2026 Toyota MR-2 Will, Likely, Be Manual-only

All signs point to the 2026 Toyota MR-2 being a proper driver's car with a stick

This is especially true if we look at Toyota's joint work with Subaru. Given the MR-2 will be jointly developed with Suzuki and Daihatsu, it is a safe bet the MR-2 will also be sold under different names. The Toyota-badged variant will, likely, be a GR-designated, performance model that would offer superior performance and a manual transmission. 

Reports from Japan also mentioned that the new Toyota MR-2 will be jointly developed with Suzuki and Daihatsu. Initial reports suggested that the 2026 Toyota MR-2 would not have a Toyota engine, but we now have enough information to determine that the GR Yaris’ punchy three-cylinder turbo engine will be featured in the MR-2. 

Toyota will, likely, make The 2026 MR-2 manual-only 

Other reports from Bestcarweb, suggested that there will be a six-speed torque-converter automatic, but this was always an optional choice. In any case, most Toyota MR-2s came with a manual. Reports indicate that an eight-speed automatic could also be an option on the next-gen MR-2.

Toyota is no stranger to badge-engineering 

This is especially true if we look at Toyota's joint work with Subaru. Given the MR-2 will be jointly developed with Suzuki and Daihatsu, it is a safe bet the MR-2 will also be sold under different names. The Toyota-badged variant will, likely, be a GR-designated, performance model that would offer superior performance and a manual transmission. 

The Suzuki and Daihatsu versions of the platform are expected to come with the option of an automatic transmission and a 1.0-liter turbo-four engine, likely, mated to an electric motor. According to Bestcarweb, this Suzuki engine will produce between 120 and 150 horsepower. 

I think Toyota cannot afford to mess up with the MR-2, which is why the company placed a safe bet on the GR Yaris and GR Corolla G16-GTS engine. Toyota recently announced the Tacoma GR Sport, which would be a manual-only model, and we already know that the GR Supra got a six-speed manual.

Moreover, 79 percent of Toyota GR86 sales in 2023 were with a manual and 43 percent of GR Supra sales went to the manual within a year of its introduction so, there is an obvious trend when it comes to sports cars. With that said, I think Toyota will utilize the same, six-speed manual from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, given that the engine would, likely, be transversely-mounted. What do you think? 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.