Year and a half ago bought a WRX premium for just under $32K. The jittery ride and peaky motor of the old WRX were gone, heated seats, linear throttle response sold me. But I'm 73, no longer a boy racer, just an old guy who appreciates decent handling, enough power, and a manual.

I MISS MITSUBISHI EVO!.... WRX STI - LANCER EVO - COROLLA GR trio would have been legendary.

271hp, 6 speed, awd, room for 4, all that for $30K…..so I bought one 6 months ago…..Love it! Love it! Love it!

8:33 I can tell you that whomever named the center differential "C.DIFF" has never worked in healthcare 😂

It’s been 10 years and we’re still upset we don’t get a wrx hatch 😂

I drove the GR Corolla for a day. It was very impressive, it gripped, took turns really quick. Its the best AWD car I have ever driven. However, it also made me discover that I'm more of a RWD purist and enjoy the communication and scalpel dynamics of the MX5 and 86 more.

It's fine to compare these two, but don't pretend they're in the same price class. In Canada, the WRX Sport (premium) has an MSRP of about 40k. The base Corolla is nearly 50k

Hi, from Japan!! And thank you for picking two Japanese cars. I think both cars are good and fun. However, Toyota makes more hustle and fun cars recently. On the contrary, Subaru makes more gentle and safety cars recently. I feel same ways on GR86 and BRZ. GR86 is more exciting. BRZ is more gentle.

I brought into my rally red 2015 EVO X GSR right out of college thanks to Todd’s advice back in 2016. I still have that car and would never get rid of it. It is quite amazing after I put on some sticky 245 tires on my EVO X it still out handles the 265 FL5 Type R on the backroad. This review further makes me want to test drive a GR Corolla. It is known (according to Best Motoring in Japan) there some real Mitsubishi engineers that left Mitsubishi after the EVO X project to develop the GR Corolla.❤

I love the format and presentation of these reviews. It's amazing how the aesthetic and composition has remained very familiar after all these years. In a time when a lot of visual media has evolved to rely on faster cuts, loud music, jarring effects to maintain attention, seeing these videos in contrast invokes a feeling of nostalgia and better times. Hope you guys keep doing what you're doing for years to come!

Nailed the summary in my opinion. I absolutely love both vehicles, and own the 22 WRX Limited 6spd. I got mine new for $34k and have loved every one of the 20k miles I've put on it so far. Got a chance to drive the GR Corolla and don't have any trouble admitting it is sharper and a better performer. But... I have a 30 mile commute to work each way and have three boys. The GR Corolla is the car I want, but it would be such a compromise for what I need it to do. Love them both. Glad they're both available.

One thing reviewers won't mention is the VB WRX comes from the factory *very* under tuned. A simple OTS with zero mods will make ~310+ HP to all 4 wheels. My 2023 VB WRX with no mechanical mods and a pro tune will absolutely dust even a tuned GR Corolla. I'm hitting 0-60 in like 4.6 seconds...

I have a GR premium package. And I prefer it over the circuit. I didn’t want the wing because I was going to get an aftermarket WRC wing, which is now on my GR. People know it’s something special and that is just such a cool feeling. I cannot emphasize how many looks and turning heads I get just driving this thing. Some People that don’t know it’s a performance car think I modded an XSE but they say it’s modified really well. Its just such a cool little car and it just scoots

Great video. Special shout out to the outtakes, especially Paul’s shifting, complete with racing inspired sound effects.

I own this exact WRX in white. It does deliver for me. No oil use, no rattles, no warranty issues, 28 mpg last 3000 miles. Great review, guys.

Wow, what an awesome pair of cars, and you reviewed them so well! Your down-to-earth style of presenting them really shows that you know (and care about) your audience. Thank you!

I have the WRX VB with the auto with 30k miles now. It’s a fine car and I’m completely happy with it.

I can't get a corolla within 150 miles under 42k. Due to this, in my region, these cars aren't the same class sadly. Got my wrx premium about a year ago. Put an intake and a tune on it and am making 325hp. Wasn't exactly happy with the power initially, but 2k into the power, am extremely happy. 34k invested total with some aftermarket and oem cosmetics.

Great comparison as always guys. I cross-shopped these two as well as the Integra & GTI, and ended up with a WRX for the new daily. Currently own 6 Toyotas, 2 MR2s, Celica, 1st gen Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, and an old 2WD 90 pickup. I wanted the GRC, but went WRX for the interior and trunk space as well as the price. Much nicer place to be, back seat easily fits the rear facing car seat, and huge trunk. A huge rally fan, so it's about time I finally got a proper Subaru with a 6-speed and a turbo to daily.

Another great vid guys! The wheel cladding on the WRX is gaudy imo, It makes the wheel "openings look ginormous. Todd I know you've had it for awhile but I'm loving the goatee buddy.

❤ such a good summary and comparison of both vehicles, if the car seats fit in the back of the GR Corolla I totally would’ve gone that route. Although the $9000 price difference would’ve given me pause. Loving the WRX for now!

As an evo 9 owner, we just bought a GR Corolla for my pregnant wife. She LOVES it. Seats are comfortable. We traded in our Bronco 4Dr hardtop manual. We also have two dogs and some ppl will say we are crazy to downsize but we don’t care lol we knew the GRC is something special, hell I feel like it’s a newer evo 9! We are happy with ours. It’s so fun!

I own a 2019 STI. I was holding out for the new one. I ended up buying a Morizo and still daily the STI. The lack of STI made Subaru loose all appeal to me.

Thankyou for this video

Love my GRC 😊 its been 1 year and been fun to own, and I've got 24 mpg most of the time 😊

Thanks for checking out my WRX! I agree with everything you said, there are flaws, but I love it and will address the both mechanical and cosmetic changes to improve it.

Great review guys

Up here in Canada the GR Corolla is significantly more expensive than the WRX. A top trim WRX is still $2k cheaper than a base GR. plus every single Corolla I've seen for sale is also marked up while the WRX is easily found at msrp.

Locally, the WRX premium is over $32,735 and the GR Corolla $46,850.00 before taxes and fees. I wish they were priced more closely together.

Excellent review.

I love how it is a modify to your taste type video. It does make the car more unique that way. VB WRX is what I would go to since has FA24

22 WRX owner here … Subaru of America seems really confused with the cars trim levels. You nailed it, the Premium with the Sunroof/Hartman Kardon package is the way to go!

Fair review of both vehicles, direct injection only on the wrx sent me looking in a different direction. I’m a guy that has been driving wrx since 2006 when I purchased a 2005 Saab 92x aero. Still have a really nice 2002 wrx sedan that I only drive on nice weather days and no salted roads. Purchased an Is300 awd instead of a new wrx last month.

We can’t talk about these cars without talking about their real world prices right now. The GR Corolla is still marked up at 90% of dealerships. And good luck finding a circuit or Moritsu edition for anything under 50k. The fact you can still get a wrx at msrp is what wins it for me in the end.

I miss my EVO X... I bought it when I lived in Buffalo NY. I sold it when I moved to Texas and got a Truck. My Truck is Nice, but I miss my EVO X.

Ive actually been in the market for this wrx and im very happy to see this video

I'm really nostalgic for cars that have spartan, low-rent interiors. Cheap, low quality interiors give me a better feeling like I can USE the car. There's a charm to vehicles that do the dynamics part inherently well, but leave the interior space to the driver to be as tidy or as messy, as cared for or lived in, as they choose to make it. If I were well off and young in 2004, I would have bought an Impreza STi. If I were young today, I'd have that Corolla. They exist in the same space for me, personally.

Those plastic wheel arches remind me so much of the Aztec.

So I bought the WRX back in October 2022 after putting in a deposit for a GR86. Toyota kept delaying delivery so I decided with winter approaching to go with the WRX instead. My girlfriend was also pleased I went from a "4" seater coupe to a 5 seater sedan. The GTC was basically unobtanium here in my part of Canada. I have yet to actually see one in person. The WRX is exactly what you guys said, a more compliant, family friendly sports car. It's awesome, does exactly what I need it to do. I can fit things in it without issue, haul people, while also taking it on the backroads, dirt roads and have a blast in the winter. Yeah it's a little ugly, but whatever, it's quirky IMO.

STI driver for the last decade. Its just so sad what has happened to Subaru. I've committed to keep my STI until I either crash it or die driving it.

Soft and crunchy! I missed your voice maestro

makes me miss my sti hatch i had for a couple years. they nailed it back then

Need to bring back STI model to compete against GR Corolla, though new WRX VB owners will say how great the FA24 engine is (which it is, one of the best Subaru has made), they forget STI was known for great handling and track capabilities, not for straight line power. STI has front LSD, center active DCCD diff, and rear LSD. VB ain't it, with open front diff and open rear diff with electronic brakepad vectoring straight from the Crosstrek and Forester.

I had a 2011 WRX limited hatch and loved it. If they started selling a hatch again I would buy one the next day.

GR rolla vs WRX is like the senior varsity captain vs the junior captain. They would be more comparable if Subaru didn’t get rid of the sti

Both are great cars. I have the new wrx. One thing I love is that it is very easy and cheap to tune and get another 50 hp with a Cobb access port.

great video

I currently own both, I bought the GR to replace the WRX but I have found the WRX is the better daily so surprised by that. I ice climb and ski and thought the hatch back would work significantly better in carrying the gear but found the opposite. The Subarus fold down seats create a 5 foot "bed" to carry a set of 190cm skis. The GR cannot even carry the skis with them going through the dash. Plus I paid 5k marked adjust on my premium trim like an idiot. haha

What a well thought out review. WRX hits the spot for me. I have a motorcycle to that is more fun than any car (and way less expensive too) I've owned, so the additional fun-factor of the GRC doesn't tip the scales in its favor for me. The WRX as a 4 season vehicle and the added trunk space and fold down seats is better for camping and great for transporting bicycles and canoes, and the stick shift and power make it more than enough. It will look and function better with a roof rack than the GRC. Hopefully the added plastic (which I think looks OK) means less corrosion and a longer lasting body. The big vertically oriented screen fits nicely into the design and I surprise myself a bit saying that since I hate screens in cars.

7:40 Get the STI shifter. It is better than the stock shifter.

If we "need to buy" the WRX, Subaru needs to bring back the hatchback. It always outsold the sedan when we had it, so it's bizarre they dropped it.

Its weird in Canada the WRX in the trim you tested is 40K CAD and the bottom GR Corolla trim is 49K. So in Canada almost a 10K difference. Guess I'll wait to pick up the GR used

I honestly still can't get over the looks and that giant touch screen in the new WRX. That is why I ended up trading my 2019 BRZ for my current 2023 Honda Civic Si. Modified the new WRX looks great, however in stock form it looks like a sports-sedan had a baby with a off-roady crossover. I do think the WRX is definitely the best value for money right now, which is why they are selling really well. That GR Corolla is amazing in every metric. What a machine!

I love it. Both. I was looking at the WRX hard. I had a 2010 Impreza hatch. Happened to find a GR Corolla core with LSD at MSRP. Got lucky and I have a car I have yet to see another of. Still love Subaru.

I saw a wrx in this dark gray kinda color and it made the plastic cladding make so much more sense

I own a 16 STI and a 2004 sti. Ive driven the corolla and while it is impressive, i much prefer the sti. You can feel the inflation. Its almost like subaru has been doing it for years and years and Toyotas version is kind of cheap and minimalist. The VA sti has ALOT more of almost everything. IMO if u can find a decently priced VA you can have the best of both worlds for cheaper

Great video. I wish Lexus made a counterpart to the GR Corolla. I know i would love the drive, but i really need a nicer interior.

In 2019 I bought a brand new 2020 Wrx premium for 26k out the door. Those were the days..

My biggest concern with the Corolla is the overheating issue. Savagegeese did an excellent in-depth overview of the cars technical aspects with some expert guests and its found to have a tendency to overheat on the track especially, but also just doing occasional spirited driving on the roads. Being in AZ where its already 100+, I feel like the Corolla will just melt in short time.

I agree that the GR can happily be your daily driver if you are not bothered about the drab cabin. I say this as somebody for whom a V5 STi Type RA was my daily driver for 13 years. The only reason it isnt now is age, and the fact that now you folk in the US can import them they are rocketing in value. Thanks for that 😉 That said, im not keen on the exterior looks (reminds me of a Mazda 3) and i think that does matter. And anyway, cant get either of these in the UK so kind of a moot point.

I wish Subi made a true rally WRX due to the existing ride height. Just put some cool chunky/sport tires/wheels to nod to its current ride height and RALLY nature. Jesus. Everyone loves adventure motos and outdorsey fun. This car needs that. Toss on some great name brand shocks like what GM and Toyota are doing. LIKE THAT!

I have a 23 wrx with mild bolt ons and E35 blend made 400whp on the Dyno..the car is perfect on good coilovers...

Predictable I'd pick the WRX ALL YEAR🇺🇲🇯🇵 good review

If all goes according to plan I'll be picking up a '24 WRX by this fall. 15 years ago I would have seriously considered the GR Corolla for all the reasons you've mentioned here. Now, hummingbird like is the last thing I want in a daily driver.

My problem with the new vehicles and the wrx is major proof is those massive screens that just ruin the interior appeal, the GRC screen is more managable but I do wish it was flush instead of the bump, as for driving the wrx just doesn't feel right to drive anymore, like it feels off compared to previous generations, whereas the GRC just feels like the older wrx used to be

More car makers need to enter this segment so the evo can come back.

Love my GR Corolla Circuit Edition. It's the perfect companion to my Miata 🤙

I guess I'm one of the weird ones. I'm a sedan guy, and I've never liked the WRS/STi hatch so I have no issues with the WRX as it is. The GR is a little like the Supra where it looks like they tried too hard on the exterior design. I would like the GR much better with the proportions of the original Corolla as I think the rear section just looks too tacked on and doesn't flow well with the rest of the car. In the end, it's the WRX for me, and adding to the appeal is the increase in performance with not a lot of work. The good thing for everyone is that we have both options from which to choose, so choose whichever appeals to you the most!

It's hard to get the specialness difference between the two without driving them close together. I was stunned when I did and the GR was the clear winner (coming from a Fiesta ST, B-13 Sentra SE-R, and a Datsun 510). Rowdy shitboxes are my happy place.

I’m curious if the guys think the GRC drives more like a STi, Focus RS or Evo. I know they did a comparo and it seemed to like the GRC more than any of those, with the Focus RS being a close second.

I picked up a 22 WRX Limited when the GR corolla was really hard to find and it's my only car. I don't think I made the wrong decision and my non-car enthusiast wife is clearly happier with the WRX than she would have been with the corolla. I think if we end up with another car, I'll just end up tuning the WRX to turn the fun into excitement. No hate to the GR folks, though. You absolutely have a kick ass car!

Owned a 2007 WRX TR for many years - did a lot of stuff to it, and it was always fun to drive and hoon around in. The bigger turbo (that I installed) and the hit from the boost threshold was so fun! Very theatrical. Test drove a '23 WRX and it's completely lost all its charm and character. It feels far more like an old Volvo; no drama, no fun, not really good at much. Just a comfortable daily driver. Ended up test driving a '23 GR86 and buying it on the spot.

I drove the WRX, GLI, Elantra N & I would’ve loved to test drive a GR but the were unobtainable at the time but ended up buying a Golf r. I still think about that Elantra N though. It had a real personality unlike all those others.

Everyone will have something to say about the WRX or GR or any car. But I love my WRX 2023. And I got it in Manual.

Hope someday you guys would have the opportunity to take a ride on the fiesta st mk8, not sold in the US but worth to have a check.

I wanted a GR Corolla really bad, but the mark ups put it at 50-60k. I already had a 2020 M340i BMW and was looking for a cheap and fun car. I have 3 kids and needed room for 2 car seats. I got a 22 WRX because I got the limited for $4500 off MSRP. The WRX has a lot more room in the rear and trunk then the GRC. Also I knew the 2.4 liter would have more potential for mods. I was disappointed no STI, but it was good enough. If the GRC was at MSRP , then I would’ve probably found a way to make it work. Oh well, I actually like my WRX and monthly payment.

Well those tail lights from the wrx are the same as the GR86 tail light right

I have a 2015 Toyota Agya. It's also 3 cylinder and the exhaust also gets way too hot. My gas tank gets too hot sometimes. The solution is adding that silver heat insulation around the exhaust. Very cheap and easy fix!

I want the WRX STI Hatch

Saw a circuit edition Corolla today and I'd probably trade my WRX for one. A hatchback s just so much more practical, and the GR has a way better designed interior instead of the stupid massive screen that is in the new Subarus. I absolutely HATE the body cladding on the WRX and would have to factor in replacements from Aeroflow dynamics into my purchase price.

I will pick a Corolla every time

Used to own a 2019 STI and really missed how analog that car felt compared to a GR Corolla I drove. Shame cars have gotten so muted

Would have liked to look at a grc but when I needed a car last November there were none... got a wrx premium walking out at 33k usd... still very happy with it but would be cool to have had more options back then

All these reviewers forget the weight/performance advantage and the stand alone cost that the Forged Carbon Roof on the Circuit represents. Same people used to gush over the E46 M3 CSL, yet somehow this gets forgotten here. Never mind the interior is heaps nicer in the Circuit, Functional hood vents keep temps under better control in the bay area, and the wing just adds to the whole package, especially with the 24 upgrades.

Its my belief that Toyota's controlling stake is preventing Subaru from releasing an STI model until GR Corolla sales start slowing down.

I realize this is shallow, but I just can't get past the Subaru's black plastic cladding around the wheels. Dear Subaru: this is a street car. The majority of buyers aren't going to take this anywhere where they need that stuff. Does that mean I pick the GR? Well, I went to their website and built a "Core" GR Corolla, added a few "luxury" options (like carpeted floor mats) and it's near to 40 grand as it makes no difference. Really, Toyota? I'll keep hanging onto my little BMW 228i XDrive.

I would also have to go with the GR. Even with that boring interior. The front & rear LSD and adjustable differential!

GRC core has heated seats but no heated steering wheel, which is only available in the circuit, premium and Morizo

Some guys in Australia ran the engine in the GR Yaris past 30lbs of boost. The engine is not stressed. Toyota engineering FTW

Picking up my GR Corolla Premium tomorrow at MSRP, can't wait :D

Here in Canada the WRX base (PS) is $36,100, the WRX RS (TS in USA) is $44,300, and the GR Corolla Core (which includes diffs etc here) is $49,800…I have a 22 WRX PS and have yet to find an equal for the price. Hefty price gap.

Is it unusual that I've set my shift light at 6300 RPM? My rationale behind this decision stems from observing Dyno charts consistently indicating peak performance at this specific engine speed. Despite potentially conflicting with my OCD tendencies, aligning the shift light with this data seems appropriate. Moving from the GR86 to the GR Corolla's interior was a bit of a jarring transition. However, my affection for my "Grolla" remains unwavering. It's an exceptional machine that, once in motion, eclipses any perceived shortcomings. Fortunately, I managed to procure a GR Corolla equipped with the performance, cold weather, and premium audio packages, a luxurious indulgence I thoroughly enjoy, particularly during the winter months. There are several modifications I wholeheartedly recommend. First and foremost, I suggest replacing the shift knob with the nearly half-pound GR Shift knob, upgrading the pitch stop mount, and enhancing the shifter linkage with solid aluminum bushings. It's prudent to retain the OEM bushings, as they are integrated with the linkage part number and are priced at $512. These three modifications significantly enhance the shifting experience, resulting in a noticeable improvement. For those concerned about Noise, Vibration, Harshness (NVH), I advocate for the Sxth Element pitch stop mount. Constructed of solid bonded rubber, it gradually softens with use, effectively resolving notchy shifts and minimizing the likelihood of missing the gate.

Bought my Son his first car WR Blue WRX GT and I have to say it’s a blast to drive it’s not my old StI’s but drives awesome

When did Mirror Universe Todd take over the channel?

I'll tell you why the body cladding and why the - visually, at least - ride height appears to be higher. This generation of WRX is a vibe check by Subaru to see if the WRX customer will tolerate this car being turned into a CUV.

When I drove the GR Corolla I really missed having a right armrest. Also, as a new manual driver I found it particularly touchy when rolling from a dead stop. I’m sure it’s something I’d get used to, but compared to the new Honda Civic Si the GR Corolla was unforgiving.

❤ Toyota GR Corolla ❤️

A better comparison would be the Base wrx. The 2024 base wrx is still cheaper than the grolla andway more creature comforts. Plus the base wrx would be an even weight comparison with the corolla. The wrx is a better value. The corolla is also still being marked up in most areas.

Had the chance to get the GR Corolla. Found it was so tiny that I can't sacrifice the wrx room. Also I'm about to pay it off so keep the Rolla with the 10k markups

Regarding priorities, I spend all my time driving behind the wheel. The car that provides the best experience behind the wheel is the one to have.