Toyota Tweaks One of Its Hottest Hatches for Even More Driver Focus

Since introducing the GR Yaris back in 2020, Toyota has continued to support the model with yearly updates in the pursuit of making it an even more capable hatch.

It’s a dedication that’s resulted in the release of everything from the Super Taikyu-derived aero performance package to special-edition Morizo RR and Ogier models. (And that not even mentioning what’s going on behind the scenes with the mid-engine test mule.)

Toyota

In any event, as part of its 2026 model year update, Toyota has taken to the GR Yaris once again. With an eye for detail this time around, the automaker has given the car some subtle but impactful tweaks that manage to make it even more driver-focused.

GR take the wheel

The most obvious of which owners will see when they’re in the hot seat. For 2026, Toyota has completely overhauled the GR steering wheel, giving it a smaller diameter and giving each switch an independent input and a ring light for visibility.

Toyota

They’re decisions that result from an intense development process through which Toyota set professional racing drivers loose with clay-molded models to gain feedback. As a result, the new design allows for constant hold of the wheel even when turning it 180 degrees, and the button layout avoids accidental operation under ideal cornering.

And Toyota didn’t just reinvent the (GR Yaris’s) wheel. As part of the updates for 2026, the hatch also touts an improved electric power steering (EPS) assist function that works even when running high-grip tires or under heavy baking.

Without getting too into the details, according to the press release, this means “optimized torsion-bar rigidity within the torque sensor and modified control software have expanded the steering torque detection range, enabling optimal assistance even when cornering under extremely high loads.”

Toyota

Add to that some new standard Bridgestone Potenza Race tires for the RZ High Performance trims, as well as wider options for seat heaters and a heated steering wheel, and you’ve got a hatchback that’s more refined inside and out.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

Toyota managed to get a lot right with the GR Yaris from the jump when the model launched. Thankfully, the car retains what made it so engaging.

Toyota

As such, it continues to offer the option of both an eight-speed direct automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. It also still comes powered by the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder rated for 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

On the road, this means that it’s hardly lacking in performance with a 0-60 mph time coming in just over five seconds and a top speed of 143 mph. Regardless, Toyota may still have more firepower on the way.

Throughout the mid-engine test mule’s development, the automaker has been working on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that could bring as much as a further 100 ponies. In fact, Toyota’s teaser ahead of this MY update even had some speculating that it was primed for an imminent debut.

Toyota

While the GR Yaris hasn’t benefited from another cylinder just yet, it’s only a matter of time before the automaker introduces larger changes. If there’s anything that this overhaul has proven, it’s that Toyota can’t let the hatchback lie.

Availability and pricing

Toyota will first be rolling out the Type 26 changes for the GR Yaris in Japan, followed by markets like Europe. Prices are set to start at ¥3,617,200 (~$22,700) for the entry-level RC and at ¥5,532,200 ($34,700) for the fully equipped RZ.

Toyota

2026 Toyota GR Yaris

• Learn More

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics