2025 Toyota GR Yaris Take everything that made the previous GR Yaris an absolute beast—massive power, a rock-solid all-wheel-drive system, and a manual transmission that just clicks—and turn it up a notch. That’s exactly what Toyota has done with the 2025 facelift, making this rally-bred hot hatch even sharper, faster, and more exciting to drive.
I got behind the wheel of the updated GR Yaris, and let me tell you—this thing is more than just a facelift. It’s got more power, a refined suspension setup, and an interior that actually feels like a proper performance car now. It’s like Toyota took all the feedback from enthusiasts and engineers and dialed it in to make an already incredible machine even better.
And then there’s the new face—more aggressive, more aerodynamic, and built to keep things cool under pressure. The rear’s had some tweaks too, with redesigned tail lights that help it stand out from the standard Yaris. But what really changes the game? Toyota finally added an automatic transmission to the GR Yaris. Now, before you start thinking it’s some watered-down version, this isn’t just any auto—it’s an eight-speed torque converter developed specifically for the GR Yaris, taking cues from its big brother, the GR Corolla.
Toyota’s been putting this new auto through serious track testing, refining it to keep the car’s lively, punchy feel intact. I didn’t expect much at first, but after pushing the pre-production model around Winton Motor Raceway, I was impressed. The shifts are quick, the response is sharp, and it never feels like it’s dulling the car’s edge. I still love the manual, but for those who want the option, this auto is no joke.
Now, let’s talk competition. The GR Yaris already had no real rivals, but with more power and an automatic, it’s an even bigger problem for cars like the Hyundai i20 N or Volkswagen Polo GTI. Those are great hot hatches, but they don’t have all-wheel drive, they don’t have this level of performance, and now, they don’t even have the automatic advantage anymore.
I had the chance to push this car hard through Victoria’s High Country—twisty roads, tight corners, the kind of place where a car like this thrives. And trust me, the updated GR Yaris still delivers that raw, rally-inspired thrill, whether you’re rowing your own gears or letting the new auto do the work.
The facelifted manual GR Yaris is hitting dealerships now, with the automatic set to arrive by mid-2025. The one I drove was a pre-production model, so it might get some final tweaks before deliveries start—but from what I’ve experienced, Toyota has nailed it again.
How much does the Toyota GR Yaris cost?
More than it used to. The new base GR Yaris manual was priced at $51,390 before on-roads in 2024, and for 2025 it’s gained the GT trim designation and a $4100 price hike.
| Model | Price before on-roads |
|---|---|
| 2025 Toyota GR Yaris GT manual | $55,490 |
| 2025 Toyota GR Yaris GT automatic | $57,990 |
| 2025 Toyota GR Yaris GTS manual | $60,490 |
| 2025 Toyota GR Yaris GTS automatic | $62,990 |
Similarly, the previous top-spec GR Yaris Rallye has now evolved into the GTS trim, and if you’re looking at the most affordable manual version, you’ll have to shell out an extra $4100. That’s a hefty jump, and it begs the question—does the added cost bring enough improvements to justify it?
Compared to its closest rival, the Hyundai i20 N, the GR Yaris is undeniably the pricier option. The i20 N starts at $35,500 before on-road costs, or $36,500 if you want a black roof. I remember test-driving the i20 N last year and thinking, “This is a steal for the performance it delivers,” but stepping into the GR Yaris feels like an entirely different experience—it’s rawer, more aggressive, and clearly built with rally DNA in mind.
Then there’s the Volkswagen Polo GTI, which sits in the middle with an auto-only setup and a $41,790 price tag before on-road costs. The Polo GTI is smooth and refined, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t have the same motorsport pedigree or all-wheel-drive grip that makes the GR Yaris special.
For some context, Toyota’s GR Corolla—another beast in its own right—is only offered in a single GTS trim, priced at $67,990 for the manual and $70,490 for the automatic before on-road costs. It’s a step up in size and power, but it makes the GR Yaris seem like a bargain by comparison.
Of course, these are just base prices. Factor in dealer markups, insurance, and optional extras, and the final cost can vary significantly. I’ve seen some dealerships list the GR Yaris at eye-watering premiums when demand spikes, so if you’re considering one, it’s worth shopping around and keeping an eye on real-world transaction prices.
What is the Toyota GR Yaris like on the inside?
Where the previous GR Yaris stayed true to its road-going roots, Toyota has taken a bold step forward with this facelift. The first thing you’ll notice? That massive slab of grey plastic dominating the dashboard. At first glance, it might seem a little… brutal. But trust me, when you sit inside, it makes a lot more sense.
Toyota designed it to be driver-focused, and photos don’t quite do it justice. Seeing it in person, you get that immediate “race car” feel. I remember the first time I slid into the driver’s seat—the way the dashboard wraps around you feels almost cockpit-like. And that’s no accident. Toyota actually took inspiration from the fourth-gen Supra’s interior.
Looking at the left side of the panel, function comes first. Sitting up top is an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system—yes, the bezels are chunky, but in a car this small, the size is more than enough. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a win, though I did find myself searching for a good spot to place my phone once connected. With only two USB-C ports—one central, one ahead of the passenger—cable management could be better.
The climate control panel keeps it refreshingly simple with physical buttons and two knobs. In an age of touch-heavy controls, this is a breath of fresh air. You don’t need to dig through menus while driving—just adjust and go.
Now, about the material quality—yes, it’s mostly hard plastics, but Toyota has been smart with placement. Glossy surfaces are kept out of high-contact areas, so it won’t be a fingerprint magnet. Near the gear shifter, you’ll find a row of buttons controlling everything from heated seats to drive modes and stability control.
If you opt for the manual transmission, you’ll notice an extra button to activate the iMT function—Toyota’s intelligent rev-matching system. I’ve used similar systems before, and I have to say, Toyota’s execution here is spot-on. Whether you’re heel-and-toeing or just want smoother downshifts, it works like a charm.
The shifter placement hasn’t changed much from the pre-facelift, sitting slightly raised for quick and easy access. The GR-Four control dial remains, letting you adjust the front-rear torque split. That’s one of my favorite features—being able to flick it into different drive modes depending on the road or track conditions makes the Yaris feel like a proper rally machine.
Toyota also lowered the driver’s seat slightly, and I could tell the difference the moment I got in. It’s not a night-and-day change, but it does improve the driving position. That said, if you’re taller, you might still find the seating a bit upright—it’s the tradeoff of being based on a hatchback. Side bolstering on the seats is excellent, though adjustment is fully manual.
The steering wheel is unchanged from the pre-facelift, wrapped in leather, and—if you go for the GTS trim—heated. It feels noticeably smaller than the one in the Corolla, which actually makes it more fun to throw around. In tight corners, the size and weight give a proper performance feel—I had a blast darting through some winding roads.
Behind the wheel sits the 12.3-inch digital instrument display, which takes up the entire space behind that monolithic dashboard. It’s a clean, no-frills unit that prioritizes clarity. I especially like how it adapts when you switch drive modes—flipping to Sport mode swaps in a horizontal rev counter, which just looks right in a car like this.
Navigating the menus? That’s where Toyota still has room to improve. The system is functional, but cycling through options with the steering wheel buttons feels clunky. That said, I appreciate the performance-oriented readouts—temperature gauges, turbo boost levels, and a big, clear gear indicator.
As expected, rear-seat space is tight. Let’s be real—you’re not buying a GR Yaris for rear-passenger comfort. Headroom is limited, and there are only two seats in the back. If you do squeeze someone in, they’ll probably need to ask the front occupants for extra legroom. The high rear-quarter windows make it feel even more enclosed back there.
The boot isn’t massive, but it’s practical enough for everyday use. You get a flat, wide cargo area, and if needed, the 60:40 split-folding rear seats add some flexibility. Under the floor, Toyota includes a 3.7-liter water tank for the intercooler sprayer, exclusive to the GTS. It’s a small touch that shows Toyota’s motorsport DNA runs deep.
So, is it perfect? No, but it doesn’t need to be. The GR Yaris remains a hardcore driver’s car, built with purpose. And that’s exactly why I love it.
| Dimensions | Toyota GR Yaris |
|---|---|
| Length | 3995mm |
| Width | 1805mm |
| Height | 1455mm |
| Wheelbase | 2560mm |
| Cargo capacity | 174L |
What’s under the bonnet?
Carried over from the pre-facelift GR Yaris is a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, though power and torque outputs have increased by 21kW and 30Nm respectively. New is an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, alongside the pre-existing six-speed manual.
| Specifications | Toyota GR Yaris |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L turbocharged 3cyl petrol |
| Power | 221kW @ 6500rpm |
| Torque | 400Nm @ 3250–4600rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 8-speed torque converter auto |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1280kg |
| 0-100km/h time (claimed) | 5.1 seconds (both transmissions) |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 8.2L/100km (manual) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50L |
| Fuel requirement | 98 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 186g/km (manual) |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b |
Kerb weight figures and fuel economy claims are not yet available for automatic GR Yaris variants.
Due to the nature of the drive program at Toyota’s launch event, we weren’t able to record a representative real-world fuel economy figure. That said, a very spirited drive of the manual GR Yaris GT returned figures around the 10.0L/100km mark.
What do you get?
There are two permanent variants of the facelifted GR Yaris. The previous base grade is now the GT, and the former Rallye spec has become the GTS.
2025 Toyota GR Yaris GT highlights:
- 18-inch Enkei cast alloy wheels
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres
- Tyre repair kit
- Black GR brake calipers
- Four-piston front
- Two-piston rear
- Two-piece ventilated front brake discs
- Ventilated rear brake discs
- Carbon-fibre roof
- LED headlights
- LED tail-lights, rear fog lights
- Dual exhaust tips
- Carbon fibre roof
- Metal front grille, rear bumper mesh
- GR sports front seats
- Suede and leather-accented
- Heated
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped gear shifter, manual handbrake lever
- Aluminium pedals
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Satellite navigation
- 8-speaker JBL sound system
- DAB+ digital radio
- 2 x USB-C outlets
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Keyless entry and start
- Dual-zone climate control
GR Yaris GTS adds:
- 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
- Red GR brake calipers
- Torsen limited-slip differential
- GR high-performance suspension
- Sub radiator
- Button-operated intercooler sprayer
- GR sports seats
- Suede and leather trim, red stitching
- Heated steering wheel
Is the Toyota GR Yaris safe?
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 6 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Junction assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane Trace Assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Speed sign recognition
- Automatic high-beam
- Adaptive cruise control (automatic only)
- Front and rear parking support brake (automatic only)
How much does the Toyota GR Yaris cost to run?
| Servicing and Warranty | Toyota GR Yaris |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | Roadside Assist (up to 6 years, $99 per year) Roadside Assist Plus (up to 6 years, $139 per year) |
| Service intervals | 6 months, 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 3 years |
| Total capped-price servicing cost | $1860 ($310 each) |
Service intervals are identical to the outgoing GR Yaris, and pricing for 2025 models is the same regardless of transmission type.
