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Toyota GR Yaris (GXPA16) GR-FOUR 1.6 l / 280 hp / 2024 / 2025 / 2026 : Specs, maintenance, and ownership tips

The facelifted 2024–present Toyota GR Yaris keeps the original car’s rally-bred soul but pushes it noticeably closer to a road-going competition car. Power from the 1.6-litre G16E-GTS turbo three-cylinder rises to 280 hp and 390 Nm, backed by structural stiffening, revised suspension and a more focused “driver-first” cockpit. Buyers can still choose a six-speed intelligent manual, but there is now an 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic that was developed with professional rally and circuit drivers.

For owners, it means the same compact three-door shell and GR-FOUR all-wheel drive, but with stronger mid-range shove, more stability at the limit, and a cabin layout that works better on both road and track. The 2024 update also consolidates the European range into a single Circuit-style specification with a cooling performance pack and performance-oriented tyres, so the “base” car is now very serious hardware.

This guide dives into the facelift GR Yaris in detail: how the 280 hp version is built, what it is like to own and maintain, and how it compares to rival hot hatches and track-day toys.

Key Takeaways

  • 280 hp and 390 Nm from the G16E-GTS 1.6l turbo, with strengthened internals, extra cooling and updated GR-FOUR AWD for harder sustained use.
  • Choice of 6-speed iMT manual or 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic, with closer ratios and software tuned by rally drivers for rapid shifting.
  • Single “Circuit” specification in Europe brings forged wheels, uprated suspension and a cooling pack as standard, reducing the need to chase option packs.
  • Running costs are higher than a regular Yaris: expect short 6,000-mile / 10,000-km or 12-month service intervals and faster wear on tyres, brakes and clutch if you track the car.
  • For frequently driven or tuned cars, plan oil services at 5,000 km / 6 months and diff/gearbox oils at 30,000–40,000 km to stay ahead of heat and shear.

Guide contents

Evolved GR Yaris 280 hp

The 2024 update does not simply add a few bhp and a new bumper; it fundamentally refines the GR Yaris concept. Toyota’s engineers went back to the same “develop, race, break, fix” philosophy used for the original car and applied feedback from WRC and endurance racing to almost every major system.

Headline numbers are easy to remember: 280 DIN hp and 390 Nm from the 1.6-litre G16E-GTS turbo three-cylinder, up from 261 hp and 360 Nm in the earlier European tune. The extra output comes from increased injection pressure, strengthened valvetrain components, new exhaust valve material, a revised intake pressure sensor and lighter pistons with more durable rings.

Both power and durability were validated not only on dynos but in Japanese rally and endurance series, where engines were pushed to failure and iterated. For a road buyer, that translates into an engine that should be at least as robust as the earlier 261 hp version, despite the extra boost and stress, provided maintenance is kept up.

The other big change is transmission choice. The original European GR Yaris forced you into a six-speed manual. The facelift keeps that intelligent manual (with auto rev-matching) but adds an 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic. This torque-converter unit uses close ratios and aggressive software that looks at brake and throttle inputs to predict downshifts before traditional g-force-based logic would, giving competition-grade shift timing. In Toyota’s own testing, automatic cars could lap quicker than manuals on circuit, even with the same power output.

Under the skin, body-in-white rigidity rises by about 13 percent in spot weld count and around 24 percent in structural adhesive coverage. Front strut top mounting bolts are reinforced, while spring rates and damper tuning are adjusted to work with the stiffer shell and increased performance envelope. The basic recipe stays familiar: MacPherson struts up front, double-wishbones at the rear, GR-FOUR AWD with selectable torque modes and Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear.

The interior is where owners will notice daily improvements. The dashboard is redesigned with a lower cowl and a centre stack angled more towards the driver. A new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers dedicated sport layouts with clearer rev and gear information, and the driving position drops by about 25 mm with revised seat mounting and steering column adjustment. Controls for track-critical functions like intercooler spray and stability control sit closer to hand, reflecting input from drivers who use harnesses and helmets regularly.

In short, the evolved GR Yaris feels less like a lightly civilised rally car and more like a small production racer that happens to be road legal and usable all year round.

GR Yaris 280 hp specs

This section focuses on the European-spec GXPA16 GR Yaris facelift with the 280 hp engine, GR-FOUR AWD and both the 6-speed iMT manual and 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic.

Engine and performance

ItemValue
Engine codeG16E-GTS
Layout and valvetrainInline-3, DOHC, 12 valves, Dual VVT-i
Displacement1.618 l (1,618 cc)
Bore × stroke87.5 × 89.7 mm
InductionSingle-scroll ball-bearing turbocharger with intercooler
Fuel systemD-4ST combined direct and port injection
Compression ratio10.5:1
Max power (Europe)280 hp (206 kW) @ 6,500 rpm
Max torque (Europe)390 Nm (287 lb-ft) @ 3,250–4,600 rpm
RedlineAround 7,200 rpm (digital cluster)
Timing driveChain
Emissions standardEuro 6d or later (market dependent)
WLTP combined fuel use (target)≈ 8.5–9.0 l/100 km (26–28 mpg US, 31–34 mpg UK), spec and wheel choice dependent
CO₂ (WLTP combined)Around 190–200 g/km (market dependent)

Real-world use mirrors the earlier car: calm motorway runs can stay in the high-8s l/100 km, but back-road driving and track work rapidly climb into the teens.

Transmission and driveline

ItemValue
Manual transmission6-speed iMT manual (close ratios, auto rev-matching)
Automatic transmission8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic with paddle shifters
Drive typeGR-FOUR permanent AWD with electronically controlled multi-plate coupling
AWD modes (core car)Normal, Track, Gravel; special editions add Morizo, Seb, Donut, Kalle etc.
DifferentialsFront and rear Torsen LSDs standard in European Circuit spec
Manual 0–100 km/hAround 5.2 s (manufacturer / independent data)
Top speed230 km/h (143 mph), limited

The automatic’s close ratios integrate with predictive software to keep the engine in its ideal 4,900–7,200 rpm band during hard driving, while the manual rewards precise heel-and-toe or lets iMT handle rev-matching.

Chassis and dimensions

ItemValue
PlatformHybrid GA-B / GA-C bespoke GR chassis
Front suspensionMacPherson strut, reinforced top mounts, revised spring rates
Rear suspensionDouble wishbone with trailing arms, revised tuning
SteeringElectric rack-and-pinion, quick ratio (around 13.6:1)
Front brakes356 × 28 mm two-piece ventilated grooved discs, 4-piston aluminium calipers
Rear brakes297 × 18 mm ventilated grooved discs, 2-piston aluminium calipers
Tyres (Europe)225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, load and speed rated appropriately
Wheels18″ forged alloys on most European cars
Length≈ 3,995 mm
Width≈ 1,805 mm
Height≈ 1,455 mm
Wheelbase2,560 mm
Ground clearance~120–125 mm in running trim
Kerb weightAround 1,300–1,340 kg depending on transmission and market
Fuel tank50 l
Boot volume≈ 174 l (VDA, seats up)

Dimensions and packaging are essentially unchanged from the pre-facelift model, but the stiffer bodyshell and new aero tweaks (revised bumpers and underbody airflow management) improve stability, cooling and durability.

Performance and capability

MetricValue
0–100 km/h (manual)~5.2 s
0–100 km/h (automatic)Similar or slightly quicker in Toyota internal tests
Top speed230 km/h (limited)
Power-to-weightRoughly 210–215 bhp/tonne (depending on spec)
Braking 100–0 km/hApproximately mid-30 m range on quality tyres

Fluids, service capacities and electrical

Approximate values; always verify for your specific VIN and manual:

SystemSpecificationCapacity (approx.)
Engine oil0W-20, API SP / ILSAC GF-6A (Toyota Genuine or equivalent)~4.3 l with filter
Engine coolantToyota Super Long Life (pink)~5–6 l
Manual gearboxToyota MT Gear Oil LV 75W GL-4~2.0–2.1 l
Automatic gearboxToyota ATF formulated for Gazoo Racing Direct 8-speed (use only specified fluid)Capacity varies; dealer-only service
Transfer / rear diffGL-5 75W-85~0.4–0.5 l each
Brake fluidDOT 3/4 to Toyota spec; flush every 2 years minimum
12 V battery~45–55 Ah, conventional flooded or AGM depending on market
AlternatorSized for heated equipment and accessories (consult service info for exact rating)

Safety and driver assistance

The GR Yaris rides on the same XP210 Yaris architecture that achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with strong scores (86 % Adult, 81 % Child, 78 % VRU, 85 % Safety Assist).

For 2024, Toyota Safety Sense is updated. The Pre-Collision System recognises more scenarios (including oncoming traffic and motorcycles), intersection support is refined, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control gains wider distance settings and turn-signal-linked deceleration. Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Road Sign Assist, centre airbags and ISOFIX rear mounts remain core elements.

GR Yaris trims and safety

With the facelift, Toyota simplifies the European GR Yaris range. Instead of juggling “convenience” and “circuit” packs, most markets now receive a single, very high-spec configuration that effectively integrates the old Circuit pack as standard.

Core European specification

The main European car is a Circuit-type grade that typically includes:

  • G16E-GTS 1.6l turbo, 280 hp / 390 Nm
  • GR-FOUR AWD with front and rear Torsen LSDs
  • 6-speed iMT manual or 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic
  • Cooling performance pack (additional sub-radiator, intercooler spray, revised intake ducting)
  • 18-inch forged alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
  • Uprated GR suspension tune with revised damping for high-load stability
  • Large two-piece front discs and four-piston calipers
  • Sports seats with improved support and lower mounting position

Options then tend to revolve around transmission choice, paint colours (including Precious Metal and Gazoo Racing signature shades), interior trim accents and audio/navigation packages. Some markets may also bundle convenience features such as digital keys, premium sound and parking aids into higher sub-grades.

Special editions

Toyota has also announced Ogier and Rovanperä Editions, inspired by its WRC champion drivers. These incorporate unique AWD control maps (modes like Morizo, Seb, Donut and Kalle) in place of the standard Gravel and Track settings, plus bespoke aero pieces, wheels and interior trims.

Mechanically, they share the 280 hp engine and core GR-FOUR hardware, but with bespoke calibration and limited numbers. For most buyers, the regular Circuit car will be easier to find and maintain, while the special editions cater to collectors and dedicated motorsport enthusiasts.

Safety specification by grade

Even the “plain” facelift GR Yaris is very well equipped for safety:

  • Airbags and structure: dual front, side and curtain airbags plus a centre airbag, combined with a highly rigid, multi-material shell derived from the XP210 Yaris.
  • Toyota Safety Sense: updated Pre-Collision System, Lane Tracing Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist, all based on the latest TSS generation.
  • Chassis electronics: ABS, stability and traction control, hill-start assist, and active yaw management integrated with the GR-FOUR control logic.

Higher-grade cars and certain markets add Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, parking sensors, reversing camera variants or panoramic view monitoring. Calibration can matter after repairs, especially if windscreens, bumpers or radar units are replaced, so ADAS alignment should always be part of body-shop work.

For families using child seats, ISOFIX anchor points in the rear and good side-impact scores from the base Yaris platform give confidence. The main compromises versus a regular Yaris are the three-door body (more awkward child seat access) and reduced luggage space.

Long-term reliability outlook

Because the 280 hp GR Yaris facelift only entered European showrooms in 2024, long-term reliability data is still limited. However, the picture from the earlier 261 hp cars and the design changes Toyota has made give useful guidance.

Engine and cooling

Toyota has not reinvented the G16E-GTS; it has strengthened it. The facelift’s higher output is supported by reinforced valvetrain components, redesigned pistons and increased fuel injection pressure, all extensively tested in Japanese rally and endurance racing before being signed off for production.

For owners, the likely weak points remain heat management and oil quality. Track use, particularly on tight circuits with limited airflow, is demanding even with the cooling pack. Allowing proper cooldown laps, using high-quality 0W-20 oil and shortening service intervals greatly reduces risk. It is also wise to monitor for any early signs of knock correction, misfires or boost-related fault codes on tuned cars.

Manual and automatic transmissions

The 6-speed iMT manual is fundamentally the same as in the earlier car. Early GR Yaris experience suggests it is robust if filled with the correct GL-4 oil and not abused with repeated drag-style launches. Occasional notchiness when cold and accelerated clutch wear on heavily tuned or tracked cars are realistic expectations rather than design defects.

The 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct automatic is new and more complex. Toyota has invested significant development effort, including motorsport use and extensive cooling upgrades, to make it survive true competition levels of abuse. Even so, owners should treat it with the same respect as a dual-clutch or high-performance automatic: regular fluid changes (once schedules are published), meticulous cooling system care and early investigation of any shift flare, slipping or unusual noises.

Driveline, suspension and body

The GR-FOUR system, Torsen LSDs and suspension geometry are proven. Long-term risks are likely to involve bush wear, wheel bearings and drive-shaft CV joints on cars that see many launches, kerbs and rough stages. The extra spot welds and structural adhesive should reduce creaks and long-term body flex, but they do not make the car immune to corrosion or accident damage.

Because many facelift cars will be driven hard, potential buyers should expect to see modified suspension, upgraded brakes and remapped ECUs relatively early in the model’s lifecycle. Such changes are not inherently bad, but they increase dependence on quality of installation and setup.

Electronics and software

Modern Toyotas have a good reputation for core electrical reliability, yet the facelift GR Yaris adds complexity: a fully digital cluster, more sophisticated drive modes and expanded ADAS functions. It is reasonable to expect occasional infotainment glitches or sensor-related warning lights as the software matures.

On the upside, Toyota often issues technical service bulletins and software updates that address drivability, safety-system false positives or shifting behaviours. Owners should ensure their cars receive all relevant updates during scheduled services and should not ignore instrument-cluster messages, especially those relating to the automatic transmission, cooling system or Safety Sense.

Overall, the facelift GR Yaris looks set to be a durable car if you align your maintenance with its motorsport-infused intent. Treated like a regular supermini, it will likely become expensive; treated like a compact race car that happens to wear plates, it should reward you with stout reliability and predictable wear patterns.

Care schedule and buying tips

Practical maintenance schedule

Toyota positions the GR Yaris as a separate model with shorter intervals than a regular Yaris. UK-market guidance and specialist maintenance literature point to 6,000-mile (about 10,000-km) or 12-month service intervals, alternating between interim and full services. That is a sensible baseline for the 280 hp facelift as well.

A practical schedule for a mostly road-driven, lightly tracked car might look like this:

  • Engine oil and filter – Every 6,000 miles / 10,000 km or 12 months; cut to 3,000–5,000 miles / 5,000–8,000 km for frequent track days.
  • Engine air filter – Inspect at 12,000 miles; replace at 24,000 miles (or sooner in dusty conditions).
  • Cabin filter – Every 2 years or 20,000–24,000 miles.
  • Spark plugs (iridium) – Around 60,000–80,000 miles, earlier if tuned or misfires appear.
  • Coolant – First change roughly at 10 years / 100,000+ miles in many Toyota schedules, then every few years; verify with your local service booklet.
  • Manual gearbox oil – Every 40,000–60,000 miles; halved interval if regularly tracked.
  • Automatic transmission fluid – Follow Toyota’s published schedule; for heavy track use, many owners will opt for earlier changes, but this should be done by a dealer due to specific fluid and procedures.
  • Diff and transfer oils – 40,000–60,000 miles, with more frequent changes for track work or rally stages.
  • Brake fluid – Every 2 years minimum; for regular track days, bleed or flush after significant events.
  • Brake pads and discs – Inspect at every service; track use can consume a set in a few events.
  • Tyres – Rotate front–rear (if pattern allows) every 6,000–8,000 miles; align at least annually or after serious kerb impacts.
  • 12 V battery – Test annually from year 3–4; replace proactively around years 5–7.

Timing is chain-driven, so there is no scheduled belt replacement, but owners should still listen for chain rattle and keep an eye on timing-correlation fault codes.

Fluid choices and torque references

Sticking with Toyota-approved fluids is important, especially for the automatic gearbox and GR-FOUR driveline. For decision-making:

  • Engine oil: high-quality 0W-20 API SP / ILSAC GF-6A is the default; some track specialists use slightly heavier grades but that should be backed by oil-temperature and pressure logging.
  • Gear oils: GL-4 75W for the manual gearbox; GL-5 75W-85 for transfer and diff.
  • Coolant: Toyota Super Long Life or exact equivalent; never mix with generic green coolant.

Wheel-nut torque on comparable Toyotas is usually just over 100 Nm, and the sump drain plug around 30–40 Nm, but these figures should always be confirmed in official workshop information for your specific model and wheel type.

Buyer’s guide for the facelift

Even though the facelift is new, a used market will build quickly as early adopters move on or trade into special editions. When shopping:

  1. Trace the car’s use case
  • Ask openly about track days, hill climbs or rally work. Hard use is not a red flag if there is matching maintenance to suit.
  • Look for alignment printouts, tyre invoices and brake upgrades as evidence of serious, but cared-for, use.
  1. Check for tuning and modifications
  • Many owners remap the ECU, fit exhausts or alter boost; make sure you understand what has been done, who did it and whether OEM parts are included.
  • Beware cars with removed catalysts or undocumented software changes, especially in regions with strict inspections.
  1. Inspect drivetrain and chassis
  • Cold and hot, the manual should engage gears cleanly; the automatic should shift without flare or harshness.
  • Listen for diff whine, clunks or vibration on full-lock turns.
  • Check for kerb damage on wheels and underbody scrapes near jacking points and suspension mounts.
  1. Body and interior checks
  • Look for overspray or mismatched texture around bumpers and sills, which may indicate repaired track damage.
  • Ensure the digital cluster, infotainment, intercooler spray button, drive modes and steering-wheel controls all work consistently.
  1. Paperwork and recalls
  • Demand full service history and proof of any campaigns or recalls, verified via Toyota’s official VIN lookup and national recall databases.

A facelift GR Yaris with documented maintenance, sympathetic modifications and no signs of crash repair is likely to be a rewarding and relatively low-risk purchase.

On-road and circuit behaviour

The 280 hp GR Yaris feels like a sharpened version of the original rather than an entirely new car, but the differences are clear once you drive it.

Powertrain character

The G16E-GTS now pulls harder through the mid-range. Where the earlier car already had a strong surge from about 3,000 rpm, the facelift’s extra torque makes in-gear acceleration more decisive, particularly out of slower corners and on inclines. Official figures still quote around 5.2 seconds 0–100 km/h and a 230 km/h top speed, but real gains show up in 60–120 km/h passing and the way the car accelerates out of bends.

The manual remains the purist’s choice, with a short, firm throw and well-spaced gears that keep the engine on boost. Intelligent rev-matching makes downshifts precise even when you are wearing bulky shoes or gloves. The new automatic, however, deserves serious consideration. Its predictive software and close ratios mean it can hold gears and downshift exactly when an experienced driver would, while freeing your attention to focus on braking points and lines. On track, its ability to maintain perfect torque without mis-shifts is a meaningful advantage.

Ride, handling and NVH

The stiffer shell and revised suspension give the facelift GR Yaris a calmer, more tied-down feel at speed. On a typical B-road or mountain pass, the car turns in with even more authority, and small steering inputs yield precise, immediate changes of direction. The GR-FOUR system continues to be a standout feature, letting you dial the balance from secure neutral to mildly rear-biased depending on mode and surface.

Ride quality is firm, especially on forged 18-inch wheels and performance tyres, but the suspension is better at dealing with successive bumps than many track-biased hot hatches. On rough roads you can still feel the car’s motorsport roots: noise levels from tyres and drivetrain are higher than in a regular Yaris, and expansion joints are heard and felt. Yet for most enthusiasts, the payoff in body control and grip will be worth it.

Braking and endurance

With the default Circuit-style hardware, braking performance is very strong. The large grooved discs and multi-piston calipers deliver short, repeatable stops when paired with good pads and high-temperature fluid. Track work will still wear pads and discs quickly, but the foundation is robust and fade-resistant.

Real-world economy

Given the output and AWD system, consumption is reasonable:

  • City: 12–14 l/100 km (17–20 mpg US) if you often use boost.
  • Mixed: 9–10.5 l/100 km (22–26 mpg US) with brisk but not excessive driving.
  • Motorway at 120 km/h: roughly 8.5–9.5 l/100 km (25–28 mpg US), similar to the earlier car despite the extra power.

Cold weather, stickier tyres and roof-rack loads all push these numbers higher, as does sustained track use.

Load and long-distance use

The GR Yaris is still a compact three-door hatch with modest boot space, so it is not a family hauler. As a two-person touring car with soft bags, it works well: supportive seats, improved driving position and strong climate control make long days manageable. Noise is louder than a warm hatch, but not oppressive, especially if you avoid aggressive exhaust modifications.

How it stacks up

The facelift GR Yaris joins a small club of serious performance hatches as emissions rules tighten and manuals disappear. Its most obvious rivals include the Honda Civic Type R (FL5), Hyundai i20 N and i30 N, Volkswagen Golf R, MINI JCW derivatives and, conceptually, the GR Corolla in markets where both exist.

Compared with the Civic Type R, the GR Yaris is smaller, lighter and all-wheel drive rather than front-drive. The Honda offers more power, space and a more polished long-distance ride; the Toyota counters with rally-car character, compact footprint and the traction benefits of GR-FOUR on poor surfaces.

Against Hyundai’s N models, the GR Yaris is pricier and more specialised. The i20 N and i30 N deliver strong value, good track capability and practical five-door bodies but lack the low-volume homologation feel of the GR. They also remain front-drive, which some drivers prefer for simplicity but others see as a limitation once power levels climb.

The Golf R is arguably the most direct everyday alternative: AWD, brisk performance and strong refinement. However, it is larger, heavier and more insulated from the driver. The GR Yaris is much more mechanical and focused, with a cabin and controls that are clearly designed around serious driving rather than broad comfort.

Where the GR Yaris really stands out is in its authentic motorsport development and scarcity. It is hand-built in limited volumes, based on a bespoke shell and drivetrain package, and now offered primarily in a Circuit-grade configuration. For enthusiasts who value involvement and character over sheer power or practicality, the facelift GR Yaris remains one of the most distinctive choices on sale.

At the same time, potential buyers should be realistic about its compromises: three doors, firm ride, higher running costs and a cabin that prioritises driving over rear-seat comfort. If those are acceptable, the 280 hp facelift car arguably takes everything that made the original special and adds a layer of polish and performance that will only deepen its appeal.

References

  • <a href="https://newsroom.toyota.eu/the-new-toyota-gr-yaris-a-master-of-ice-and-snow/">The new Toyota GR Yaris: a master of ice and snow</a> 2024 (Press Pack and Technical Overview)
  • <a href="https://toyotagazooracing.com/pressrelease/2024/0112-03/">Evolved GR Yaris Makes World Premiere</a> 2024 (Global Press Release)
  • <a href="https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/toyota/yaris/40747">Official Toyota Yaris 2020 safety rating</a> 2020 (Safety Rating)
  • <a href="https://www.toyota-europe.com/brands-and-services/toyota/toyota-safety-sense">Toyota Safety Sense Technologies</a> 2022 (Safety Technology Overview)
  • <a href="https://mag.toyota.co.uk/find-out-when-your-toyota-yaris-needs-a-service-whatever-its-age/">Toyota Yaris service intervals: all models covered</a> 2022 (Service Interval Guide)

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, repair or purchase advice. Specifications, torque values, service intervals and available equipment can vary by model year, market, trim level and individual vehicle history. Always confirm critical data against the official owner’s manual, workshop or service information and documentation specific to your VIN, and consult a qualified technician before carrying out maintenance, modifications or repairs.

If you found this guide useful, please consider sharing it with other enthusiasts or owners on social media or forums. Thoughtful sharing helps support the creation of accurate, independent technical resources.

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