The Toyota GR Yaris has been my dream ride since it launched, with its 300-hp turbo three-cylinder and rally-bred AWD making it a track terror in a supermini package. But when I heard it’s finally hitting China in September 2025, I expected it to be a steal in the world’s biggest car market. Boy, was I wrong. At 399,800 yuan (about $56,000 USD), it’s nearly double the Japanese price and on par with a Supra. As a gearhead who’s priced out imports myself, I had to dig into why this GR Corolla’s little brother is fetching Supra money in China. Let’s unpack the launch, the specs, and the sticker shock.
Same Feisty Yaris, New Market Swagger
The GR Yaris landing in China is the same pint-sized beast we love from Japan. It’s got that compact, agile footprint perfect for dodging city traffic or tearing up mountain roads. Power comes from a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo pumping out 300 horsepower, paired with an all-wheel-drive system that’s pure rally pedigree. No watered-down version here—it’s the full GR experience, with the same aggressive styling and lightweight build. Toyota’s shipping these from Japan, just like the GR Supra and Crown Vellfire, which partly explains the price jump. At 399,800 yuan (including China’s 10% ICE sales tax), it’s a steep climb from Japan’s 4,480,000 yen ($30,000 USD).
Tariffs and Dealer Greed Drive the Cost
Why the sticker shock? Blame China’s import game. A 15% tariff on foreign cars hits hard, and since the GR Yaris isn’t built locally like some Toyota models, it takes the full brunt. Factor in shipping, certification, and that 10% sales tax, and the price balloons. But here’s the kicker: Chinese dealers are notorious for slapping on markups, especially for hot-ticket rides. For something like the Alphard minivan, they’ll add 50,000 yuan ($7,000) or more just to skip the line. If they pull that with the GR Yaris, you’re staring at $63,000—hardly the “budget hot hatch” vibe Toyota intended.
Stacking Up Against Supra and Rivals
For context, a GR Supra in China costs 499,000 yuan ($70,000) for the 2.0-liter or 629,000 yuan ($88,000) for the 3.0-liter six-cylinder, compared to $57,500 and $60,650 in the U.S. So, the GR Yaris is nipping at the Supra’s heels price-wise, despite being a smaller car. Against competitors, it’s pricier but potent: a Honda Civic Type R runs 340,000 yuan ($48,000), and the Toyota GR86 is a steal at 300,000 yuan ($42,000). In China’s EV-heavy market, the GR Yaris’s premium tag might scare off some, but for those craving analog thrills, it’s a unique proposition.
No GR Yaris for the U.S.—Yet
American fans, don’t hold your breath. Toyota’s skipped the U.S. for the GR Yaris, citing low demand for subcompact cars and steep certification costs without a standard Yaris to offset them. Want one? Head to Mexico, where it’s priced at MXN$854,600 ($46,000 USD)—a bargain, but you’ll wait 25 years to import it legally due to U.S. rules. For now, we’re stuck with the GR Corolla, which is no slouch but lacks the Yaris’s pocket-rocket charm.
My Take: A Pricey Thrill Worth Chasing?
Having felt the GR Yaris’s magic firsthand, I’d argue it’s worth every penny for the right buyer—even at China’s inflated prices. That turbo growl and razor-sharp handling are pure joy, like a rally car you can drive to the store. But tariffs and dealer markups make it a tough sell when a Civic Type R costs less. If you’re in China with cash to burn, grab one before the lines get long. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder to keep pestering Toyota for a U.S. version. What do you think—crazy price or worth it for the thrill? Drop a comment; I’m curious.
Source- Carbuzz.com
