With direct feedback from the tracks, the GR Yaris 2026 adopts a smaller steering wheel and illuminated controls to avoid accidental touches in curves
Toyota has unveiled a curious update to the GR Yaris in the 2026 lineup. It is an adjustment focusing on ergonomic and performance improvements to meet the criticism of owners and professional riders.
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The most significant change in the interior was the complete replacement of the steering wheel. In the previous model, the location of the buttons close to the edge often caused accidental presses in quick maneuvers. The new component, tested with clay prototypes and feedback from rally drivers, now concentrates the controls around the airbag cover.
In addition to having an optimized layout, the diameter has been reduced by 5 mm to ensure more direct responses, and the grip has been redesigned to offer greater support to the hands. The traditional Toyota logo was removed from the center, giving way exclusively to the “GR” emblem, consolidating the visual identity of the sports division.
Mechanically, the GR Yaris 2026 maintains its 1.6 turbo engine with 304 hp and 40,8 kgfm of torque, but with fine adjustments in dynamics. The hatch is now equipped as standard with Bridgestone Potenza Race tires, which use a rubber compound aimed at extreme cornering, while reducing noise in urban driving.
To keep up with the increase in grip, the suspension system received new damping parameters, and the electric steering was recalibrated with new software to offer greater precision and assisted torque, even under high braking loads. Orders have already started in Japan and Europe, consolidating the model as one of the most visceral hatches today.
