Toyota GR Yaris circuit pack barely passes the Moose test

For all the hype surrounding the Toyota GR Yaris tailgate and its rally-inspired all-wheel drive the powertrain, the only thing that matters is the efficiency of all this sophisticated technology at the limits of high speed handle. Like maybe when a giant moose crosses the road in front of you.

Hitting a moose in such a small car would be bad news for both the moose and the driver, so how agile is the new GR Yaris when it counts? During a moose test, or dodge test, set up by KM77.com and published on Youtube, the GR Yaris showed tight, flat handling, but ultimately “didn’t finish it satisfactorily” on the first lap where the driver was still unfamiliar with the car.

The car hit several cones on its first try, swaying to the far right in the initial turn of the maneuver. Subsequent tests managed to successfully pass the dodge maneuver without hitting any cones. The video claims that the test showed that The “smoother” driver input limited the car from slamming in corners as in previous tests with harsher driver reactions. This “snap” is attributable to the car’s short, rapid body roll and limited tire slip due to impressive grip, which helps the Yaris change direction quickly.

The successful test was run at just under 50 mph, which is on par with other lesser-performing vehicles with less suspension deception than you’d assume could help the GR Yaris outperform in a moose test. The testers noted, however, the sedan’s ability to withstand speed during testing, and an apparent lack of intrusive electronic stability control input. Apparently, this car is all suspension and tire where it counts so that’s good. In comparison, the video makes the slalom tests appear to be a delight.

The GR Yaris 2020 is powered by a three-cylinder engine developing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque through rear-biased all-wheel drive system. It has a six-speed manual transmission, weighs just 2,822 pounds, and looks too good to be true because, of course, it is not for sale in the United States. Instead, Americans would get another sedan from Toyota in the future. Maybe Toyota will improve the moose test results by then. Do it for the moose.