Verdict
At RM294,154, the Mazda MX-5 costs RM21,446 less than the RM315,600 Toyota GR Yaris, but the gap buys far more than trim. The GR Yaris has 296 hp and 400 Nm against 181 hp and 205 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and brings all-wheel drive with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials. For Malaysian buyers carrying people or luggage, its four seats, 174-litre boot and 60:40 rear bench matter. The MX-5 counters with a power-folding retractable hard-top, 161 kg less weight and a lower purchase price.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want the RM21,446 saving, a 1,119 kg two-seat convertible and its power-folding retractable hard-top.
Pick the Toyota GR Yaris if you need 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and four seats in one manual hatchback.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda MX-5 RM294,154; Toyota GR Yaris RM315,600.
- Power and torque: Mazda MX-5 181 hp/205 Nm; Toyota GR Yaris 296 hp/400 Nm.
- Driveline: Mazda MX-5 rear-wheel drive; Toyota GR Yaris all-wheel drive.
- Kerb weight: Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg; Toyota GR Yaris 1,280 kg.
- Seating and boot: Mazda MX-5 2 seats/130 litres; Toyota GR Yaris 4 seats/174 litres.
- Road tax: Mazda MX-5 RM379 per year; Toyota GR Yaris RM207 per year.
MX-5
- RM21,446 lower purchase price.
- Power-folding retractable hard-top.
- 161 kg lighter, with 8.8-inch Mazda Connect and nine-speaker Bose audio.
- 181 hp and 205 Nm trail the GR Yaris' 296 hp and 400 Nm.
- Two seats and a 130-litre boot are less useful than the GR Yaris' four seats and 174 litres.
- RM379 annual road tax is RM172 higher.
GR Yaris
- 296 hp, 400 Nm and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time.
- All-wheel drive, front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, and selectable torque split.
- Four seats, 174-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Costs RM21,446 more.
- 161 kg heavier than the MX-5.
- No retractable hard-top; its 7-inch, six-speaker audio system is simpler than the MX-5's 8.8-inch Bose setup.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,154✓ | RM315,600 |
| Body type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Segment | Sports Car | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM207✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | 181 hp at 7,000 rpm | 296 hp at 6,200 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 400 Nm at 3,250 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 83.5 mm × 91.2 mm | 87 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6MT-LSD | 6MT |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | Toyota |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,915 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,735 mm | 1,805 mm |
| Height | 1,235 mm | 1,455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,310 mm | 2,560 mm |
| Weight | 1,119 kg | 1,280 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Seats | 2 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 174 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Potenza S001 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Torsen Front and Rear Limited-slip Differential, Performance-tuned Springs, Dampers and Steering, User-selectable Torque Split, Rev Matching |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Belts | 2 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Passenger Seat | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 front, 2 USB-C | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 1 front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System | 7" Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, AUX and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used MX-5 & GR Yaris for sale
MX-5 vs GR Yaris FAQ
Is the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota GR Yaris better?
The GR Yaris is the more capable all-rounder on these specifications: 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive, four seats and a 174-litre boot. Choose the MX-5 for the lower price, 1,119 kg weight and retractable hard-top.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR Yaris costs RM315,600 and the Mazda MX-5 costs RM294,154, so the GR Yaris is RM21,446 more expensive.
Which is more practical for passengers and luggage?
The Toyota GR Yaris is clearly more practical. It has four seats, 60:40 split-folding rear seats and a 174-litre boot, versus the Mazda MX-5's two seats and 130-litre boot.
