Can the epitome of appliance-like automobiles—the Toyota Corolla—win the Motor Authority Finest Automobile To Purchase 2023 award? It’s a query we by no means thought we’d ask, however right here we’re.

Toyota, the automaker recognized for enjoying it secure with dependable however boring autos has shoved a rally-car powertrain into its Corolla economic system automobile. With a trick all-wheel-drive system and all of the willpower to again up its angle, the Toyota GR Corolla is a riot.

Toyota tapped the identical G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbo-3 engine it makes use of within the smaller GR Yaris for the GR Corolla. However on this software energy jumps from the GR Yaris’ 268 hp to 300 hp, although torque stands pat at 273 lb-ft. The only-scroll, ball-bearing turbo huffs lots of increase, but it surely takes a beat to scroll up. Peak energy doesn’t arrive till 3,000 rpm, after which retains giving its all till the 7,000-rpm redline. Early shifts make it appear to be the GR Corolla doesn’t have a lot energy. Don’t be fooled, it simply takes a heavy foot and an extended wait between shifts to get there.

Consumers who don’t #GiveAShift needn’t apply as a result of the GR Corolla solely comes with three pedals and a 6-speed guide transmission. The gearbox options quick, optimistic throws and the clutch is reasonably weighted with a considerably grabby takeup level. We’ll take what we are able to get and say thanks, Toyota.

A key ingredient within the GR Corolla’s enjoyable issue is the superior all-wheel-drive system that allows the driving force to vary the entrance/rear energy cut up between 60/40, 30/70, and 50/50. Whereas the 60/40 entrance bias is supposed for on a regular basis use, Sport mode flips the system right into a 30/70 rear-bias cut up. Toyota says the 50/50 cut up is supposed for high-performance driving. On the street, the usual 60/40 cut up is okay, however as soon as the roads begin getting twisty, flipping the GR Corolla into the Sport mannequin actually makes this sizzling hatch shine. With its 30/70 cut up, it’s not laborious to get the rear to slip out whereas the entrance claws on the pavement to drag the automobile out of corners. It’s a system not like anything in the marketplace immediately, and it reminds us of the previous Mitsubishi Evo in one of the simplest ways.

Toyota mentioned the GR Corolla will dash from 0-60 mph in 4.99 seconds, however our butt dyno can’t inform the distinction between that and 5.0 seconds. Toyota could also be overly wanting to parse the time, however the GR Corolla remains to be sufficiently fast.

The MacPherson-strut entrance suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension are paired with track-tuned dampers, springs, and stabilizer bars. That creates a agency trip, and we’re unsure we’d need to drive it on pockmarked Midwest roads.

Higher trim Circuit and Morizo fashions function entrance and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, however they’re are elective on the bottom Core mannequin. The differentials are a part of the key sauce that helps the GR Corolla put down the facility so successfully. They’re essential.

The GR Corolla doesn’t appear to be every other Corolla. Its widened physique panels give it a puffed-up look and canopy 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber (245/40 Cup 2s can be found). Gaping intakes feed the intercooler and funky the brakes. Just like the Honda Civic Sort R, the GR Corolla includes a triple-tip exhaust.

Beginning at $36,995, the GR Corolla looks as if a steal, but it surely’s not excellent. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster’s interface would possibly’ve been created in MS Paint, the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system’s interface is dated, and the display’s decision feels a full mannequin cycle behind all the pieces else in the marketplace. The inside is filled with laborious, low cost plastic straight from the Corolla’s economy-car components bin, and there’s no middle armrest up entrance. Add the 2 limited-slip differentials, and the GR Corolla pushes $40,000, placing it inside spitting distance of the extra mature Honda Civic Sort R.

Will the Toyota GR Corolla’s analog expertise and willpower be sufficient to take the win over two different sizzling hatches, an outrageous SUV, a luxurious EV, and a sport sedan? Examine again on Jan. 4 after we reveal the winner, together with the champs from our sister websites, The Automobile Connection and Inexperienced Automobile Experiences.