Toyota GR Corolla vs. Volkswagen Golf R: Hot Hatch Showdown

From Canada. Ended up buying the R Black Edition with the akrapovic exhaust after testing the Civic R, GR. Very happy w my decision.

Didn't mention that the reason why the GRC oversteers better out of a corner is due to the mechanical LSDs

The AT kills the GRC. That said, it's a very different buyer for each of these cars. The enthusiast who wants a reasonable daily that prioritizes fun buys the GRC. It's a more straightforward no nonsense hot hatch, that you just get in, put it in sport or track, shut off ESC/TC, and go. The person who wants a true do it all daily driver that can be comfortable or racy, that can zip around back roads or be relaxed on a road trip, and doesn't mind that layer of electronic magic between them and the car, buys the Golf R. It's more complicated, but it's a beast. Utility, comfort, tech, frugality, grip, and an absolute unit of an engine. Both great cars. Also, there's no point in getting any trim other than the base for the GRC. Save your money. I drive a VA WRX that I've taken an OEM+ approach to modifying. It's been five years and I'm beginning to see the appeal of a car like the Golf R over a GRC when I do finally move on. I think the GRC would be more fun, and would feel night and day superior to my WRX when it comes to performance, but I fail to see any meaningful improvements it would offer as a daily driver. Similar mpg, the small hatch isn't a big enough advantage over the relatively large trunk and interior space in my WRX to matter much, and potentially an even stiffer/noisier ride in a car that will feel equally tinny to my WRX. With the Golf R, I would be forced to foresake a manual (if buying new), but I would get a more comfortable, substantial feeling, and quieter car with a better (albeit not amazing) sound system, better mpg, better utility (larger hatch space than the GRC offers), and it would be an absolute rocket ship. Now, if only VW would ditch the haptic steering wheel controls and add a volume knob at the very least... One other big difference, though. Toyota is ramping up GRC production. Mark ups are a thing of the past in many areas as well. The GRC is quietly becoming the best bargain both on paper and in reality.

"What in da Pimp My Ride...!!! Who Glued a 15 inch TV on the VWs Dash !!!😂"

The Golf R and the GR Corolla both offer a great time behind the wheel but go about it in different ways. Which one appeals more to you? The Volkswagen's raw speed or the Toyota's supreme balance and handling? Let us know in the comments below!

The Golf R issues are solved with a camber plate and a good alignment. The GRC issues are not that easily solve

You seam like you want the VW to loose. I get it, it's been the best for a while. Just appreciate it.

I love my integra type S and I think it’s a nice blend of this segment … any of these things are great and definitely enthusiast cars

Great review keep it up edmunds this is what u guys are missing againts the online competition

Those brown wheels on the R... I feel the pain, the brake dust is real 😂