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- '23 GR CE
https://autos.yahoo.com/honda-civic-type-r-vs-111500604.html
When the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla arrived on the scene with its three turbocharged cylinders and four-wheel-drive capabilities, it quickly piqued the interest of the public. We had the opportunity to test drive it at a track in Utah, and it exceeded our expectations with its performance and deviation from the usual Corolla model. However, we were unable to drive it on an actual road. Fortunately, we were also given the chance to drive the new 2023 Honda Civic Type R, which had been tested at Sonoma Raceway during its press launch. Although we were able to test it on both a track and a road, the weather was cold and rainy, so we required another chance to do so. This time, we were able to test it against the feisty red Toyota on the road, and needless to say, it was an exciting day.
After test driving the cars through the canyons of Malibu, the traffic of Los Angeles, and the preschool parking lot, we evaluated them using our typical 1-10 rating scale, weighing seven categories. These categories included gearbox, acceleration, braking, steering, handling, ride, front seat support/adjustability, value, passenger, and cargo space, infotainment and safety features, interior quality, functionality, and fuel economy. After assessing both cars, we concluded that the Toyota GR Corolla was the cooler and more memorable car, but the Honda Civic Type R was the clear winner.
The Toyota GR Corolla's unique features, such as its wider rear body work, bonkers engine, and all-wheel-drive system, make it feel more special than the Honda Civic Type R, which looks and feels like the pinnacle of a car lineup that offers driver enjoyment at every ladder rung. However, the Corolla's inherent disadvantages as a Corolla kept it from outscoring the Honda Civic Type R in the seven weighted categories. Despite scoring higher in the car enthusiast categories, the Corolla's shortcomings ultimately held it back.
Although the two cars appear similar on paper, the Corolla's little turbocharged inline-three engine is growly, snarly, and raspy. Although it takes some time to get going, it is happy to sit north of 6,000 rpm, which provides a playful driving experience. Additionally, the steering delivered more feedback than expected, with crisp turn-in and agreeably light weighting that really lets you feel the road. Although the Toyota GR-Four all-wheel-drive system's 30:70 power split seemed underwhelming during the track test, it was more appreciated on the mountain road test, providing the perfect amount of rotation that made the car feel lively and playful.