If you’re looking for some thrills behind the wheel but still want a practical package, you can’t beat a hatchback. The Honda Civic Type R and the GR Corolla are two rally-inspired hatchbacks that offer everyday practicality. Take a look at a head-to-head comparison of the two and see which one is your next ride.
Power Punch: Front Wheel vs. All-Wheel Drive
The Civic Type R and GR Corolla may both be hot hatches, but they take different approaches to power. The Civic Type R has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder under it’s hood that pushes out 315 horsepower to the front wheels. A six-speed manual transmission keeps the driver fully engaged at all times.
The GR Corolla on the other hand uses a 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine to crank out 300 horsepower. One of the biggest differences is the Toyota comes with all-wheel drive and uses an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Honda’s Type R Suspension Bring the Civic to New Levels
The Civic Type R has a dual-axis front suspension that works to minimize torque steer. The multilink rear suspension also helps to make this little hatch a breeze to handle when the corners get tight.
Adaptive dampers sit at all four corners of the Civic, and these can be configured just how you, as the driver, likes them. Choose from settings for Comfort, Sport, and +R. Eachone has different tuning, with Comfort providing the softest ride and +R giving you the firmest.
Toyota’s Corolla’s Updates in Power and Handling
The 2025 Toyota GR Corolla no longer has a manual transmission, but the new automatic makes this quick hatch more appealing to a wider audience. The automatic is enhanced with the extra power you’ll get with the updated powertrain, and since the suspension is updated with improved springs and an anti-sway bar, the ride stays flatter and more stable around fast corners.
Just the Right Tech
The Civic Type R’s touchscreen sits up high on the dash, so you eyes can stay high when you need to look at it. It comes loaded with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A fully digital instrument cluster has some features designed to keep you informed about your hatchback and its performance.
The GR Corolla uses an 8-inch touchscreen to house its infotainment system and the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver and a six-speaker stereo system delivers clear sound at any volume. An upgraded eight-speaker JBL stereo system is available.
Get Comfortable on Your Ride
The front seats are comfortable in both these hatchbacks, with leahter upholstery available. The Corolla offers a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Civic has heavily bolstered front seats covered in simulated leather. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum shift knob and pedals add to the sporty look and feel. The cabin also features faux carbon-fiber trim along with several other racy accents.
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