Mullet & Momentum: 2026 Toyota Mullet GR Review

Overview

Toyota took one look at the absurdly successful hot-hatch recipe, gave it a strategic coiffure (a tailgate that actually looks intentional) and slapped the name Mullet on the line. The 2026 Toyota Mullet GR is a front-engine, all-wheel-drive compact with a turbocharged four-cylinder, an electric assist for torque fill, and a suspension package tuned to make lane changes feel like small, decisive splashes. It’s cheeky, practical and — pleasantly — not trying too hard to be anything other than a very good driver's small car with some attitude.

What’s new for 2026

The GR variant gets recalibrated AWD with rear torque vectoring, lighter forged alloy wheels, and an optional Track Pack that swaps the adaptive dampers for fixed-rate Bilstein-style units and fittingly aggressive anti-roll bars. Inside, Toyota finally sorted the infotainment latency issues we grumbled about last year; the UI is faster and the physical climate controls are back to tactile bliss.

Engine & Performance

Under the hood sits a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The combined output reads 325 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque — numbers that are competitive without being hyperbolic. The transmission is an 8-speed dual-clutch that lets the engine rev happily and shifts quickly if you give it a firm heel-toe demand.

• 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds (manufacturer claim)
• Top speed: electronically limited to 155 mph
• Peak torque: 320 lb-ft from 2,000–4,500 rpm

In the real world that 48-volt system does exactly what it should: smooths low-end torque, assists on initial launch, and makes the auto stop/start less abrasive. On steeper hills the engine never felt like it was gasping; the turbo spool is prompt and the throttle map is honest without being jumpy.

Handling & Ride

The Mullet's handling is where Toyota showed both respect for the recipe and a few clever tweaks. The optional torque-vectoring rear diff is the secret sauce — it allows mid-corner adjustments with a nudge of steering and makes quick transitions feel planted, not fussy. The standard adaptive dampers are compliant enough for daily commuting and firm up nicely under spirited driving. With the Track Pack the car becomes noticeably sharper at the expense of some ride comfort; the trade-off is clear and fair.

Steering has a weighted, mechanical feel. It's not artificially heavy, nor does it float. The balance leans slightly understeer-biased at the limit, which is sensible for street use, but lift-throttle rotation is available when you want to play. Brakes are progressive and confidence-inspiring — good pads, big rotors, no mystery fade in the session I put it through.

Interior & Practicality

Inside, Toyota balanced function and a touch of GR flash. Recaro-style bolstered seats hold you in well and the steering wheel is grippy without being sticky. Materials are mostly high quality for the class: soft-touch dash, supportive suede inserts on the seats, and a driver-focused instrument cluster with a crisp 12.3-inch display. Rear legroom is acceptable for adults on shorter trips and the hatch opens to a sensible 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats — fold them and you get a proper weekend haul area.

Tech & Safety

The infotainment now loads quickly and supports over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota's driver assistance suite is standard and works seamlessly: lane keep assist that nudges rather than fights, adaptive cruise that feels natural, and an improved blind-spot monitoring that’s less prone to the false positives we saw in the prototype.

The Fish Smell Test

Yes, readers, the part you came for. The Mullet GR arrives with a faint, oddly marine hint on first startup — like someone left a wet sea chart on the dashboard. Toyota told us it’s intentional: a bespoke “coastal” cabin scent applied to the HVAC system in the first 1,000 cars as a playful brand nod. On cars not selected for that factory Easter egg the interior smells clean, slightly new-plastic, with leather and suede notes. The scented units fade after a few days and are optional for the second production run. Rating: charming on day one, unnecessary but not offensive.

Fuel Economy & Ownership

EPA combined estimates for the AWD Mullet GR come in at 32 mpg highway, 26 mpg city and 29 mpg combined — very reasonable given the performance. Toyota’s five-year free scheduled maintenance program carries over to this model and warranty coverage is the usual 3-year/36,000 miles basic with 5-year/60,000 miles powertrain protection. Ownership costs feel conservative compared to rivals with similar power outputs.

Numbers

1. Horsepower: 325 hp
2. Torque: 320 lb-ft
3. 0-60 mph: 4.7 s
4. Top speed: 155 mph (limited)
5. Weight: approx. 3,350 lbs

Recommended Tire Spec: 235/40R18 summer (stock); 235/40R18 all-season available

Price & Competition

The Mullet GR starts at $39,800 (destination included) and climbs to around $47,500 with the Track Pack and options. It sits in the same grocery lane as the Volkswagen Golf R and the Hyundai Veloster N, offering a slightly sportier chassis tuning than some and more pragmatic daily usability than others. If you want outright aero-ready aggression, this isn't the straight-out track weapon, but for someone who wants a performance hatch that doubles as a sensible daily with personality, it's a compelling pick.

Verdict

The 2026 Toyota Mullet GR is clever: it brings serious chassis engineering and a friendly personality to an increasingly crowded segment. It’s nimble, powerful, and more grown-up than its cheeky name implies. The fish-scent gimmick is funny and thankfully optional — the car stands well on its mechanical merits alone. If you want a hot hatch that’s competent, predictable, and fun without theatrics, this one should be high on your test-drive list.

Final score: A balanced, playful hot hatch that knows when to be serious and when to let the tail breeze do the talking.