The Toyota Corolla Altis, has recently received a sporty makeover in the form of the GR Sport trim. This Thai-market exclusive variant aims to inject some excitement into the traditionally conservative sedan, offering a blend of style, performance, and fuel efficiency.
The GR Sport trim introduces minor mechanical tweaks, focusing on chassis adjustments rather than outright power. It features a unique setup for the electric power steering, upgraded shock absorbers, coil springs, and a rear stabilizer bar to improve handling and give a sportier feel. However, the self-charging hybrid powertrain remains unchanged. Powered by the 1.8-liter engine, it still produces a modest 121 horsepower, so while the GR Sport trim adds a dynamic look, it doesn’t include a boost in performance.
The 2025 model sees an important upgrade to its hybrid system with the introduction of a new lithium-ion battery pack, replacing the previous nickel–metal hydride version. The battery capacity has been increased to 4 Ah, which helps improve fuel efficiency. With these improvements, the updated hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers, an improvement over the previous 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
In addition to the hybrid option, the Corolla Altis is available in Thailand with standard 1.8-liter and 1.6-liter gasoline engines, though these variants are not offered with the GR Sport trim. As a result, the hybrid GR Sport remains the top choice for buyers seeking a sportier aesthetic without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
On the exterior, the Corolla Altis GR Sport borrows several design cues from its sportier GR siblings, including squared-off front intakes reminiscent of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. The front grille has been slimmed down, giving the car a sharper and more aggressive look. New 17-inch black alloy wheels, gloss-black accents, and smoked LED taillights with clear lenses enhance the sporty styling. Additionally, a new rear spoiler completes the look. However, the original side skirts and rear diffuser remain, underscoring that this is still a Corolla at heart rather than a full-fledged GR performance model.
Inside, the Corolla Altis GR Sport gets unique touches to set it apart. The seats are upholstered in perforated Suede leather with red stitching and matching seatbelts, while smoked silver accents and GR logos on the steering wheel and start/stop button further highlight the sportier theme. It also comes well-equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch infotainment system, and a color head-up display.
Now available in Thailand, the Corolla Altis HEV GR Sport is priced at 1,129,000 baht, which translates to around $32,900. For a comparison, the HEV Premium model with the same powertrain is priced slightly lower at 1,009,000 baht, or about $29,400.