Alright, Listen Up: The Interior of the Toyota GR Corolla Is Surprisingly Impressive

As a reviewer, I believe that most people lack the opportunity to test these vehicles firsthand and form their own judgments. While I am fortunate to have driven a variety of cars beyond the average person’s reach, there are still many that remain out of my grasp. This leads me to rely on established narratives, like the reputation of old Alfa Romeos for being unreliable yet full of “passion,” or the R35 GT-R known for its exceptional performance but criticized for lacking emotion. However, without firsthand experiences, I am left to accept these accounts as truth.

With these thoughts swirling in my mind, I reflect on my recent acquisition—the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla. Despite initial reservations, I have grown to love it, although some post-purchase worries lingered. One aspect I anticipated merely tolerating was the interior of this hot hatch. While I had the chance to briefly experience the GR Corolla when it first arrived at dealerships, and later sampled the new Honda Civic Type R, as well as lived with the latest Volkswagen Golf R for a week, my day-to-day exposure was limited. I had prepared myself for a utilitarian interior rather than a luxurious one.

Now, after owning the GR Corolla for over a month, I can say with confidence that I’ve figured it out. Admittedly, no Corolla interior could be mistaken for luxury, even at the price point in the low-to-mid $40K range. However, opting for the new Premium trim, priced just under $42,000 as I did, provides a pleasant interior. While not breathtakingly beautiful, it exudes quality and falls comfortably within expectations for a hot hatch in its class.

Car enthusiasts often overlook the nuances of interior design in their discussions. What defines a good interior for you? Is it visually appealing? Is it user-friendly? Does it exude luxury or is it simply well-assembled? These distinctions are significant but often overshadowed by simplistic labels of “good” and “bad.”

In this category, if I had to select a top interior, the Civic Type R would be my immediate choice without hesitation. This preference stems from two factors: the striking red seats and carpet, and the overall visual appeal. I have a weakness for Honda’s intricate and stylish climate vents that add a touch of elegance. However, the Civic does not set unparalleled standards for quality or luxury that surpass other $40K performance cars. Apart from its aesthetics, its main advantage lies in its ergonomic design and user-friendliness compared to the Golf R, which struggles with a screen and four touch-sensitive buttons prone to sensitivity issues. Fortunately, changes are underway to address these concerns.

Arriving at the Corolla after driving a Fiesta ST, it’s reasonable to assume that the standards for interior quality are lower for owners of budget-friendly Fords compared to most drivers. However, this also means that I don’t take anything for granted. There are no rattles in this hatch, and its plastics appear robust and sturdy, with a soft-touch dash. Every physical button you could desire is present, a feature that I appreciate. The suede-like seats available on the Premium and Circuit Edition trims are exceptionally comfortable. While the Recaros in the Fiesta are often praised, I found these seats to be even more accommodating and plush on long journeys.

My main concern lies with the center touchscreen’s oversized bezels in relation to its 8-inch size. The vast empty space to the right of it suggests that there used to be additional buttons that are now obsolete with Toyota’s latest infotainment system. Surprisingly, I don’t find myself missing the center armrest as much as I anticipated. Its absence may be peculiar, but it’s something one can adapt to over time.

The primary complaint about the car’s interior that I certainly agree with is its packaging, which seems to defy conventional logic. While the Honda Fit was known for its TARDIS-like ability to accommodate surprisingly large items, the GR Corolla is remarkable in how inefficiently it utilizes its own space. More legroom for rear passengers would be expected, which is disappointing. However, since I don’t spend much time in the back seat, that detail tends to slip my mind. The area behind the rear seats is where any hopes of carrying substantial cargo fade away.

In the GR version, Toyota relocated the Corolla’s battery to the trunk for optimal weight distribution. While this decision has its merits, the innovative solution of placing the battery in the space typically reserved for the load floor, with the floor lifted above it, may not be the most practical. Although I appreciate the foam compartments that enhance the area’s usability (thank you for the Fix-a-Flat tube), I would have preferred if the battery occupied a portion of the trunk space horizontally, akin to an old subwoofer, as vertical space is at a premium here.

Overall, the GR Corolla may not be a flawless compact car like many hot hatches, as it may not excel in all areas such as utility. Nevertheless, it suits my lifestyle adequately. Rest assured, it can also exude elegance when called for.

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