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Toyota Refreshes The GR Yaris For The 2026 Model Year

Published

3 months ago

March 18, 2026

Ehijie

Toyota has unveiled the 2026 GR Yaris, which brings a number of targeted improvements and a revised price tag. The hot hatch debuted in 2020 and underwent a comprehensive redesign and facelift in 2024, with targeted updates and special editions. The 4×4 GR has little in common with the standard Yaris—it’s a special model with a distinguished motorsports career, and most of the improvements are directly related to its racing heritage.

All 2026 GR Yaris models feature the new GR steering wheel, introduced on the Morizo RR and Sébastien Ogier 9x World Champion Edition special editions. This steering wheel has been developed based on feedback from experienced GR Yaris owners who practice a racing style of driving: the rim diameter has been reduced by 5 mm, to 360 mm; the thumb rests (which interfere with quick turning and gear changes) have been removed; and the service buttons have been concentrated closer to the hub to reduce the possibility of accidental touches.

In addition, the buttons are spread over a larger surface area and are backlit to reduce the likelihood of accidental pressing. The electric power steering has been further refined. The top-of-the-range RZ High Performance version has new, specially developed Bridgestone Potenza Race tires with improved dry grip and reduced noise levels. The front and rear shock absorbers have been modified, and the optional vertical handbrake lever now comes as part of the package with a heated steering wheel and front seats.

The powertrain remains the same: the 3-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (G16E-GTS) in Japanese specification now produces 304 hp and 400 Nm. The transmission is a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed hydromechanical automatic from Gazoo Racing Direct.

All versions of the Toyota GR Yaris have seen their prices rise with the 2026 model year, but they’re still ridiculously cheap in their home market of Japan. The base hot hatch with a manual transmission now costs from 3,617,200 yen (19,800 euros) in Japan, making it cheaper than the base Yaris Hybrid in Europe. The top-of-the-line RZ High Performance version with the advanced aerodynamic Aero Performance body kit will cost at least 5,882,200 yen (32,200 euros).