Given the Corolla’s rich history in the US and the Corolla hatchback's massive popularity, Toyota introduced the GR Corolla to stir up the hot hatch game. The GR Corolla, as expected, arrived with a small 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, massive competitive prowess, spicy looks, and a bevy of features under one affordable yet reliable package.
On the other hand, Subaru finally launched the second-generation WRX. However, Subaru discontinued the WRX STI and introduced a new GT variant, blaming its electric ambitions as the cause.
The absence of the WRX STI is indeed a big disappointment for Subaru fans and spirited rally enthusiasts. While this is a letdown for Subaru, things have become easier for the newly introduced GR Corolla, as it easily demolishes the WRX with its sheer power, track and rally mettle, hot looks, and better features.
The 2023 Toyota GR Corolla's pricing starts at $35,900 and is sold in three variants: Core, Circuit Edition, and Morizo Edition. The 2023 Subaru WRX is more affordable, with a starting price of $30,605, and is available in four trims: base, Premium, Limited, and the new GT.
Subaru WRX Fails To Match The Numbers Of The Wild GR Corolla
First things first, it should be noted that both of these cars are different from each other, but both offer an impressive price-to-power ratio and exhibit strong prowess wherever they are hauled. Since both of these cars are performance-oriented offerings, numbers matter.
The Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch gets power from the compact G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged straight-three engine, which also powers the GR Yaris. However, the one in the GR Corolla cranks out 300 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque in the Core and Circuit Edition trims, and a higher 295 lb-ft of punch in the Morizo Edition variant.
On the other hand, the Subaru WRX is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine. While Subaru differentiates itself with a turbocharged boxer-four engine, it fails to match the GR Corolla’s numbers despite being larger and having an extra cylinder. This unit is capable of offering only 271 hp at 5,600 rotations and 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Toyota GR Corolla Will Effortlessly Snipe A WRX On A Drag Race
Both these cars are fun to drive owing to their abilities. The GR Corolla’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine uses a six-speed manual gearbox to channel the power to Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive unit. The manual gearboxes have rev-matching and shorter gear ratios to optimize acceleration. The higher-power and more advanced drivetrain delivers 0–60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds and a standing quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds.
Although the Subaru WRX fails to match the Gazoo numbers, it offers both manual and CVT torque converters. The WRX models have a six-speed manual, while the flagship GT offers a CVT gearbox for improving acceleration. Still, the GT takes 5.4 seconds for the 0–60 mph sprint and 14.1 seconds for the quarter-mile. That said, don’t be surprised if the pocket-sized GR Corolla embarrasses a WRX in a drag race because it’s inevitable!
The GR Corolla Is A Pocket Monster Everywhere
Drive the GR Corolla on road or haul on tracks or slam on the wilderness; it impresses. The highly advanced GR-Four all-wheel-drive unit provides 60:40, 30:70, and 50:50 front-to-rear torque vectoring with front and rear Torsen LSDs for better grip while taking swift turns and on slippery surfaces.
The 103.9-inch wheelbase and GR Circuit-tuned EPS enable faster steering response. The lighter and smaller body and the GR Sports/Track-tuned suspension eliminate the body rolls and keep it poised even with drastic steering movements. The larger 14.1-inch front and 11.7-inch rear ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers ensure sure-footed braking. When the brakes are slammed, the GR Corolla comes to a stop at 108 feet.
As is customary with most Subarus, the WRX offers excellent handling and is capable of challenging the best-performance sedans on the market with its driving dynamics. The WRX’s CVT models enable easier gear shifts with a paddle shifter integrated into the steering wheel. Moreover, Subaru has tuned its chassis to lower the COG and improve overall rigidity to improve handling. The WRX’s sports-tuned suspensions with electric dampers work wonders and offer a smooth ride quality.
Do all these help it stays ahead of the GR Corolla? Well, no. The Subaru WRX weighs 3,534 pounds, and its larger sedan-styled body acts as an Achilles heel. The WRX has smaller and inferior brakes that take 112 feet to stop from 60 mph. Furthermore, the 105.2-inch wheelbase translates to a slightly larger turning radius. Thus, the WRX not only trails in power but also lags with inferior handling.
Practicality And Economy Favor The GR Corolla
Just like all crossover SUVs, the GR Corolla is more practical than the Subaru WRX sedan. While the GR Corolla’s cabin is smaller at 84.6 cubic feet, it offers 17.8 cubic feet of standard cargo space. Folding the rear seats further yields 36.6 cubic feet of total space.
Speaking of efficiency next, the GR Corolla is mighty when it comes to mileage. The small yet potent three-cylinder powerhouse returns 21 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The only disadvantage is its 13.2-gallon fuel tank, which offers only 369 miles of highway range.
On the other hand, the Subaru WRX, being a sedan, offers less practicality. Its trunk only offers 12.5 cubic feet of standard cargo space and a cramped 32.1 cubic feet of total cargo space.
The Subaru WRX’s larger 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four engine returns only 19 MPG in the city with both manual and CVT gearboxes and 25 MPG on the highway with the CVT gearbox and 26 MPG with the manual gearbox. It has a larger 16.6-gallon fuel tank, offering around 430 miles of highway fuel range.
Sources: Toyota, Subaru