For decades, Toyota has been synonymous with reliability and quality, but the brand has also made continued investments into its performance focused sub-brand known as GR (Gazoo Racing). Toyota has received high praise from enthusiasts in North America regarding their four GR series of cars; the GR Supra, GR 86, GR Corolla, and the (Mexico only) GR Yaris. Although, Toyota’s global performance brand has been delivering a wide variety of vehicles that slot into one of three sub-categories under the GR umbrella.

• Core GR Series: The four models mentioned above, designed to be the brand’s halo performance vehicles within their respective class
• GR Sport: Sportier versions of existing Toyota models featuring more aggressive aesthetics and enhanced driving dynamics without the use of full-blown racing inspired modifications, often without any increase in power output
• GRMN (Gazoo Racing Meister of the Nürburgring): The ultimate track-inspired line, GRMN vehicles boast weight reduction, enhanced chassis tuning, increased performance. GRMN models are rare and often produced in much smaller quantities for collectors and Toyota brand purists

Currently Toyota has been marketing their core GR series cars in Europe and North America, while GRMN and GR Sport models are primarily exclusive to Japan, Australia, Europe, and some other developing markets. Now, let’s dive into a full breakdown about Toyota’s GRMN and GR Sport model variants that you probably never heard of.

Toyota 86 GRMN

While many markets currently have the second generation GR 86 on sale as Toyota’s entry level sports coupe, it was not the first 86 model to wear a GR badge. The Toyota 86 GRMN is a track-focused, limited-edition version of the first generation 86 sports car, produced exclusively for the Japanese market. It features extensive weight reduction, including the use of carbon fiber components, and enhanced aerodynamics with a large rear wing. Powered by a tuned version of the 2.0 liter flat four engine, the 86 GRMN offers sharper handling, improved braking, and a more aggressive suspension setup with power increased to 216 horsepower. Only 100 units were produced, making it a rare collector’s item for Toyota enthusiasts.

Toyota Vitz GRMN

The Vitz is a hatchback designed for the Japanese market, typically marketed as the Yaris in other markets such a North America. For the Japanese market, Toyota actually made two generations of GRMN variants of the tiny Vitz city car. The first generation launched around 2013 and was limited to 200 units, featuring a 1.5 liter four cylinder turbo engine that made 150 horsepower. The second generation Vitz GRMN (above) came out in 2017 and was limited to just 150 units. Powered by a 1.8 liter turbocharged engine delivering 205 horsepower, it features a reinforced chassis and sport-tuned suspension for a dynamic driving experience. The Vitz GRMN models were the first chapters of what would later evolve into the popular GR Yaris that Toyota sells today.

Toyota Yaris GRMN

Following up on the Vitz GRMN, Toyota released the first iteration of the Yaris GRMN in 2018 as a limited production hot hatch designed for the Japanese market, powered by a 1.8 liter supercharged engine producing 209 horsepower. Built with motorsport-inspired components and Nürburgring tested suspension, the 2018 Yaris GRMN offered precise handling and a lightweight nimble driving experience. The model was limited to 400 units.

In 2022, Toyota introduced a follow-up Yaris GRMN with continued focus on agility and track performance, though updated with further refinements in handling and interior upgrades. This model was still limited in production to 500 units, but by this generation of the Yaris, Toyota had expanded its market to Europe and Mexico by selling the equally thrilling GR Yaris. Both generations of the Yaris GRMN are highly coveted for their rarity and exhilarating driving dynamics, showing Toyoto’s continued interest in offering a performance oriented variant within one of their cheapest model segments.

Toyota Century GRMN

While not specifically a production car made for the public, Toyota did apparently build two units of the ultra luxurious Century GRMN, one in white and another in black. The first model was built for Akio Toyoda himself. Little is known about the Century GRMN and it’s specific changes from the standard Century luxury sedan, but Toyota has recently confirmed that a GRMN variant of the new Century SUV will make it to production for the Japanese market. Perhaps one day Toyota will share more details about the internal project that become the Century GRMN.

Toyota iQ GRMN

Seriously!? Yes, Toyota did in fact give the tiny city car, the iQ, a GRMN variant. Limited to only 100 units in Japan, the iQ GRMN came with a 123 horsepower supercharged engine, race-tuned suspension, and an aggressive body kit to give it more attitude. It was first revealed as a show car at the 2011 Tokyo auto salon, but then Toyota gave it the greenlight for limited production in 2012, surely finding interest with only the most hardcode of Toyota fans. The iQ GRMN and it sister car, the one-off Aston Martin Cygnet V8, must be the strangest and rarest performance enhanced city cars in the world!

Toyota Mark X GRMN

The Toyota Mark X GRMN is a performance focused variant of the Mark X sedan, produced for the Japanese market. Based on the rear wheel drive Mark X, a well known midsize luxury sedan, the GRMN version is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 313 horsepower. It comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, enhanced suspension, and a limited-slip differential, offering an engaging and sporty driving experience. Limited to 350 units and build around 2019, the Mark X GRMN retains the refinement of the standard sedan while adding aggressive styling, improved handling, and a rare blend of luxury and performance.

Toyota Aqua GR Sport

The Toyota Aqua was actually imported to the North American market as the Toyota Prius C until the 2019 model year when it was discontinued. However, the compact hybrid hatchback continued on in its home market as the Aqua, where it eventually received a second generation model in 2021. Shortly after, Toyota released a GR Sport variant to give their hybrid buyers a way to get involved in their GR brand. It features the same 1.5-liter hybrid engine producing 99 horsepower, but with enhanced suspension, improved rigidity, and sport-tuned steering for a more dynamic driving experience. While maintaining the Aqua’s impressive fuel efficiency, the GR Sport version adds a more aggressive exterior design, along with sportier interior accents.

Toyota C-HR GR Sport

The Toyota C-HR GR Sport models are sportier variants of the popular C-HR crossover, offered in several markets including Europe, Japan, and Australia. These models feature a range of engine options, such as a 1.2 liter turbocharged engine producing 114 horsepower, a 2.0 liter hybrid with 184 horsepower, and a 1.8 liter hybrid with 120 horsepower, depending on the region. While the powertrains remain unchanged, the GR Sport models benefit from stiffer suspension, sharper steering, and aggressive exterior styling with GR badges and unique trims. Worth noting that while only the first generation C-HR was available in North America before being replaced by the Corolla Cross, the C-HR continued into a second generation for other international markets.

Toyota Hilux GR Sport & Hilux Revo GR Sport

Toyota did not limit the reaches of their GR Sport brand to just smaller passenger vehicles and crossovers. The Hilux GR Sport is a rugged, performance enhanced version of the durable Hilux pickup, available in various international markets including Europe, South America, and Asia. Depending on the region, it features different engine options, such as a 2.8 liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, or a 4.0 liter V6 gas engine in some markets. The GR Sport model is equipped with offroad tuned suspension, enhanced shocks, and a sportier exterior with black accents and GR badging.

Interestingly, Toyota also offers a second GR Sport model for the Hilux called the Revo, which is completely different from the standard GR Sport Hilux. The Hilux Revo GR Sport is designed more for style and caters to those looking for a flashy street truck as opposed to the TRD Pro style of the standard GR Sport model. It is sold primarily in developing markets.

Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport

The 300 series Land Cruiser sold outside of North America also received some love from the GR Sport brand. Available in international markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, it features a 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque or a 3.3 liter turbocharged V6 diesel in some regions, delivering 302 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The GR Sport model includes off-road enhancements like electronic differential locks, adaptive variable suspension, and reinforced underbody protection, making it even more capable in extreme terrain. With its bold styling, GR Sport badging, and advanced offroad tech, the GR Sport version balances the Land Cruiser’s legendary durability with added performance and sportiness.

Toyota Yaris GR Sport

The Yaris has received a lot of attention from Toyota, being the only model to offer variants in all three of the GR brands; GR, GR Sport and GRMN. The current generation Toyota Yaris sold in Europe and other international markets offers a GR Sport variant powered by a 1.5 liter three cylinder engine that delivers 125 horsepower, offering spirited performance paired with the model’s lightweight design. The GR Sport version features a sport tuned suspension, improved steering response, and distinctive styling elements such as unique GR badging, sportier bumpers, and larger alloy wheels. While it retains the practicality and efficiency of the standard Yaris, the GR Sport variant adds a more engaging driving experience for enthusiasts seeking a fun and dynamic compact car that is less intense (and cheaper) than the full GR Yaris.

Toyota Yaris Cross GR Sport

Not only does the standard Yaris make its rounds across the GR brands, Toyota also produces a GR Sport version of its larger crossover sibling, the Yaris Cross. Sold in Europe and other markets, the Yaris Cross GR Sport features a hybrid powertrain with a 1.5 liter three cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 115 horsepower, which ensures both efficiency and performance. The GR Sport model includes sport tuned suspension, enhanced steering dynamics, and distinctive exterior features like GR badging, unique bumpers, and exclusive alloy wheels to stand out.

Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport

The standard Toyota Corolla Cross is sold in North America, replacing the C-HR, but Toyota sells a GR Sport variant of the Corolla Cross Hybrid in international markets such as Europe and Australia. It is powered by the same 1.8 liter four cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 121 horsepower, providing a balance of efficiency and spirited performance. The GR Sport model features a sport tuned suspension for enhanced handling, along with distinctive exterior design elements that fit in with its fellow GR Sport models.

Toyota Prius GR Sport & Prius Alpha GR Sport

The Toyota Prius GR Sport and Prius Alpha GR Sport are sporty variants of the well-known Prius, offered in the Japanese market. The Prius GR Sport features a plug in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 121 horsepower, while The Prius Alpha GR Sport, on the other hand, is a larger hybrid model designed for families, also utilizing the same 1.8 liter engine. The Prius Alpha was exported to North American for a brief period as the Toyota Prius V, never receiving any performance based trim in that market.

Toyota Agya GR Sport

Sold in the Indonesian car market, the Toyota Agya GR Sport is mostly an appearance package for the compact Agya hatchback, powered by a 1.2 liter four cylinder engine producing 87 horsepower. The GR Sport model features sport tuned suspension, enhanced handling characteristics, and distinctive styling elements such as a sporty front bumper, side skirts, and unique GR badging.

Toyota Raize GR Sport

Another exclusive to Toyota buyers in Indonesia, the Raize GR Sport is another example of Toyota using the GR Sport brand to infuse some excitement into their typically bland compact and subcompact offerings. Powered by a 1.0 liter turbocharged three cylinder engine that produces 98 horsepower, the GR Sport model features enhancements like a sport tuned suspension for improved handling, distinctive exterior styling with more aggressive bumpers, GR badging, and unique alloy wheels.

Toyota Fortuner GR Sport

Another model often celebrated across international markets is the Toyota Fortuner, which to some is considered the 4Runner for the southeast Asia, Middle East, and Australian markets. Toyota offers a Fortuner GR Sport variant of the popular midsize SUV, powered by a robust 2.8 liter turbocharged diesel engine that produces 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, providing strong performance both on and offroad. The GR Sport model features a sport tuned suspension, enhanced handling characteristics, and aggressive styling cues such as a distinctive front grille and other visual touches. Considering Toyota sells the Hilux GR Sport in similar markets, they probably figured it was worth offering a GR Sport variant for their SUV buyers.

Toyota Rav4 GR Sport

The ever popular Rav4 also received a GR Sport variant in the European market for the plug in hybrid model, although it’s just a renamed version of the Rav4 Prime that is sold in North America. The power output is unchanged, but it features a sportier exterior design with firmer suspension for enhanced driver engagement.

Toyota Rush GR Sport

The Toyota Rush is a rather awkward looking MPV segment vehicle sold in the Philippines and Indonesia. The model received some updates in 2022 which include the launch of the GR Sport variant that provides some exterior flair alongside the carry over 1.5 liter four cylinder engine that delivers 102 horsepower. This is around the time when Toyota started to just say “GR all the things”!

Toyota Voxy GR Sport

Exclusive to the Japanese market, Toyota made a GR Sport variant of their mid size passenger van the Voxy (also marketed as the Noah). The GR Sport variant was sold from 2017 to 2021 and is powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower, providing a blend of efficiency and spirited performance for family travel. The GR Sport model features enhancements such as a sportier suspension for improved handling and distinctive exterior styling that give it a little more punch than your average Japanese van running around city centers.

Toyota Vios GR Sport

The Vios is a compact sedan that Toyota sells in Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, and other Middle East markets. The third generation model received a GR Sport version that included primarily aesthetic changes to the exterior styling while retaining the 1.5 liter four cylinder powertrain. The Vios was actually sold briefly in North America as the Toyota Yaris Sedan in the late 2000s until around 2012.

Toyota / Daihatsu Copen GR Sport

This one is a bit unique. The Copen is best known for being a long running sports Kei car sold in Japan under Toyota’s domestic Daihatsu brand since 2002. Daihatsu still sells the Copen in Japan, now in its second generation, but this newer GR Sport variant launched in 2019 is technically not a Daihatsu or a Toyota. Instead the model features a neutral oval shaped ‘C’ Copen logo and is sold through both Toyota and Daihatsu dealers in Japan. The Copen GR Sport gets a sportier exterior design with BBS wheels, a Momo branded steering wheel, and a specially tuned suspension for an enhanced driving experience. In standard Kei car fashion, the power output of 98 horsepower is still delivered via a 660cc turbo three cylinder engine.

While many of Toyota’s GR models come in the form of GR Sport appearance packages, there’s no doubting that Toyota has been gradually showcasing their interest in various performance segments across their markets with more serious products like the GR Corolla Morizo Edition and Yaris GRMN,  not to mention their success in motorsports with racing prototypes like the GR010 and forthcoming developments in GT racing. Until we get new GR halo vehicles in the future (MR2 revival please?!), hopefully we can all find some joy in the quirkier Toyotas like the GR Sport Hilux and the supercharged iQ GRMN.