Rumors suggest that the new Toyota MR2 may come back in 2026 with a 400-horsepower engine and an all-wheel-drive system.
Car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for more driver-focused vehicles, and the long-discontinued Toyota MR2 has been at the top of their wish lists. After years of speculation about its return, the latest rumors suggest that Toyota may finally bring back the legendary car.
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| Toyota MR2 2026 |
Toyota MR2 May Return in 2026
- According to rumors revealed by Car Scoops, Toyota has decided to produce the MR2 and has settled on engine specifications and drivetrain engineering, possibly even setting a production date.
- If these rumors are true, we could see the MR2 with 400 horsepower and an all-wheel-drive system as early as 2026.
- To be fair, rumors have circulated since the MR2 was discontinued 17 years ago, with the third generation ending production in 2007.
- On the other hand, Toyota only launched the FT-Se last year, an electric sports car with a design and proportions reminiscent of the MR2. Earlier this year, we learned that a new MR2 with rear-wheel drive was on the way, possibly with an engine similar to that in the GR Corolla.
- However, this seems to have changed, and as of now, there is no confirmed information—only leaks and rumors—so everything should be taken cautiously.
Leaks About the Toyota MR2
According to the Japanese website Best Car, Toyota aims to make the next generation of the MR2 with an all-wheel-drive system.
Additionally, it will use its next-generation 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing around 400 horsepower (298 kW) for street use and up to 600 horsepower in motorsports. The engine will reportedly be mid-mounted, and the full car could cost around $70,000.
This appears to be exactly what Toyota may want to do with its technology. The automaker has already stated that it is developing a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and is working on this new powertrain with a 1.5-liter engine in collaboration with Mazda and Subaru.
MR2 Engine Options
Furthermore, according to Best Car's sources, this car will be available in some form by 2026.
If accurate, it will provide another option for a non-hybrid, non-electric, mid-engine sports car, which is rare in today’s market.
While this may seem unusual, Toyota has a reputation for challenging the electric vehicle trend that many others have followed.
In fact, Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, made headlines late last year when he stated that people were "finally seeing the reality" of electric vehicles. All of this could lead to the possibility of producing a compact MR2.
Will Toyota be able to compete in a segment that already includes the Porsche 718 and Lotus Emira? Only time will tell, but we can only hope for more cars like this one.