What is the most powerful Toyota Yaris?

In Toyota’s Yaris family, the peak performer is the GR Yaris, a purpose-built, rally-inspired hatchback that pairs a turbocharged engine with all-wheel drive. The most potent Yaris achieves roughly 268 hp, depending on market specifications.

Across markets, the GR Yaris stands out as the brand’s most extreme Yaris model. It uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine and a multiterrain GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system to deliver high power and nimble handling. Availability varies by region, and some markets have opted for a different high-performance model within the broader Yaris family.

Overview of the Yaris lineup

To understand why the GR Yaris is the apex of the Yaris range, it helps to know how Toyota’s small-car lineup is structured. The standard Yaris hatch and its hybrid variants emphasize efficiency and urban practicality, while the GR Yaris is a dedicated performance variant designed for track-ready performance, rally homologation, and spirited driving.

Below is a concise look at the core specifications that define the GR Yaris as the most powerful Yaris in production as of now:

Powertrain and output specifications that set the GR Yaris apart.



• Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder (G16E-GTS)


• Power: up to about 268 hp (199 kW) in the most potent market spec


• Torque: around 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) from low to mid revs


• Transmission: 6-speed manual


• Drivetrain: GR-FOUR all-wheel drive with dynamic torque distribution


• Performance note: 0–100 km/h in the mid-5-second range, depending on variant and market

These figures reflect the most powerful versions offered in several markets, with some regions listing slightly different numbers due to homologation and measurement standards.

In summary, the GR Yaris is Toyota’s most powerful Yaris, delivering a rare blend of high horsepower, lightweight construction, and advanced all-wheel-drive chassis technology that few other Yaris variants can match.

GR Yaris: powertrain and performance

Engine and output

The GR Yaris relies on Toyota’s high-output 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-three engine (the G16E-GTS). It is tuned to deliver peak outputs in the high-200s horsepower, with torque designed for strong mid-range pull. This engine is a defining feature of the model’s performance and its rally-inspired engineering ethos.

Drivetrain and handling

Equipped with the GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, the GR Yaris splits power across the front and rear axles with a selectable torque distribution strategy. This setup provides impressive traction, cornering grip, and agility on both road and simulated rally conditions. The transmission is a precise six-speed manual, reinforcing the car’s driver-focused character.

Regional availability and related models

Availability varies by market. The GR Yaris has been offered in Europe, Japan, Australia, and several other regions, where it serves as Toyota’s flagship Yaris variant. In some markets—most notably the United States—Toyota did not initially offer the GR Yaris; instead, buyers have access to the GR Corolla, a larger, more powerful hatch that sits in the same performance family but is not branded as a Yaris. Other Yaris variants remain focused on efficiency and everyday practicality rather than peak performance.

Overall, the GR Yaris stands as the most powerful Yaris on sale today, with its 1.6L turbo engine, GR-FOUR drivetrain, and a chassis tuned for performance. For buyers seeking the highest performance badge in the Yaris lineup, the GR Yaris remains the benchmark.

Summary

The Toyota GR Yaris is the crown jewel of the Yaris family, delivering the highest horsepower and most advanced performance hardware the lineup offers. With a turbo 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing up to about 268 hp, paired with a sophisticated GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual, it remains the most powerful Yaris available. Market availability varies, and in some regions the performance flag is carried by the GR Corolla instead. For enthusiasts seeking a compact, rally-inspired hot hatch, the GR Yaris is the definitive Yaris flagship.

What is the difference between Yaris GT and GTS?

The GTS upgrade is worth it for any serious driver, with the addition of front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials over the open diffs of the GT. You also get 18-inch forged alloy wheels with stickier Michelin tyres, an additional sub-radiator and intercooler spray button, plus 'high-performance' suspension.

What is the highest horsepower Toyota Yaris?

LamSpeed Racing out of Australia says it built the first-ever 1,000 horsepower (745 kW) GR Yaris engine. The car in question put 887 horsepower (661 kW) and 573 lb-ft (776 Nm) of torque to the hubs. Now the tuner is lining up its next challenge; putting all of that power to the ground.

What's faster, GR Yaris or GR Corolla?

POWER & PERFORMANCE
It's the updated GR Yaris that holds the outright performance advantage, however. With 224kW and 400Nm on tap, the facelifted Yaris outguns the GR Corolla GTS by 3kW/30Nm. The Yaris is also smaller and lighter, which gives it the upper hand when it comes to the all-important power-to-weight ratio.

What is the fastest Toyota Yaris?

The fastest Toyota Yaris is a heavily modified Toyota GR Yaris with a record-breaking 9.049-second quarter-mile time at 163.85163.85163.85 mph, achieved by Lamspeed Racing. The fastest standard model, which is not in competition, is the new GR Yaris, with a claimed 0-62 mph time of 5.25.25.2 seconds and a top speed of 143143143 mph. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the world's fastest GR Yaris: 54sHigh Performance AcademyYouTube · Nov 11, 2024
Record-breaking modified GR Yaris

• The Lamspeed Racing GR Yaris is the current world record holder. 
• Its best quarter-mile time is 9.0499.0499.049 seconds at 163.85163.85163.85 mph. 
• It has a heavily modified 1.6L three-cylinder engine. 

Standard Toyota GR Yaris

• 0-62 mph: 5.25.25.2 seconds
• Top speed: 143143143 mph (electronically limited)
• Engine: 1.6L turbocharged three-cylinder
• Transmission: Six-speed manual or new eight-speed automatic
• Weight: Approximately 1,2801 comma 2801,280 kg 

This video explains the new generation of the Toyota GR Yaris: 53sJoe AchillesYouTube · Jul 5, 2025