Toyota GR Yaris (2025) Review
Toyota has done something very rare here. They’ve built a car that looks like a compact hot hatch, but behaves like a rally-honed lunatic. This isn’t just the second-generation GR Yaris—it’s the continuation of Toyota’s road-going rally mission, and it might just be one of the most engaging small performance cars money can buy.
This isn’t a hot hatch. It’s a homologated, fire-breathing, corner-devouring, soul-grabbing rally car with a number plate.
Homologation Hero: The Purpose Behind the Madness
Let’s get one thing clear: this isn’t your average hot hatch. The 2025 Toyota GR Yaris exists because rally rules demand carmakers build a certain number of road-going versions of their race cars. So yes, it’s technically a homologation special—but one that Toyota actually improved, even though they didn’t campaign the first version in WRC.
With a price tag starting around £45,000, it’s right in Civic Type R and Golf GTI territory—arguably more expensive, even. But for that, you’re not just getting performance. You’re getting motorsport DNA.
Under the Bonnet: Small Engine, Big Power
At the heart of the GR Yaris lies a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, which sounds modest until you realize it’s pushing 276 bhp and 390 Nm of torque. That makes it the most powerful 3-cylinder production engine in the world right now.
Power goes to all four wheels via the GR-Four AWD system, and in this auto version, you get Toyota’s new 8-speed torque converter automatic. While it may not be a dual-clutch, it’s been massaged by the engineers at Gazoo Racing and feels brilliantly snappy. In fact, most drivers will probably be faster in the auto than the manual, thanks to its clever gearing and response.
0–62 mph: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 142 mph (electronically limited)
Real-world MPG: 23–32 (WLTP rated at 32 mpg)
Track-Bred Chassis: More Than Just Specs
Drive modes matter here—Normal, Gravel, and Track—offering torque splits ranging from 60/40 to a dynamic 30/70. Grip levels are exceptional thanks to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires on 18-inch BBS alloy wheels.
Toyota has boosted body rigidity with 132% more spot welds and new bracing. The result? A chassis that communicates directly with your fingertips. The steering is weighty, precise, and utterly engaging—every input matters.
Design Tweaks: Purpose-Driven Aggression
For 2025, the GR Yaris gets smart exterior updates:
Revised front bumper split into three parts (cheaper to replace after a bump)
Larger brake ducts for better cooling
New metal radiator cover
Raised rear light cluster for better visibility and protection
Updated rear diffuser for improved airflow
Oh, and yes—the roof is carbon fiber. That’s not a luxury flex; it’s because the actual rally car needs it too. It’s part of what makes this a true homologation vehicle.
Interior: Function Over Frills
Inside, it's basic, but intentional. Hard plastics dominate, but you get the feeling Toyota wanted this to feel like a ‘90s tuner car. There’s a low-mounted digital instrument cluster, lowered seating position by 25 mm, and the dash is 50 mm lower for improved visibility.
Key features:
Alcantara bucket seats: Hug you in all the right places
Wireless Apple CarPlay (Toyota’s own system is usable too)
Manual HVAC knobs (thank you)
Real handbrake that disconnects the rear axle for rally-style turns
Yes, the reversing camera is awful (think early PlayStation), and the phone storage solution is a bit of a mess, but honestly—who cares? This thing is built for corners, not convenience.
Rear Seats and Boot Space
Let’s keep it honest: the back seats are for emergencies only. Boot space is a scant 174 litres, which is enough for a helmet, racing suit, or a small bag. That’s it. Again, this car isn’t trying to be practical.
Driving Impressions: Every Turn is a Moment
Even when you're just cruising, the GR Yaris feels alive. The steering is perfectly weighted, the chassis communicates beautifully, and the brake feel is sublime. There’s a touch of turbo lag, but once you’re on boost, it feels relentless.
It’s loud. The ride is hard. But it’s meant to be. You feel everything. Hear everything. The turbo whooshes, the suspension tightens around corners, and you—yes, you—feel like a rally driver. Even at 30 mph.
And despite some acoustic damping, this car still sounds gloriously raw. It’s a car that makes you want to drive—even if you’re just headed to the shops.
The Big Question: Is It Worth £45,000?
Well, it depends. You can buy faster cars for that money, and certainly ones with more refinement. But none offer quite this blend of rawness, precision, and emotional engagement.
You’re buying a piece of motorsport tech. A celebration of what performance driving used to be. And with Toyota increasingly focused on hybrids and EVs, this may be the last hurrah for a car like this.
Verdict: A Little Legend in the Making
If you’re thinking about getting a 2025 GR Yaris—stop thinking and just do it. This car is a love letter to driving. It’s flawed in small ways, but those flaws are part of the charm.
This isn’t a hot hatch. It’s a homologated, fire-breathing, corner-devouring, soul-grabbing rally car with a number plate.
One word to sum it up?
Epic.
To find out the latest lease prices for a Toyota GR Yaris, Click here.
