When it comes to performance cars born from motorsport, few automakers can claim a legacy like Toyota’s involvement in the World Rally Championship (WRC). And no car better exemplifies the spirit of rallying in a street-legal package than the Toyota GR Yaris—a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive hot hatch that enthusiasts worldwide rave about… except in the United States, where it remains frustratingly out of reach.
The GR Yaris is more than just a sporty city car. It’s a homologation special, designed to meet WRC regulations and infused with engineering from Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR)—the same team responsible for Toyota’s dominant rally cars and Le Mans-winning prototypes.
A Rally Car for the Road
The GR Yaris was developed with one thing in mind: win rallies. Unlike the regular Yaris, this car shares almost nothing with its pedestrian counterpart. In fact, Toyota went so far as to create a unique chassis, shorten the roofline, and even use a different set of body panels and materials. While most hatchbacks are built for practicality, the GR Yaris was shaped by wind tunnels and tuned on gravel stages.
Key Engineering Highlights
| Feature | GR Yaris Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-liter G16E-GTS turbocharged 3-cylinder |
| Power | 257 hp (Europe) / 268 hp (Japan) |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft (Japan) |
| 0–60 mph | ~5.2 seconds |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual only |
| Drivetrain | GR-Four AWD system |
| Weight | 2,822 lbs (approx) |
| Body | Carbon fiber roof, aluminum hood and doors |
| Chassis | Custom-built with double wishbones in the rear |
This level of bespoke engineering is rare in today’s world of platform sharing and cost-cutting. The GR Yaris is a purpose-built machine—essentially a rally car with license plates.
The GR-Four All-Wheel Drive System
At the heart of the GR Yaris’ performance is the GR-Four AWD system, a fully variable all-wheel-drive setup that allows for up to 100% of torque to be sent to either the front or rear axle. This flexibility gives the GR Yaris unmatched traction and handling precision in its class.
With selectable drive modes like Normal (60:40), Sport (30:70), and Track (50:50), the GR Yaris can adapt to various surfaces and driving styles. Whether you’re powering through snow, sliding on gravel, or tearing up twisty roads, the car remains balanced and eager.
Built with Championship DNA
The GR Yaris is not just influenced by motorsports—it exists because of them. Toyota returned to the WRC in 2017 and has since dominated the field with its Yaris WRC car, which shares much of its ethos with the road-going GR version. Tommi Mäkinen, four-time WRC champion and then head of Toyota’s rally team, was instrumental in the car’s development.
Toyota even built a special production facility in Motomachi, Japan, to hand-assemble the GR Yaris. This factory is typically reserved for high-performance vehicles like the Lexus LFA and the Supra A80. Each GR Yaris is crafted with meticulous care, highlighting the seriousness behind its creation.
Why Can’t Americans Have It?
For U.S. enthusiasts, the biggest frustration is that the GR Yaris is not sold in North America. The reasons are complicated:
- Size and Safety Regulations: The GR Yaris was designed for markets where small hatchbacks dominate. It lacks the size and crash structures required to meet stringent U.S. regulations.
- Cost vs. Demand: The GR Yaris would be relatively expensive to homologate for the U.S., and Toyota wasn’t sure if there would be enough buyers.
- Market Preferences: American buyers overwhelmingly prefer crossovers and trucks. Hot hatches like the GR Yaris are niche products here.
Instead, Toyota promised U.S. drivers the GR Corolla, which shares the GR Yaris’ drivetrain and spirit but fits American tastes better in size and compliance.
Driving Experience: Reviews from the Lucky Few
Across Europe, Japan, and Australia, reviewers have been effusive in their praise for the GR Yaris:
“It feels alive underneath you in a way few modern cars do. It’s compact, loud, sharp, and full of energy.” – Top Gear
“The GR Yaris might be the best enthusiast car you can buy for under $40,000.” – Evo Magazine
“It reminds us of the rally legends from the ‘90s—Lancer Evos and Imprezas—but with modern reliability.” – Autocar
From rally stages in New Zealand to ice roads in Sweden, the GR Yaris has been tested and celebrated by enthusiasts globally.
GR Yaris vs. the Competition
| Category | GR Yaris | VW Golf R | Hyundai i20 N | Ford Fiesta ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L Turbo I3 | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 1.6L Turbo I4 | 1.5L Turbo I3 |
| Power | 257–268 hp | 315 hp | 201 hp | 197 hp |
| Drivetrain | AWD (GR-Four) | AWD | FWD | FWD |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| 0–60 mph | ~5.2 sec | ~4.7 sec | ~6.2 sec | ~6.5 sec |
| Weight | ~2,822 lbs | ~3,417 lbs | ~2,866 lbs | ~2,767 lbs |
| Rally Pedigree | ✅ Built for WRC | ❌ | ✅ (WRC-inspired) | ✅ (WRC-inspired) |
Despite its size and smaller engine, the GR Yaris punches well above its weight class, particularly in agility, traction, and sheer driving fun.
GR Yaris Special Editions
Toyota has released several limited-edition GR Yaris variants:
- GR Yaris Circuit Pack: Torsen LSDs front and rear, stiffer suspension, 18” forged wheels.
- GRMN Yaris: Stripped down by 44 pounds, more aggressive tuning, only 500 made (Japan only).
- GR Yaris Morizo Edition: Lightweight track-focused version with exclusive suspension tweaks.
These editions push the boundaries even further and are coveted by collectors and track day warriors alike.
Aftermarket and Tuning Scene
Because of its rally roots and Toyota’s loyal fan base, the aftermarket for the GR Yaris is thriving. Tuners across Europe and Asia offer:
- ECU remaps raising output to over 300 hp.
- Suspension upgrades for rally or track setups.
- Body kits mimicking WRC liveries.
- Weight reduction kits for competitive hill climbs or time attack events.
It’s the perfect platform for motorsport enthusiasts, tuners, and weekend warriors alike.
Future Outlook: Will the U.S. Ever Get a GR Yaris?
It’s unlikely that the GR Yaris will come to U.S. shores officially. However, with import laws allowing vehicles 25 years or older, American enthusiasts might have to wait until 2045 to legally bring in a 2020 model.
Alternatively, Toyota has hinted at future GR models inspired by the same philosophy, especially in its push to electrify performance. Rumors swirl about hybrid or EV rally-inspired hatchbacks.
A Cult Icon in the Making
The Toyota GR Yaris is more than a car—it’s a statement. In a world where most automakers are phasing out manuals, ditching AWD in compacts, and neutering driver involvement, Toyota doubled down on passion and performance. It’s a rare act of rebellion in an industry driven by profit margins and emissions regulations.
For U.S. fans, the GR Yaris is the one that got away. But its legend continues to grow, and with each glowing review, YouTube drift video, and rally victory, the mythos of the GR Yaris cements itself deeper into automotive folklore.
Conclusion
Toyota built the GR Yaris to win rallies—and in the process, won the hearts of gearheads everywhere. While Americans may never see one on dealership lots, they can still appreciate what it represents: a manufacturer brave enough to buck the trend, and a car that makes no apologies for being loud, raw, and utterly thrilling.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a country where it’s sold—buy one. If not, hope Toyota keeps that GR flame alive long enough to bring its spiritual successors stateside.
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