The Toyota GR86 (and its twin the Subaru BRZ) are the automotive equivalent of a love affair. The spunky Toyota blends a coupe shape with performance engineering to create a two-door that proves the affordable performance coupe is far from dead. The GR86 is also defying the odds in terms of sales with the coupe fighting for attention as SUVs and CUVs gradually intrude on its turf. There’s alot to like about this Toyota especially if you take a moment to look under the surface.
GR86 has the looks that kill
Toyota like alot of other automakers is choosing to go on cruise control for the GR86’s updates with the model carrying over mostly unchanged for the 2024 model year. The 2025 model year will see the return of the limited-production Hakone Edition which gives the model a number of performance upgrades especially in the suspension. In the meantime, the 2024 Premium model we experienced has much of the same styling that we first fell in love several years ago with the front fascia getting a large grille and handsome headlights. The low-slung bodywork is very attractive and the rear gets a tidy set of taillights, dual exhaust tips, and a large rear spoiler.
This simple layout has proven to be an effective formula for the model and we are glad Toyota and Subaru have resisted the urge to think too far outside the box with it. That’s key since familiarity often is an important consideration for buyers of these vehicles. They want to ensure that the driving experience is like how they remember it while also providing an established canvas for those who wish to modify it to suit their own tastes.
GR86 interior shines on fun, lacks practicality
Slide into the interior of the GR86 and the first thing you’ll find is that the interior is an exercise in function with the low-slung cabin featuring two heavily bolstered front seats and enough controls and dials to get most things done but without going too overboard in providing frills. A touchscreen infotainment system is standard but the stereo is a lightweight unit that can sound tinny at times. The backseat is as unusable as one can expect from something like this, but fold it down and it can fit race gear and perhaps a decent haul of groceries.
The steering wheel fits nicely into your hands and on manual-equipped models like our example, the clutch pedal is spaced perfectly with the gas and brake pedals. The cabin’s simple approach makes it a great fit for performance driving since there are minimal distractions in your surroundings to take away your attention especially if you’re trying to navigate a tight corner. The Premium trim does give you some comfort items including heated front seats. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard but since the model uses an older version of the infotainment software, it misses out on some of the advancements that newer Toyota models benefit from.
The closed roof environment also allows the GR to be a better four-season companion than the droptop Miata with buyers of that model being directed to the expensive RF variant and its elaborately engineered folding hardtop to keep the rain and snow out.
How does it drive?
Performance for our tester comes from a 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine which is from partner Subaru. It still makes 228 hp but the overall driving experience will depend on what transmission you choose to equip the GR with. While the car can be equipped with a sic-seed automatic that will certainly please the majority of buyers, we recommend taking the proverbial risk and go for the six-speed manual. This gearbox is one of the best in the business and while the light clutch does take some getting used to, the shifter is accurate and it allows the driver to row through the gears with reasonable smoothness especially after some practice in getting your feet in sync with the clutch pedal.
Our tester needed 5.4 seconds to make the sprint to 60 mph with the optional automatic doing the same deed in a slightly slower time. The more powerful engine plays a part in making the GR86 a stronger offering but ultimately, the suspension is the star of the show. While it’s not as sharp or precise as some of the special edition models Toyota has released, but it’s still an impressive tool of handling precision with the steering nice and tight and the suspension doing a good job of telling the driver where the tires are at all times.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the Toyota GR86 doesn’t change too much from 2024 (the company just recently posted 2025 pricing) with a base model starting at $30,000 before taxes and fees are included. A Premium model like our example is technically the range-topper when a special edition model is not in town, with these models starting at $32,600. That entry price gets you one with the standard manual, but the optional six-speed automatic is $1100.
Our tester also came with optional paint which caused the price to come very close to $35,000 which doesn’t leave too much of a gap between it and a Hakone Edition variant. This pricing allows the GR86 to firmly compete with the Mazda Miata and the Ecoboost-equipped Ford Mustang. The latter has more comfort features than the GR, but when it comes to performance, the four-cylinder Mustang can certainly hold its own against the GR if equipped correctly. It also doesn’t hurt either the Mustang’s automatic has a few more gears in it than the Toyota’s.
However, both of these rivals lack the one thing the GR86 has in abundance: a personality, and this playful personality is what separates the Toyota from the rest of the pack even when compared to its Subaru twin since it encourages drivers to have fun behind the wheel while also giving them a solid enough platform to not get in over their heads when carving a corner or even accelerating from a stoplight.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.