Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota has refreshed the Toyota GR Yaris, the rally-inspired hot hatch celebrated for its deep racing pedigree. While the exterior design sees minimal visual changes, the newest update focuses on sharpening the connection between driver and machine, highlighted by a redesigned steering wheel and an optional high-grip tire setup.
One of the biggest changes to the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris is its completely new steering wheel, which was first seen on the GR Yaris Morizo RR prototype. The design looks more like a steering wheel from a high-performance Ferrari than a traditional Toyota model. The usual Toyota logo has also been replaced by the GR badge, reflecting the stronger identity of Gazoo Racing.
Beyond visual changes, the steering wheel of the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris has been redesigned with a stronger emphasis on functionality. According to Toyota, feedback from professional racing drivers identified a drawback in the previous design: during tight 180-degree turns performed without changing hand position, drivers could accidentally activate steering-wheel buttons.
To address this issue, Toyota reduced the steering wheel’s diameter and revised the grip design to improve maneuverability and control during aggressive cornering. The control buttons have also been rearranged to give each function a more intuitive location, while new backlighting improves visibility in demanding driving conditions.
Toyota’s updates to the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris extend well beyond the redesigned steering wheel. The company has also fine-tuned the electric power steering system to deliver stronger compatibility with everything from performance street tires to dedicated track-focused rubber.
Engineers further enhanced steering precision by widening the system’s torque detection range, achieved through revised torsion bar tuning and updated control software.
For Japan, the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris lineup includes RC and RZ High Performance variants, both offered with the Aero Performance Package. At the top of the range, the GR Yaris RZ High Performance gains a serious hardware upgrade in the form of Bridgestone Potenza Race tires wrapped around lightweight 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels.
The tire package was refined through extensive real-world development testing, with a focus on preserving high levels of grip during long and demanding driving sessions.
POWERTRAIN
Under the bonnet, the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris stays true to its performance roots by retaining its 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Output remains a potent 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, with buyers able to choose between a traditional 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic for a different driving character.
Staying true to its rally-bred character, the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris channels its power through Toyota’s GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, technology shaped by the company’s motorsport background. The system combines an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch with Torsen limited-slip differentials at both ends, helping maximize traction, balance, and cornering performance.
PRICE
Japanese customers can already place pre-orders for the 2026 Toyota GR Yaris, with prices spanning from 3,617,200 to 5,882,200 yen depending on specification. Toyota is also anticipated to expand the updated model’s availability to other international markets in the coming months.
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