Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us, as we shift our fun into the Toyota GR Corolla automatic... Audra Fordin has DIY car selling tips... Greg Carloss goes full prepper at our home, Mason Dixon Dragway... Then, we'll update our systems with the Rivian R1S 2.0...

So, come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

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whether it's... JOHN: Two years ago, Toyota's Gazoo Racing changed the Corolla forever.

No longer would the Corolla name be associated strictly with affordable, practical transportation, as the GR Corolla was a track-worthy weapon aimed at both fun and affordability.

So, what's changed for '25?

Well, let's shift things over to the track and find out!

♪ ♪ In the words of one of our test drivers, the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is a car that mathematically shouldn't work.

A 3-cylinder?

Three-hundred horsepower?

A Corolla?

Okay, that last one isn't a number, but you get the point.

The Toyota GR Corolla has been an entertaining enigma since it flashed in the hot hatch pan for 2023.

We loved it since day one and couldn't wait for an excuse to drive it again.

Well, a 2025 update was reason enough.

We brought this Fuji-tuned compact with us to Savannah's Roebling Road Raceway to feel out two big gains: more torque and an all-new automatic transmission.

(car whooshing by) Purists need not fret, the slick 6-speed manual is still the default, but Toyota's Gazoo Racing division took it upon themselves to create the 8-speed Direct Automatic Transmission, D-A-T for short.

It's tuned for sporty showdowns, derived from lessons learned on racetracks and rally stages alike, and said to anticipate shifts based on driver inputs.

What do we think?

Well, it is "DAT" good.

A close gear ratio means, the powerband is always eager for another set.

Despite not being a dual-clutch, shifts are quick and almost always make sense, with few moments of miscommunication; specifically, wishing to hold third gear just a tad longer in Roebling's back section.

(car whooshing by) But in those instances, drivers can click the paddle shifters to stay dialed in.

Speaking of, the GR Corolla D-A-T retains the super cool drive mode dial located behind the shifter, adjusting the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system's power bias.

We swapped Normal mode's 60:40 front-rear split for Track mode's 30:70 rear-biased delivery; that is, until a rare coastal Georgia snowstorm dropped fresh powder for us to shred in the 50:50 Gravel mode.

This G16E-GTS 1.6 liter engine may share the same displacement as the 4A-GE found in the Corolla's AE86 ancestor, but with one less cylinder.

This logic-defying inline turbo-3 puts out an astounding 100 horsepower per cylinder and now 295 pound-feet of torque, up from 273.

(engine revs/wheels screech) That's regardless of transmission, as is the estimated 4.9 second 0-60 time, which you can ignite with the D-A-T's launch control.

No chance for us to test it on Roebling's front stretch, but previous launches at Charlotte Motor Speedway were evidence enough.

Back further down south, not once did this punchy powertrain feel lost, unlike some compacts we've tested prior.

Reeling it in are four-piston front and two-piston rear brakes, which we rate as good with solid initial bite.

They're hidden behind 18 inch wheels wearing 235-wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

Bountiful grip, aided by front and rear Torsen limited-slip diffs, now standard for 2025.

And body roll?

Enough to feel what's happening without getting sloppy.

(car whooshing by) Taking a pause, you can spot the GR's new, meaner face.

The larger openings are functional, sending air to a new automatic transmission cooler and an available sub-radiator.

In back you'll find hatchback versatility and 17.8 cubic-feet of cargo space behind the 2nd row; and even the battery for better weight distribution.

Not much of a reno to this cabin.

The 12.3 inch gauge cluster and 8.0 inch infotainment screens are functional without being too flashy.

The same can be said for the physical climate controls and the seats, which held us in place with each weight transfer.

Government fuel economy ratings list the Toyota GR Corolla with the automatic at 19 city, 27 highway and 22 combined.

Available in three grades, 2025 Toyota GR Corolla Core starts at $39,995; and if you want the D-A-T, tack on an extra two grand across the board, with a Premium Plus D-A-T topping the range at $48,650.

It's not lost on us that spending 40- or even 50-grand on a Corolla sounds nuts.

But the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla is nuts.

It's fast, fun, and something you can actually live with every day.

But, would we go auto over manual?

Some purists on staff say nay, while others say yay.

It's a win either way, as there's now more GR goodness for everyone.

♪ ♪ Instrumented acceleration tests have been a staple of MotorWeek reviews since our beginnings.

But, for a true test of a vehicle's performance potential, nothing beats a fully-prepped drag strip.

Fortunately, our home venue Mason-Dixon Dragway fits that bill perfectly.

And since our "Over the Edge" guy Greg Carloss has taken more passes there than anyone else, we thought it was about time he put in the prep work.

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: I'm here at Mason-Dixon Dragway so much, it's kind of like my second home, and homes need maintenance.

And with race season starting, it's time for a little spring cleaning.

So, Jake, where do we start?

JAKE LANDES: Well, we can start with you moving out of the way.

GREG: That's a good point!

(tractor door closes) If you've ever been to a drag strip or even just watched our acceleration tests, you'll notice the track looks like it's covered in tar.

Well, it's actually rubber, and it's not just leftovers from years of burnouts.

Instead, it's sprayed onto the surface as a grippy base layer, and here it's maintained by General Manager, Jake Landes.

JAKE: Me and my partner have been doing this, we started about 12 years ago.

We've upgraded, definitely in equipment over the years.

But it was a lot of trial and error, a lot of research to see what other tracks are doing, what bigger tracks are doing, what NHRA may be doing, to try and be competitive with tracks that are in the area and around us.

GREG: Jake hasn't touched the track at all this off-season, so the plan today is to get it ready for the year's first test and tune.

JAKE: We'll start out with scraping, then we will put down a rosin.

After that we'll run the drag.

After that we will take the sprayer, spray traction compound.

Then, we'll run the drag down a few more times, and after that it's kind of rinse and repeat.

During the racing season, we'll do this every day that we're open.

GREG: As the new guy, my job is to man the hand-scraper and avoid being set on fire by this 1-million BTU torch, which softens the rubber so it scrapes up like butter.

Just pull it straight like this?

Oh...yeah, that's a good one.

That's good stuff.

I kind of want to eat it.

While, I goof off, Jake stays focused, making consistent overlapping passes as my man, Bub, follows behind laying down the rosin which acts as a protective barrier.

Lane two is in good shape, but lane one needs a little spot rubber repair.

GREG: So, I think, considering I probably did this, I guess it's only fair that I help out.

Laying over this rubber is a lot like spackling drywall, which I'm also not very good at.

Jake, on the other hand, makes it look easy.

Next, it's time to drag.

GREG: Mind if I take a ride?

BUB: Nope.

Come on in.

GREG: The purpose of dragging the track with used racing slicks is to tighten up the rubber and activate the traction compound that's already out there.

In other words, it wakes up the track surface.

And if the friction doesn't do it, the squealing certainly will.

(tractor squealing sound) How much weight do you put out back there?

GREG: Whoo!

After just a couple passes on one lane the drag tires have to be rotated, and on a typical race day, Bub will wear out a full set.

Once, the track is wide awake, it's time to spray the sticky stuff.

And you, how much, you got, what, like three kegs worth of, I guess that's track compound, is that what it is?

JAKE: Yeah, it is.

Three kegs on this one with, uh, 15 gallons each with traction compound.

We can spray the whole track once with 15 gallons.

GREG: The traction compound is as expensive as it is sticky.

So, one time up and one time back is plenty.

This is how I'm used to it sounding.

(Greg shoes tracking sound) JAKE: This is, uh, one application of the traction compound.

GREG: How long do you guess that you could stand here before it's pulling the shoes off your feet.

JAKE: Sometimes, during events somebody will come up with not tied shoes or loosely tied shoes and it-- they literally step on it and walk right out of it.

GREG: We let the compound rest for a few minutes before giving it another drag.

If the conditions call for it, the spraying and dragging can happen a few more times, but for the weekend's test and tune, this lane is in good shape.

Which means, it's quittin' time...for me at least.

Well, I hope I wasn't too much of a hindrance for you, and I appreciate you having me out here and hopefully I can help you again.

JAKE: Anytime.

GREG: Alright.

Well, I'm gonna try to get out of here, alright?

JAKE: Alright.

JOHN: You hear plenty of advice on which car to buy and how.

But what if you're looking to sell the car you already own.

Well for that, we turn to Audra Fordin in this week's "Your Drive."

♪ ♪ AUDRA FORDIN: The time has come and you are ready to part with your weekend runabout, or maybe it's time to upgrade your family ride.

Here are some things you can do to maximize the appeal of a car you're going to sell, and hope you get top dollar when the deal is done.

First impressions matter, so make sure your ride is clean and shiny.

Put some effort into detailing your vehicle, and I mean really get into the cracks and crevices with a fine brush, Q-tips; and clean under the seats, inside the vents, degrease the engine bay, take apart the center console, and get rid of those coffee and crumbs and goo that accumulate in every car.

Address any foul odors.

Take lots of pictures and video from every angle.

Show details like the odometer reading, the engine, the trunk; the condition of the seats, the carpet; and definitely do show the imperfections, paint blemishes, scratches, things like that.

Honesty and transparency will earn the trust of your potential buyers, so don't try to hide anything.

Disclose any maintenance needs or any major work that has been done recently.

List the condition of the tires, provide, even, their date codes on the tires.

If your state requires a safety inspection when registering a vehicle, have that done prior to the sale.

That will save the buyer time and effort, and will reassure them that the car is safe, and also will get that listing set apart from all the rest.

Price the car realistically.

Check around for comparable listings and auction results to get a sense for what similar cars have sold for recently.

Nothing will turn a buyer away faster than an inflated price and you know that phrase: "I know what I got."

Make sure your paperwork is in order.

A clear title, warranties, service contracts, maintenance receipts, upgrades and the like-- make the sale go much easier.

When it comes time to meet and make the deal, choose a safe place that has other people nearby like-- police stations, firehouses or shopping centers-- can all be good choices.

If possible, bring a friend.

Expect the buyer to want to drive the car first.

Never let someone drive your car without you in it, and pre-select a route that is well-paved, well-lit, and not tempting to drive fast or recklessly.

When it comes time to pay up, cash is king, always.

Otherwise, you should be okay with accepting a certified or cashier's check.

Avoid money orders, cash apps, or anything with a fishy story attached to it.

Don't be afraid to walk away from a deal you're not comfortable with.

If all the stars align, you're well on your way to funding your next project.

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us, right here at MotorWeek !

JOHN: We're on the road again, flyin' and drivin' to bring you the latest "QuickSpins."

♪ ♪ GREG: The IONIQ 5's arrival for 2022 signaled that Hyundai was serious about EVs.

Last year's IONIQ 5 N showed they were also serious about making them seriously fun.

And now, we've just returned from a Southern California QuickSpin in an updated 2025 IONIQ 5 that's seriously better.

First and foremost, the IONIQ 5 is now built in Georgia and is the first Hyundai to come equipped with a North American Charging Standard port that will give it access to over 17,000 Tesla Superchargers.

Though...potentially, you'll be making fewer stops at charging stations, as battery capacity has been increased for both Standard and Long Range models; boosting range to as much as 318 miles.

Power numbers remain the same, stretching from 168 horsepower in the standard range rear-wheel-drive to 320 horsepower with dual-motor all-wheel-drive.

LOGAN MCCOMBS: I have spent some time today driving around in the IONIQ 5 Limited and I can tell you that the experience in that is very good; it's super comfortable and enjoyable, though I will say the suspension is a little on the stiff side.

GREG: The IONIQ 5 also joins Hyundai's XRT family of off-road inspired rides for '25.

That means...all-wheel-drive, increased ground clearance, unique 18 inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and some pseudo-camo trim on the fascias and lower body.

Non-XRT models get some subtle improvements focused on enhancing aerodynamics.

That includes reshaped bumpers, a new rear spoiler, smoother wheels, and flush-mounted roof rails.

All IONIQ 5s get a boost inside with more standard content, redesigned HVAC controls, a new steering wheel, reconfigured center console and additional safety features.

Updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5s are available now, with prices starting around $43,000.

JESSICA RAY: Those looking for a more traditional experience may be more interested in this Acura RDX which has been delivering reliable and efficient luxury driving fun to small utility buyers for years, and also gets updated for 2025 with new tech and new style.

Exterior changes are not drastic, but certainly noticeable up front where Acura's shield grille gets both a new mesh pattern and a frameless look.

Changes inside the 5-passenger cabin mostly revolve around the center console which has been reconfigured to provide more storage and better access to the wireless smartphone charging pad.

LOGAN: Stepping into the RDX, you'll notice that the interior is very plush and comfortable; you'll find yourself falling right into the seat ready to drive.

But Acura has taken it a step further by not centering the interior around a large display; they've separated the infotainment and your driver information.

JESSICA: All RDX's feature a 2.0 liter I4 turbo engine under the hood, outputting the same 272 horsepower as last year.

2025 Acura RDX pricing begins around $46,000, with the A-Spec starting just over $50,000.

And we'll have more QuickSpins, soon!

JOHN: With just about every mainstream carmaker now onboard with battery-electric vehicles, EV-only brands are hoping there are still plenty of people out there willing to think outside the box.

So, let's see if Rivian's latest R1S utility can make the case for taking the EV road less traveled.

♪ ♪ Big changes have happened in the short time since the Rivian R1S first hit the streets three years ago.

As for 2025, there are updates that touch just about every aspect of the vehicle.

Yes, despite looking almost exactly the same outside, Rivian claims that beneath the surface, their entire electrical architecture has been significantly updated, eliminating a whopping mile and a half of wiring and 10 computer assemblies, allowing for more efficient operation.

But look closely and you will see their signature vertical oval headlights are updated with a new matrix of LED lights that can cycle individual elements on and off to provide maximum illumination where you need it without distracting oncoming drivers.

Not much change in the look of the interior either, but the synthetic leather upholstery is still very nicely done, though most touchpoints feel more rugged than luxury minded.

With the exception of a couple controls on the steering wheel, you do still have to do almost everything on the R1S's 15.6 inch touchscreen, but the user interface has been improved.

So, while we do wish they could have reverse-engineered a knob or two into the mix, we realize full touchscreen interface is just what people expect in their high-end EVs these days, and at least it works better than before.

And the gauge display still wows you with the amount of information it displays and is mounted high enough that no additional head-up display is needed.

A new Rivian Autonomy Platform uses 11 cameras, five radars, and A.I.

for self-driving, or just to monitor what's going on around the vehicle even when it's parked.

Rivian has also given the R1S a substantial suspension revision with new spring rates, bushings, and mounts; along with new tuning for the adaptive dampers and roll-mitigation system.

It does provide a more balanced street attitude, but it still rides like a truck.

That's great if that's the experience you're looking for; not as ideal if you're looking for more of the smooth luxury-style treatment.

All R1Ss are all-wheel-drive, but there's a wide variety of powertrain options including a new Tri-Motor setup.

Outputs range from the standard Dual-Motor's 533 horsepower to the Quad-Motor's impressive 1,025.

There are several battery packs as well, delivering as much as 410 miles of range, giving the R1S the highest rating of any SUV on the market right now.

Our Adventure trimmed tester featured the 665 horsepower Performance version of the Dual-Motor arrangement, with the Max battery and 20 inch wheels with all-terrain tires.

Theoretically, that setup is rated for 370 miles, but perhaps we were enjoying the "performance" theme too much as our results were well short of that, using 68 percent of the battery to drive only 189 miles, putting our estimated range around 278 miles.

Using 43 kilowatts of electricity for every 100 miles earns the R1S a fair efficiency rating.

But all was forgiven at our Mason Dixon test track when this Rivian started blasting us to 60 in 3.8 seconds.

Yes, there are faster EVs, but this one really feels fast, sitting you up high and throwing you back in your seat with authority, while the rear of the truck squats down substantially before hurling you off the line and down the track.

Power delivery stayed strong the entire time, cranking away until we cleared the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds at 108 miles per hour.

Despite this utility's substantial size and weight, we were able to keep a pretty fast pace through the cones of our handling course.

The all-terrain tires obviously didn't grip the pavement as well as all-seasons would, but the low center of gravity kept things very flat.

Yes, it does feel very heavy, but the brakes were more than up to the task, stopping us from 60 miles per hour in a very short 103 feet with surprisingly little nosedive and no fade.

Pricing starts at $77,700 for the Dual-Motor with Standard battery pack; our Dual-Motor Performance with the Max battery and All-Terrain Package came in just over $102,000.

While, Rivian has had great initial success; sustaining that success will be a much tougher task.

But, if they continue to put as much effort into improving their products as they have here with the 2025 R1S, we think their winning streak will only accelerate.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time, when we'll crank up the virtual turbos in Porsche's Taycan Turbo GT.

Then, we'll do the West Coast swing in an updated Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, a nationwide network of stores and shops providing major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast, and in your local community.

Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

We're Tire Rack.

We test tires, then share our results.

We stock over one million tires.

We offer multiple installation options.

We do this because we believe tires matter.

whether it's... ♪ ♪ This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

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