Toyota Middle East has launched one of its most iconic hot hatchbacks, known globally for its performance. The 2026 Toyota GR Yaris is now available in the UAE with a special Aero Performance Package. Check out everything you need to know about it below.

Meanwhile, you can also find the best used Toyota cars at Cars24 UAE.

Also read: iCaur V27 launched in the UAE: Check price, engine specs, range details

2026 Toyota GR Yaris - Design

The all-new Yaris GR is Toyota’s finest craftsmanship in making a hatchback that is fun to drive and can beat the performance cars of one segment above. It is based on the standard Yaris, but it features a lightweight construction with an aluminium chassis and forged carbon fibre parts.

The bonnet has been made from lightweight aluminium that offers additional cooling, while the doors and the boot have been made from forged carbon fibre materials. Meanwhile, the roof has been built from reinforced carbon-fibre plastic. These parts bring down the centre of gravity and reduce the weight substantially, as it is important for performance.

The GR Yaris is manufactured in Japan, and it is available in five exterior colours: Platinum White Pearl Mica, Super White II, Precious Black, Precious Metal, and Emotional Red.

Interior and features

On the inside, the GR Yaris features a driver-focused cabin design with a three-spoke steering wheel, a semi-digital instrument dial with two analogue meters, and a touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless connectivity.

Other interesting bits include the black, sporty leather upholstery with red stitching, GR badges and embroidery on the seats, floor mats, and door sills, and aluminium pedals for a sporty driving feel. Customers can also opt for a complete black leather theme.

In terms of safety features, the GR Yaris is loaded with the Toyota Sense 2.0, which includes the following features:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Front collision detection and intervention
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot detection and assist
• Lane watch assist
• Automatic headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 360-degree camera
• Rear-cross traffic alert

Engine specs and performance

Powering the Toyota GR Yaris is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, codenamed G16E-GTS. This engine offers a strong 296 bhp and 400 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively.

The GR Yaris is a full-time four-wheel drive car with Toyota’s GR-FOUR system. It can be had with the choices of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission.

To assist this power distribution, it has selectable drive modes that help in assessing the performance requirements of all four tyres, and then sends the power as per the conditions.

Toyota has equipped the GR Yaris with the Torsen limited-slip differentials, which assist in better handling. Furthermore, it rides on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which offer high levels of grip for road and off-road.

Toyota Aero Performance Package for the Middle East

The Middle East, being Toyota’s top-most market, gets a special Aero Performance Package for the GR Yaris. As its name suggests, the Aero Performance Package offers an additional performance upgrade by improving the aerodynamics.

This package includes the following body kit parts:

• A ducted aluminium bonnet for enhanced cooling of the engine
• A front lip spoiler to reduce the lift
• Fender ducts to improve the wheelhouse airflow
• A fuel tank cover for better airflow
• A variable rear wing for improved high-speed stability
• Rear bumper ducts to reduce the aerodynamic drag

2026 Toyota GR Yaris - UAE price and availability

The new GR Yaris is now available across the Middle East, including the UAE. It can be pre-ordered at your nearest Toyota dealership. However, Toyota has yet to reveal its pricing for the various regions, including the UAE. We suspect it will be positioned around AED 240,000.

Cars24 UAE says

The all-new Toyota GR Yaris is a testament to the performance hatchback category. It is one of the most capable cars that is also used in motorsports like the WRC due to its robust construction and unbeatable performance. Furthermore, it can be modified easily as per the track or rally use.