- The Toyota GR Yaris Type 26 debuts a new steering wheel in Japan.
- High-performance trims gain gripper Bridgestone Potenza Race tires.
- There are no changes to the exterior design or the turbo 1.6L engine.
Toyota has revealed another update for its rally-bred hot hatch, the GR Yaris Type 26. The changes are not dramatic at first glance, but they reflect the same motorsport-led development that has shaped the model since launch. For this latest revision, Gazoo Racing concentrated on the driver’s touchpoints, adding a redesigned steering wheel and a new ultra-high-grip tire option.
Honing The Interface
The most significant change for 2026 sits directly in the driver’s hands. Toyota has introduced a newly developed steering wheel, first previewed earlier this year in the GR Yaris Morizo RR prototype. Visually, it feels closer to something you might expect from Ferrari than a typical Toyota, replacing the traditional emblem with the GR logo. The update aligns with the recent rebranding of the Gazoo Racing sub-brand, but the changes run deeper than appearance.
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Toyota says feedback from professional drivers exposed an issue with the outgoing GR Yaris steering wheel, where drivers had to be careful not to brush the switches during 180-degree turns without re-gripping. To address this, engineers reduced the wheel’s diameter and reshaped the grips for freer movement during tight maneuvers, while repositioning the controls so each switch sits independently. The buttons are now illuminated as well, making them easier to locate and operate when driving hard.
Engineers did not stop at reshaping the steering wheel. The electric power steering calibration has also been revised so the assist works more effectively with high-grip circuit and rally tires. Toyota also broadened the steering torque detection range by adjusting the torsion-bar rigidity and updating the control software.
New Rubber
Higher-spec RZ High Performance versions, with or without the Aero Performance Package, now come fitted with Bridgestone Potenza Race tires mounted on 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels. The compound was developed through extensive field testing, with the focus placed on maintaining strong grip even during longer, harder driving sessions.
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According to Toyota, “the tires’ revised tread pattern, internal structure, and rubber compound significantly improve control when driving a vehicle to its limit” in combination with optimized damping characteristics for the front and rear shock absorbers.
A smaller update for 2026 concerns equipment packaging. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel can now be paired with the vertical parking brake when buyers select either the Navigation or Comfort Packages.
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Mechanically, the turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine carries over unchanged, producing 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Buyers can still choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Drive continues to go to all four wheels through Toyota’s rally-derived GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, which uses an electronic multi-plate clutch along with front and rear Torsen differentials.
Pricing And Availability
The Toyota GR Yaris Type 26 is now open for orders in Japan. Prices begin at ¥3,617,200 ($22,700) for the entry-level RC and climb to ¥5,882,200 ($36,900) for the RZ High Performance equipped with the Aero Performance Package. Toyota is expected to roll out these updates in other markets in the near future.
GR Yaris Development History
The GR Yaris debuted in 2020 but Toyota kept evolving it with input from its rallying division. First came the limited-production GRMN Yaris in 2022 with weight-saving measures and chassis upgrades. In 2024, the hot hatch received a facelift bringing fresh styling cues, an overhauled interior, a stiffer chassis, a more potent engine and an automatic option.
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Toyota expanded the lineup again in 2025 with the optional Aero Performance Package, along with two special editions named after WRC drivers Ogier and Rovanpera, each featuring unique drive modes.
The 2026 updates focused on the new steering wheel make the ultimate Yaris even more appealing to driving enthusiasts. For those who want the absolute best, Toyota will soon roll out the GR Yaris Morizo RR limited edition with carbon fiber bits and a special Morizo mode for the AWD system. It remains to be seen whether this will be the swan song of the model as it enters its twilight years.
