTS’ six-speed manual, and tops at $70,490 for the ‘GTS’ eight-speed automatic. Both prices are before on-road costs. 

Toyota says pricing of its revised GR Corolla will be confirmed closer to the model’s 2026 debut. Expect a price increase of around $4500, the same outlay as the new ‘Aero Performance Package’ offered on GTS GR Yaris models. 

This would mean a starting price of $72,490 for the GR Corolla manual, nudging the model a few grand above the $70,990 Volkswagen Golf R, a few grand below the $79,900 Honda Civic Type R, and almost $20,000 above the popular Hyundai i30 N, which starts from $52,000. 

Prices shown are before on-road costs.

Despite the improvements to engine cooling, peak power output for the GR Corolla will remain at 221kW/400Nm, produced by a tiny but mighty 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine. All GR Corolla models are full-time all-wheel drive with twin limited-slip differentials. 

The new cold-air engine cooling duct added to the 2026 GR Corolla is designed to open at high RPM. A duct within the secondary intake opens to draw cold outside air through the front grille to reduce intake temperatures, thus increasing engine efficiency and cooling.

The MY26 GR Corolla will also offer a better connection between car and driver, says Toyota. That’s thanks to a 74-percent increase in structural adhesive, with a particular focus on the Corolla’s underbody and rear wheel wells to cope with high G-forces. 

Inside the cabin, Toyota has added an additional subwoofer to the standard-equipped JBL sound system, now nine speakers, as well as tweaks to the cabin ‘Active Noise Control’ aiming to make the cabin quiet or loud based on driving style. 

Additionally, Toyota has debuted a new ‘Active Sound Control’ system, which augments engine sound through the cabin depending on driving style and throttle input. Three sound profiles are available as part of the new system, accessible through the drive mode selector.  

The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla will be available to order early next year. Updated pricing is yet to be confirmed.