Toyota GR Yaris Type 26 gets some tasteful performance upgrades

Two years ago, Gazoo Racing introduced a major update to its rally-bred AWD hatchback, the GR Yaris. The evolved version got a facelift, a new dashboard, more power, and a new 8-speed Direct Shift Automatic among its list of upgrades.

If we could call the 2024 update as GR Yaris version 2, then this time, the now-standalone performance brand of Toyota has rolled out version 2.5 of the GR Yaris.

GR calls it the Type 26 GR Yaris, which is perhaps the brand’s wordplay for the 2026 model year version. Much like before, the Type 26 version gets performance upgrades which were developed through Gazoo Racing’s motorsports program.

On the outside, the Type 26 GR Yaris will look identical to the 2024 facelift. But step inside, and immediately you’ll see a new motorsport-style steering wheel that features more buttons and switches than ever. If anything, it does bear some resemblance to the original steering wheel of the R35 GT-R, except this time the horn button says GR instead of GT-R.

GR says this was done to enhance operability, preventing drivers from taking their grip off the wheel when adjusting settings and improve nighttime visibility with the switches being illuminated.

Apart from the steering wheel, GR has also tweaked the electric power steering to give a better feel when doing spirited driving. Furthermore, the Japanese market version also gets new Bridgestone Potenza Race tires for the higher RZ trim. To maximize the grip from the new tires, GR says the damping characteristics of the front and rear shock absorbers were also tweaked.

Much like the 2024 model GR Yaris, the 1.6-liter, 3-cylinder turbo’s power output remains at 304 PS and 370 Nm of torque, with a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed Direct Shift AT still available in the list of transmission choices.

GR says sales of the Type 26 GR Yaris will commence by early April in Japan. Hopefully, other markets follow as the year progresses.