The Toyota GR Yaris exists because Toyota wanted to go rallying and had to build a road car to do it. The result is a tiny three door hatch with a turbocharged three cylinder, all wheel drive and a carbon fiber roof. This Toyota GR Yaris review looks at how it behaves on twisty mountain roads, what the specs mean, how the interior and manual gearbox feel, and what it costs.
Quick verdict
The GR Yaris is one of the most exciting cars you can buy for the money. It is tiny, light, fast and endlessly playful, with grip that feels unreal on a winding road. The trade offs are a firm ride, a cramped rear seat and a small boot. If you want a daily driver that behaves like a rally car, nothing else is quite like it.
Why the GR Yaris exists
Toyota built the GR Yaris as a homologation special, a road car needed to allow a competition version to race. That is why it is not a normal Yaris underneath. The front is Yaris based, but the rear half of the body and the platform are different, to fit an AWD system and a wider rear track. It has a lowered roof, a carbon fiber roof panel and wide bodywork, all to improve stiffness and handling.
Toyota GR Yaris specs
| Original (2020 to 2023) | Updated (2024 onward) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6 litre turbo three cylinder | 1.6 litre turbo three cylinder |
| Power | About 257 PS | About 276 to 296 hp depending on market |
| Torque | About 360 Nm | About 390 to 400 Nm depending on market |
| Gearbox | 6 speed intelligent manual | 6 speed manual or 8 speed GR Direct Automatic |
| Drive | GR Four all wheel drive | GR Four all wheel drive |
| 0 to 100 km/h | About 5.5 sec | About 5.2 sec |
| Top speed | About 230 km/h | About 230 km/h |
The 2026 update adds a new race inspired steering wheel with illuminated switches, recalibrated power steering for high grip tires and retuned dampers, with no change to the engine or price in many markets.
Toyota GR Yaris interior and manual gearbox
The cabin is simple, focused and driver oriented.
- Seats: Supportive leather and suede sports seats up front. The rear seats are small and best for children or short trips.
- Controls: Physical buttons for most functions, plus a digital driver display and a touchscreen.
- Manual gearbox: The 6 speed manual has short, precise throws and a light clutch. It also has rev matching that can be turned off if you prefer to heel and toe yourself.
- Practicality: The boot is small, at about 174 litres in some markets, but fine for a weekend bag.
The 8 speed automatic is quicker through the gears, and it adds adaptive cruise control, but many enthusiasts will prefer the manual.
Driving on a mountain road
This is where the GR Yaris becomes special.
- Turn in: The steering is quick and accurate, and the car points straight at the apex.
- Grip: The AWD system sends power where it is needed, so the car feels glued to the road even in tight, wet corners.
- Body control: It is light and very stiff, so it stays flat and responds instantly to inputs.
- Engine: The small turbo three cylinder builds boost fast, pulls hard out of corners and sounds raspy and alive.
- Brakes: Strong and consistent through repeated hard stops, which matters on long descents.
It rewards smooth, committed driving, and it flatters drivers of all skill levels.
GR Four modes and rally style driving
The GR Four all wheel drive system has three modes that change the front to rear torque split.
| Mode | Split (front/rear) | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | About 60/40 | Stable, safe for daily use |
| Sport | About 30/70 | More rear biased and playful |
| Track | About 50/50 | Maximum grip and traction |
Rally style driving is about carrying speed, using the rear bias in Sport to help the car rotate, and being smooth with the throttle. On gravel or on a closed course it is a joy. On public roads, treat it with respect, because the pace builds very quickly.
GR Yaris vs the Rally1 car
The Rally1 version of the GR Yaris competes in the World Rally Championship. It shares the name and a 1.6 litre turbocharged three cylinder concept, but it is a very different machine, with a hybrid system, a spaceframe structure and race hardware. The road car is the version you can buy, and it carries the spirit of the competition car without the extreme cost.
Is the GR Yaris available in the US?
Toyota has not sold the GR Yaris in the US. American buyers can look at the GR Corolla, which uses a related AWD turbo three cylinder setup in a larger four door hatchback body. The GR Yaris is sold in markets such as Europe, Japan, Australia, parts of Asia and the Middle East. It has also become a star in racing games such as Forza Horizon 5, which is how many people first drive one.
Toyota GR Yaris price
Prices vary a lot by market. In Australia the 2026 GR Yaris is listed from about A$55,490. In Malaysia the list price is about RM 315,600 for the manual and RM 325,600 for the automatic, which reflects high local taxes. Always check the current price with a local dealer, as taxes, options and trims differ.
Rivals
The Honda Civic Type R, the Hyundai i30 N and the Toyota GR Corolla are the most relevant alternatives. The Civic Type R is bigger and more practical, the i30 N is cheaper and more daily friendly, and the GR Corolla is more spacious. The GR Yaris wins on size, agility and the rally character.
Buying used
- Check the service history, especially for track use.
- Ask for details of any modifications or tuning.
- Inspect the tires, brakes and suspension for wear.
- Test the gearbox and clutch for smoothness.
- Verify that the AWD system works in all modes.
- Look for body damage, since these cars are often driven hard.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Incredible handling and grip
- Punchy, characterful turbo three cylinder
- Real manual gearbox option
- Carbon fiber roof and lightweight construction
- A genuine rally homologation special
Cons
- Firm ride
- Tiny rear seat and small boot
- Not sold everywhere, including the US
- Prices rise sharply in some markets
Frequently asked questions
How much power does it have? About 276 to 296 hp in the updated car, depending on the market.
Is it all wheel drive? Yes, with Toyota’s GR Four system.
Does it have a manual? Yes, a 6 speed manual, plus an 8 speed automatic option on the updated model.
How fast is it? About 5.2 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
Can I buy it in the US? No, but the GR Corolla is the related alternative.
Is it good for daily driving? Yes, if you accept a firm ride and limited rear space.
Final word
The Toyota GR Yaris is a small car with a huge personality. It is fast, grippy and joyful on a mountain road, and it brings a real piece of rally history to the street. If you love driving, it is one of the best choices on the market.