Overview
The Toyota GR Yaris enters 2025 with meaningful updates that further refine this rally-bred performance hatchback. Developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division with direct input from the company’s World Rally Championship team, the GR Yaris continues to stand as a testament to Toyota’s commitment to authentic driving experiences in an increasingly digitized automotive landscape.
For 2025, Toyota has enhanced the GR Yaris’s already formidable performance credentials with a revised turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine, now producing 300 horsepower (up from 268 hp in the previous iteration) and 295 lb-ft of torque. The increased power output is complemented by chassis refinements, including recalibrated suspension components and improved brake cooling.
The exterior design maintains its distinctive, purposeful stance with flared wheel arches, an aggressive front fascia, and the characteristic sloping roofline that differentiates it from the standard Yaris. New for 2025 are additional aerodynamic elements including a redesigned rear diffuser and optional carbon fiber components that enhance both performance and visual appeal.
Most notably, Toyota has addressed previous criticisms by introducing an optional 8-speed automatic transmission alongside the standard 6-speed manual, broadening the car’s appeal while maintaining its driver-focused ethos through steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and performance-optimized shift mapping.
Driving
The driving experience remains the GR Yaris’s defining characteristic, and the 2025 model elevates this already exceptional performer to new heights. The upgraded G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers its increased power with remarkable enthusiasm, propelling the compact hatchback from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds when equipped with the manual transmission (4.7 seconds with the new automatic).
The GR Yaris’s unique platform—essentially a bespoke creation combining elements of Toyota’s GA-B and GA-C architectures—provides an exceptionally rigid foundation for the performance-tuned suspension. For 2025, Toyota has refined the damper settings and spring rates to improve both handling precision and ride comfort. The result is a car that remains supremely capable on challenging roads while being more livable during everyday driving.
The GR-Four all-wheel-drive system continues to be a highlight, offering three driver-selectable torque distribution modes: Normal (60:40 front-to-rear), Sport (30:70), and Track (50:50). This system works in concert with a Torsen limited-slip differential on each axle in the Performance Pack variant, delivering exceptional traction and allowing for remarkably high cornering speeds.
Steering feel is direct and communicative, with weighting that builds naturally as cornering forces increase. The braking system, featuring 14-inch front discs with four-piston calipers, provides excellent stopping power with minimal fade even under track conditions. The revised brake cooling ducts for 2025 further improve sustained performance during aggressive driving.
The manual transmission offers short, precise throws that enhance driver engagement, while the new automatic option delivers remarkably quick shifts without diluting the car’s character. The automatic also includes a launch control function that consistently delivers the quickest acceleration times.
Road and wind noise have been reduced compared to earlier models, though the purposeful growl of the three-cylinder engine—enhanced by a revised exhaust system—remains a constant and welcome companion.
Interior
While the GR Yaris prioritizes performance over luxury, the 2025 model shows notable improvements in interior appointments and technology. The driver-focused cockpit features deeply bolstered GR-branded sports seats that now offer more adjustability while maintaining their excellent lateral support. The steering wheel, wrapped in perforated leather with a red center marker, is perfectly sized and positioned.
The instrument cluster combines a 12.3-inch digital display with physical elements, presenting performance-relevant information in a clear, easily digestible format. A head-up display is newly available for 2025, projecting essential data including speed, tachometer, and shift indicators directly into the driver’s line of sight.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to Toyota’s latest interface, displayed on an 8-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical controls for climate and essential audio functions remain, acknowledging the car’s focus on driver engagement over touchscreen dependency.
Materials throughout the cabin have been upgraded, with increased use of soft-touch surfaces and microfiber upholstery on key touchpoints. The aluminum pedals, gear shifter, and door sills featuring GR branding reinforce the car’s performance pedigree.
Rear seat space remains limited—an inevitable consequence of the car’s compact dimensions and performance-oriented design. The 10.6 cubic feet of cargo space is modest but practical for daily use, with 60:40 split-folding rear seats increasing versatility when needed.
Noise insulation has been improved for 2025, making longer journeys less fatiguing without eliminating the purposeful mechanical sounds that contribute to the car’s character. The standard 10-speaker JBL audio system provides excellent sound quality when the engine note alone isn’t entertainment enough.
Buying
The Toyota GR Yaris continues to occupy a unique market position as one of the few true homologation specials available to the public. Its closest competitors include the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R, though the GR Yaris offers a more compact, rally-inspired package.
For 2025, Toyota offers the GR Yaris in two primary configurations: the standard model and the Circuit Pack variant (called the Performance Pack in some markets). The Circuit Pack adds the aforementioned Torsen limited-slip differentials, forged 18-inch BBS wheels, more aggressive suspension tuning, and enhanced braking components.
Toyota’s reputation for reliability extends to its performance models, with the GR Yaris benefiting from a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. While maintenance costs are higher than a standard Yaris, they remain reasonable for a performance vehicle of this caliber.
Production numbers remain limited, supporting strong residual values and creating a compelling ownership proposition despite the car’s premium pricing. The GR Yaris historically has maintained strong resale values, a trend likely to continue with the enhanced 2025 model.
Fuel economy is surprisingly reasonable given the performance on offer, with the manual transmission version achieving approximately 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway). The automatic transmission option shows a slight efficiency improvement in normal driving conditions.
Insurance costs reflect the car’s performance capabilities but are mitigated somewhat by Toyota’s comprehensive safety systems and strong crash protection. Financing offers through Toyota Financial Services are competitive, though the car’s desirability means significant discounts are unlikely.
Specs & Prices
Specifications:
- Engine:
- 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (G16E-GTS)
- 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm
- 295 lb-ft of torque from 3,000-4,600 rpm
- Transmissions:
- 6-speed manual (standard)
- 8-speed automatic (optional)
- Drivetrain:
- GR-Four all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution
- Three selectable modes: Normal (60:40), Sport (30:70), Track (50:50)
- Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear (Circuit/Performance Pack)
- Performance:
- 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds (manual), 4.7 seconds (automatic)
- Top speed: 143 mph (electronically limited)
- Quarter-mile: 13.3 seconds
- Fuel Economy:
- Manual: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
- Automatic: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined
- Dimensions:
- Length: 157.3 inches (3,995 mm)
- Width: 70.1 inches (1,780 mm)
- Height: 57.3 inches (1,455 mm)
- Wheelbase: 100.8 inches (2,560 mm)
- Curb weight: 2,900 pounds (1,315 kg) manual, 2,950 pounds (1,338 kg) automatic
- Cargo capacity: 10.6 cubic feet (300 liters)
- Suspension:
- Front: MacPherson strut with reinforced mounting points
- Rear: Double wishbone
- Adaptive dampers available with Performance Package
- Brakes:
- Front: 14.0-inch ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers
- Rear: 11.7-inch ventilated discs with 2-piston calipers
- Performance Pack: Enhanced cooling and brake pads
Pricing (Reference prices for US market):
- GR Yaris Base (Manual): $39,995
- GR Yaris Base (Automatic): $41,495
- GR Yaris Circuit/Performance Pack (Manual): $44,995
- GR Yaris Circuit/Performance Pack (Automatic): $46,495
Key optional packages and accessories:
- Carbon Fiber Package (roof, mirror caps, rear spoiler): $3,800
- Technology Package (head-up display, advanced driver assistance): $2,200
- Premium Interior Package (upgraded seats, additional sound insulation): $1,600
- Rally Heritage Paint Colors: $800
- Forged Carbon Interior Trim: $1,200
- Track Day Package (enhanced cooling, data logging capabilities): $2,500
Note: Prices may vary by region and dealer policies. Due to high demand and limited production, market adjustments above MSRP may be common at dealerships.
