A powerful turbocharged engine, road-gripping all-wheel drive, and a slick-shifting manual transmission. Together, they create the holy trinity of sought-after automotive enthusiast combinations. Hallelujah!
This sacred formula may conjure up rally fantasies of perfectly executed Scandinavian flicks around snowy corners, blasts through tree-lined stages at breakneck speeds, and crests over dirt hills at dizzying velocities. Even if buyers of boosted AWD cars aren’t rallying them, they’re having a lot of fun on the street and/or track.
These days, there are only a couple of AWD vehicles with manual transmissions left. Heck, there are only a few manual-transmission cars and trucks left at all. Subaru and Toyota are holdouts, still offering this tasty recipe for performance.
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS and 2025 Toyota GR Corolla are superhero variants of the plain-clothes Impreza and Corolla. They’re road-ready rally cars. And even if you’re not going to slide ‘em sideways, they offer excellent on-road performance.
What Makes These Cars So Special?
These are currently the top-of-the-line WRX and Corolla sold in North America. Subaru’s WRX tS takes the already high-performance WRX and adds handling improvements, unique interior bits, and special badging (there’s no power bump, however). The tS moniker stands for “tuned by STI,” with STI (Subaru Technica International) being the brand’s motorsports division.
With its subtle decklid spoiler and STI-red tS badges, the WRX tS has an understated look. One that’s matured since the previous generation’s boy-racer WRX STI model. The black fender trim remains controversial.
The GR Corolla transforms Toyota’s run-of-the-mill front-drive CVT-equipped Corolla Hatchback into a fire-breather. The GR Corolla adds AWD, a six-speed manual, and almost twice the power of a regular Corolla Hatchback. Plus, there are three flavors for 2025: Core, Premium, and Premium Plus, all with a few different features and colors, but with the same amount of power.
The letters GR stand for Gazoo Racing, which is the designation for Toyota’s performance-oriented cars. This originates from Toyota Gazoo Racing, a motorsports division of Toyota. With bulging fenders, a large rear spoiler, and numerous vents, scoops, and grilles, the GR Corolla is the opposite of the WRX tS in terms of styling. It’s in your face and rambunctiously racy.
Different Cars, Two Very Different Engines
Both vehicles make solid amounts of power, but their engines are quite different. Subaru’s WRX tS uses the brand’s DOHC 2.4L turbocharged and intercooled FA24 flat four-cylinder engine. This rather large four-banger makes 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm with 12 pounds of maximum boost. Redline is just 6,100 rpm, and power is usable and linear, with torque coming on early.
The Toyota GR Corolla uses a small 1.6L turbocharged and intercooled G16E-GTS inline three-cylinder mill making 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of twist at 3,250 rpm. The GR cranks the boost up to a maximum of 26.3 pounds and has a 7,200 rpm redline. This manic powerplant may be puny in size, but it has notable output. However, it needs to be revved to really scoot.
At the scales, the WRX tS weighs 3,430 pounds, whereas the GR Corolla comes in at 3,274 pounds for the Core grade. Premium and Premium Plus are a couple of dozen pounds more. This gives the GR Corolla a better power-to-weight ratio than the WRX tS.
Slick-Shifting 6-Speed Manual Transmissions
Both cars can be had with slick-shifting six-speed manual transmissions. The 2005 WRX tS is manual only, but the 2025 GR Corolla offers an optional eight-speed automatic. For comparison’s sake, we’ll only talk about the manuals.
The WRX tS transmission offers precise, somewhat notchy shifts. Those who like to row their own gears should still be happy with its feel, although there could be a more pronounced feel in the clutch uptake.
Toyota adds a touch of tech to its manual gearbox thanks to the iMT intelligent manual transmission. It will automatically rev-match when downshifting and can offer smoother, faster downshifts. This feature can also be easily disabled if desired. Both cars’ transmissions offer well-defined gates, short throws, and great feel.
All About All-Wheel Drive
When it comes to AWD, Subaru is one of the best names in the business. The WRX tS employs the company’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which works excellently both on the road and on the track.
The previous WRX STI had an adjustable center differential system, but the WRX tS forgoes this. It does have a limited-slip center differential and active torque vectoring to help in the twisties, as well as the company’s vehicle dynamics control (VDC) system.
Toyota isn’t a stranger to AWD, either. The GR Corolla offers a customizable system letting you put more power to the front or rear wheels thanks to its GR-Four system, which is operated using a knob on the center console. There are three AWD modes: Normal, Track, and Gravel. It also has front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials.
Based on my time behind the wheel, drivers will be very happy with the amount of grip. The Corolla’s adjustability factor might woo some, but Subaru is a master of AWD. The GR’s real limited-slip diffs are a nice touch, however.
Stiff Suspensions
In case you thought one of these vehicles might handle like a 1974 Dodge Van, you’re wrong. Both cars devour curves, attack corners, and make mincemeat out of canyon roads. Their respective chassis are very willing and should satisfy nearly any driving enthusiast.
Each is equipped with front and rear sway bars and fully independent suspensions. The WRX tS gets electronically controlled active dampers, which can be adjusted as part of its multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Controller. This suspension is unique to the WRX tS and actually has four modes: comfort, normal, sport, and sport+. There’s also a dedicated track mode.
The GR Corolla has a similar MacPherson strut front/multilink rear suspension. However, it does not feature adjustable damping. That doesn’t make it a slouch by any means, but you simply can’t tweak it for various conditions.
While the GR gets adjustable AWD, the WRX gets adjustable shocks. Both cars have a firm ride, but the Corolla’s taut suspension might be too stiff for some on the road. The WRX tS has a more forgiving street ride.
Some of the Best Brakes
If you’re after a car with excellent brakes, you can’t go wrong with either of these choices. One of the WRX tS enhancements over a standard WRX is its Brembo brakes, complete with signature gold calipers.
The front brakes showcase six-piston front calipers with 13.4” front discs. The rears have two-piston calipers with 12.8” discs. Both have larger pads and rotors compared to regular WRX.
These are some of the best brakes I’ve felt on any new car to date; they’re truly standouts. This was evident during the tS launch, which included track time at Sonoma Raceway in October 2024.
The GR Corolla’s brakes consist of four-piston red front calipers with 14-inch slotted rotors, and rear two-piston red calipers with 11.7-inch discs in the rear. This system does a remarkable job at stopping this hot hatchback.
Looking at numbers from a variety of road tests, the WRX appears to best the Corolla from 70 to 0 mph and 100 to 0 mph stops despite its heavier weight.
Daily-Driver Duty
Stats are just numbers. What are these road-legal rally cars like to actually drive? Without a doubt, the WRX tS is more comfortable on the street than the GR Corolla. While it offers a firm ride, you don’t feel every crack and expansion joint on the road like you do in the Toyota.
However, the GR feels more like a hardcore racer than the WRX. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing depends on how many fillings you’d like to keep in your teeth.
Both cars have highly bolstered front sport seats, but I felt the eight-way power Recaro units in the WRX were more comfortable on longer drives. At least for my body. You’d better like bright blue interior accents, though: All tS models have this, no matter the exterior color.
The Corolla’s interior is somewhat more Spartan. The small 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system feels miniscule compared to the WRX’s 11.6-inch unit.
Speaking of screens, the WRX tS has a new large, configurable 12.3-inch LCD gauge cluster; the Corolla’s is the same size. The Subaru’s gauges are brilliant and offer more color. The Corolla’s are darker and minimal, but have a variety of configurations and readouts to make you feel like you’re in a rally car. This includes a tachometer that’ll flash at you when you approach redline as if screaming SHIFT! SHIFT!
Reputations for Acceleration
With more overall power and a better power-to-weight ratio, the GR Corolla will outrun a WRX tS in a straight line. Toyota claims a 4.9-second 0-60 time, which has been validated by other outlets.
The WRX tS will scoot to 60 in the low 5-second range. The WRX runs the quarter mile in 14.0 seconds at 99 mph, according to Car and Driver. However, the publication says the GR blasts down the dragstrip at a scant 13.3 seconds at 105 mph.
Are You Really Worried About Fuel Economy & Practicality?
You don’t buy these cars for their fuel economy. But, if you’re going to daily-drive either, the WRX tS gets an estimated 19 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined mpg. The GR Corolla is EPA-rated at 21 city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. The GR Corolla gets slightly better mileage.
Despite their similarities, these are very different cars, especially in day-to-day use. The WRX tS is a sedan with a large trunk. The GR Corolla is a hatchback with a tiny cargo area.
The GR’s rear seats can be lowered to swallow larger amounts of cargo, although you don’t get to lock it away. The sedan versus hatchback battle is one for ages, and it continues with these two juggernauts. The good news is that both cars have a usable back seat to carry a couple of people.
If I had to daily-drive either of these, I’d choose the WRX tS. The ride is better, the cabin is more livable, and it’s a bit more civilized for street use.
Born for the Track
Both these cars are a total blast to drive, especially at their limits. I’ve done hot laps around Sonoma Raceway in the WRX tS, but have only driven the GR Corolla on the street.
The WRX tS’ excellent brakes, 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, and track-mode driving dynamic make this a car you could track all day.
This sedan is so easy to drive fast. However, it feels like it needs another 50 or so horsepower to equal its amazing brakes and willing chassis. Those serious about this will turn to the aftermarket for extra oomph.
With its lighter weight, higher horsepower, and stiffer suspension, the GR Corolla would likely be faster around most tarmac tracks. Everything about the GR is more track-oriented. The GR Corolla’s engine/transmission combo lets you blaze through the gears.
The Torsen limited-slip differentials help claw at the pavement, especially under hard cornering. Yes, the 18-inch wheels wear 235/40ZR-18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, which are narrower than the WRX’s Bridgestones. But remember: The Corolla weighs up to 156 pounds less than the WRX.
Flat out, a WRX will do 145 mph, a GR 143, according to Car and Driver.
If I had to choose a ride for the fastest way around the track, the GR Corolla would likely win. Contrarily, according to multiple measured tests, the WRX has a slightly higher roadholding number than the Corolla.
As a Rally Car
Not many people buy these $40,000+ cars to slide around corners in the dirt. But if you were going to rally one, which would win?
We know about the power-to-weight ratio, we know about the brakes, and we know about the suspension. The WRX’s adjustable shocks may help when the road turns to gravel. FYI, the tS has 5.4 inches of factory ground clearance and WRX has a long rally history.
Conversely, the Corolla has a dedicated gravel mode, which could be good on dirt roads or a rallycross track. The GR Corolla has 5.3 inches of ground clearance and offers a slightly wider track (by a scant 0.8 inches).
I couldn’t track down how much suspension travel each car has, and that could factor in. I can tell you a WRX is 10.6 inches longer than a GR Corolla, creating a larger car to handle.
To me, this one’s a toss-up. Regardless, neither would be stellar rallying on their tarmac-oriented tires. But changing to something more dirt-oriented would likely make these fierce competitors on rallies.
Pricing
The WRX tS is a new package for 2025 and starts at $46,875 (including delivery), a $9,955 premium over the regular WRX.
With delivery, a 2025 GR Corolla starts at $39,995 for a Core model, and $43,050 for a Premium. The Premium Plus starts at $47,125. From a price perspective, all but the GR Corolla in Premium Plus guise are less expensive than a WRX tS.
2025 Subaru WRX vs. 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Review: Conclusion
It’s hard to go wrong with either of these athletes. They boast impressive specs, admirable performance, and might just fulfill your rally car dreams. The WRX tS is more livable as a daily driver. The GR Corolla is more hardcore and feels like a factory-built race car. The WRX needs 50 more horsepower. The Corolla GR might be too punishing on the street.
No matter which car you’d choose, you’re assured to have a heck of a time no matter where you drive them.
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