Toyota Aqua GR SPORT 2026: price, specs and what’s new

The updated Toyota Aqua adds a GR SPORT grade with a stiffened body, retuned suspension and exclusive 17-inch wheels; it costs 3,238,400 yen, above the regular hybrid’s 2,497,000-yen starting price.

Author: Polina Kotikova

03:56 07-07-2026

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Toyota has updated its compact Aqua hybrid and, for the first time, added a GR SPORT version to the range. This isn’t a hot hatch in the classic sense: the powertrain stays hybrid, and the emphasis falls on handling, body rigidity and a look that sets it apart from the regular trims. The appeal of the format is that Toyota is trying to sell a driver’s image without giving up the Aqua’s biggest strength — efficiency.

The GR SPORT gets its own badges, a different front bumper, a lower grille, side spoilers, LED fog lights, a rear garnish, black mouldings and 17-inch wheels wrapped in 205/45 R17 tyres. The front brake calipers are painted red and carry the GR logo. Inside there are sport seats with the GR logo, AIRNUBUCK and synthetic-leather trim, gunmetal inserts, a perforated leather wheel, aluminium pedals and a key with the model’s branding. In Japan the GR SPORT is priced at 3,238,400 yen, while the regular versions of the updated Aqua start from 2,497,000 yen.

The most important changes aren’t in the trim. For the Aqua GR SPORT Toyota added body reinforcement with special underfloor braces and a rear bumper reinforcement, retuned the suspension and, in POWER+ mode, remapped the electric power steering for a quicker response. Standard equipment includes a 10.5-inch HD display, a panoramic monitor with a “see-through floor” function, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and a comfort package.

The regular versions weren’t left untouched either: every Aqua with E-Four now comes with cold-climate equipment as standard, while the X and U trims gain better front seats and a rear centre armrest with two cupholders. For Japan that’s a practical tweak, especially in snowy regions.

For anyone after a compact hybrid that’s not only about sipping fuel but also about a more buttoned-down chassis, this Aqua looks noticeably more alive than the standard car.