TOYOTA GR Yaris Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Toyota introduced a refreshed version of the Yaris at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, improving the car in many aspects and continuing the successful story of this small-sized hot hatch.

When the Japanese automaker introduced the GR Yaris on the market in 2019, the world was stunned to see such a small-sized vehicle competing against much more acclaimed sports cars. And yet, thanks to the technology carried over from rally racing, the tiny hot hatch proved to be a tough nut to crack on a race track or gravel road. But then, the automaker unveiled a better version of it in 2024, developed together with the Gazoo Racing engineers, improving the car in all areas: exterior, interior, and drivetrain.

The GR Yaris was more than just a car; it was a go-fast, small-sized hot hatch where every detail served a purpose. As a result, the front fascia was altered compared to its predecessor. Its bumper was made from removable parts, so in the event of a damaged area, customers could change just that chunk. Furthermore, the engineers noticed that they had to improve cooling, so they rearranged the radiators behind the side scoops placed on the front apron, ditching the fog lamps in the process.

From its profile, there were no changes. Toyota even used the exact light alloy wheels as on the 2020 Yaris, but the rear end was revised. There, the LED taillights followed a new pattern, with a red stripe that crossed the tailgate. In addition, the third brake light migrated from the roof spoiler lower, between the taillights. The automaker didn’t care too much about investing in the car’s exterior look since it knew that the GR Yaris’ customers were more attracted to practical upgrades, not aesthetical ones.

The car’s interior was vastly improved. It featured a new dashboard with a large console that integrated the instrument cluster and the center console tilted towards the driver. The high-bolstered seats were similar to the ones before, but they were mounted into a lower position. As a result, the car offered better feedback to the one behind the wheel. Another significant change was the integration of the infotainment’s system touchscreen onto the center stack instead of the free-floating system used on the 2020 GR Yaris. On the center console, in front of the gear selector, Toyota placed the turning knob for the drivetrain control system. At the push of a button, it set the car in track mode, so the driver didn’t have to go through different menus to reach it.

But the most significant changes happened under the car’s skin. The 2024 GR Yaris featured torque-sensing front and rear differentials and a re-calibrated suspension. Furthermore, they added a six-speed automatic transmission to the options list, while the base model was fitted with the same six-speed manual. Toyota’s racing engineers studied the previous version and improved the gear-selector linkages.

Toyota made one of the hottest hatches on the market when it introduced the GR Yaris in 2020, a car built for the road so the carmaker could race it in the World Rally Championship.

Rallyes are a different kind of motorsport, with teams and cars running full-speed over bumps, gravel, snow, and tarmac. However, the regulations say that a rally car should be based on a production model and then modified according to specific rules. A carmaker can't build one from scratch and cover it with plastic bodywork that looks like an ordinary car someone could get from a dealer. As a result, automakers started to develop performance road cars that could be transformed according to FIA's (International Motorsport Federation) regulations. But Toyota went even further and built a rally car for ordinary people that they could get from a dealership: the GR Yaris.

Unlike the regular Yaris, the GR Yaris featured a three-door hatchback bodywork. In contrast, its normal sibling was exclusively available with five doors. But the specific differences didn't stop here. The car looked far more aggressive with its broad grille mounted in the air dam covering the lower side of its front. In addition, a set of vertical side scoops housed the fog lamps and air intakes that channeled the air toward the brakes. From its profile, bystanders' eyes were attracted by the rear quarter panels like magnets. There, Toyota placed wide wheels and tires and enlarged fenders. The curved and ascending waistline ended up into a kink and a tilted-forward C-pillar. Finally, the back of the vehicle revealed a spoiler atop the tailgate. Underneath the bumper, there was a diffuser and two round pipes.

Inside, the car didn't boast luxurious materials. It was hard plastic on the door cards and other areas. The dashboard looked like it was carried over from the regular Yaris but sported a GR-specific instrument cluster with a tachometer marked up to 8,000 rpm and a speedometer marked to 280 kph (174 MPH). The high bolstered bucket seats with integrated headrests featured pass-through gaps for a five-point harness, even though those were not present on the car. In the back was one of the most cramped bench seats in the small-size segment category. That area looked more suitable for carrying the racing overall and the helmet. In terms of practicality, the GR Yaris offered a climate control unit, an infotainment system, and front power windows.

But the real reason Toyota made this car was found under the GR Yaris' skin. Under the hood was the punchiest three-cylinder engine on the market. The turbocharged 1.6-liter powerplant was squeezed to provide 261 HP (257 PS), which it sent in all corners via a six-speed manual only. The all-wheel-drive system could send all the power to the front or to the rear axle. In addition, the driver could alter settings and get an even or a rear-biased torque distribution. Toyota built just 25,000 units of this and sold them all in less than a year.