The Toyota GR86, formerly just the “86,” showcases enthusiasts don’t have to spend a ton of money for a satisfying and sporty driving experience. The GT86 was introduced for the 2013 model year and jointly developed alongside Subaru. It has worn the Scion FR-S nameplate and wears a Subaru badge as the BRZ. But no matter the moniker, the GR86 has continued to be a blue-collar coupe that is high in driving pleasure and low in price.
The GR86’s second generation was introduced for the 2022 model year, and with it came an increase in horsepower and some styling tweaks. What remains is a buzzy four-cylinder engine, a standard six-speed manual transmission, exceptional driving feel, and surprising livability for everyday driving situations. The GR86 is a strong choice, and one of only a few, for enthusiasts who want the most driving verve for the smallest amount of money.
2023 Toyota GR86
- Model
- 2023 GR86
- Engine:
- 2.4-Liter Four-Cylinder
- Power Output
- 228 HP
- Torque
- 184 LB-FT
- Range
- 25 Combined MPG
- Transmission
- 6-Speed Manual/6-Speed Automatic
- Driveline
- RWD
- MSRP
- $28,400
- Athletic Handling
- Affordable Pricing
- Exceptional Steering Feel
- Buzzy Engine Note
- Loud Cabin
- Rear Seats Are More For Storage Than Passengers
2023 Toyota GR86 Performance And Capability
The GR86 is available in three trims for 2023, the base model, the better equipped Premium and a 10th Anniversary Special Edition. No matter the trim, all models are motivated by a buzzy, horizontally opposed four-banger.
The 2023 GR86 is powered by a 2.4-liter boxer engine developing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The second-generation engine, introduced for 2022, features 23 more horsepower and 28 more pound-feet of torque than the previous model. Toyota also claims the engine is tuned to deliver its peak power at 3,700 rpm versus the near-redline 6,600 rpm of the previous engine, which the automaker claims gives the GR86 more responsiveness and power in more situations.
A key focus of the GR86 is driving pleasure, and as such, it’s still standard with a six-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed automatic is available. Toyota claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds for models with the manual and 6.6 seconds for the automatic transmission. Those times are nearly a full second quicker with the manual over the outgoing model and 1.4 seconds quicker with the automatic, Toyota says.
The buzzy note from the GR86’s boxer engine won’t stir the soul — even with the new generation’s larger center exhaust pipe and an Active Sound Control system — but Toyota’s affordable sports car does thrill otherwise. The 2023 GR86 is rated by the EPA for 25 combined mpg (21 city/31 highway).
The GR86’s steering is appropriately weighted for spirited drives, and it provides the kind of road feel and feedback that enables drivers to be connected to the pavement and the machine itself. The second-generation GR86 also features a 50 percent increase in torsional rigidity, and it weighs slightly less than its predecessor with the use of aluminum hood, front fenders and roof panel. The sport-tuned suspension and 53 front/47 rear weight distribution aid the GR86’s sharp handling and composure when pushed.
Further sports kit includes independent MacPherson front struts, a limited-slip rear differential, a double wishbone multi-link rear suspension, and 11.6/11.4 front/rear ventilated disc brakes. Opting for the Premium model replaces the standard Michelin Primacy HP tires with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber. Ultimately, the GR86 provides a pure driving sensation that begets its $30,000 asking price, especially when taken through its paces on some curvy tarmac.
The GR86 certainly still feels like a sports car on the daily drive, but it’s not so harsh the sports coupe can’t be used for daily needs. And feeling most of the lumps and bumps of the road on a commute seems worth the price to pay for the GR86’s prowess when it’s permitted to stretch its legs — after all, that’s what it was meant to do.
Exterior Styling
The Toyota GR86 wears a traditional sport coupe look with a long hood, sweeping roof, and short rear overhang. The front fascia is dominated by a large grille and flanked by two angular inlets. In profile, the sweeping shape of the hood and roof give the GR86 a sleek appearance with the rear highlighted by an available duckbill spoiler and large, dual exhaust pipes. Though the GR86 and Subaru BRZ share an almost identical look, the GR86 features a more prominent grille, and its front inlets are more angular versus the slightly rounded units on the BRZ.
The base model rides on 17-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels while the Premium is fitted with 18-inch, black aluminum alloys. The Premium model also includes a duckbill spoiler. The 10th Anniversary Special Edition stands out with its unique Solar Shift orange paint. Only 860 of these models will be produced.
Exterior Dimensions
Length | 167.9 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 69.9 in. |
Height | 51.6 in. |
Wheelbase | 101.4 in. |
Ground Clearance | 5.1 in. |
Curb Weight | 2,811 lbs. |
Exterior Colors
Exterior Colors | Price |
|---|---|
Neptune | $0 |
Raven | $0 |
Trueno Blue | $0 |
Steel | $0 |
Pavement | $0 |
Track bRed | $425 |
Halo | $425 |
Interior Quality And Technology
The GR86 is a 2+2, meaning it does include rear seats, though these act better as parcel shelves than actual spaces for passengers given the Toyota sports car's small interior dimensions. Up front, passengers are greeted by bolstered front seats that keep them in place while driving, but they aren’t overly bulky to the point that getting in and out is a chore. Cloth seats are standard while Premium models sport synthetic suede upholstery with leather trim.
A slim center stack is highlighted by either a manual or automatic gear lever forward of a small center console and single cupholder. An array of large buttons and knobs reside under the touchscreen, providing easy access to common inputs. There’s also a fair bit of redundancy with an array of steering wheel controls.
The 2023 GR86’s standard feature list is highlighted by an 8.0-inch touchscreen, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone climate control, heated exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM connectivity, six speakers, and keyless entry with push-button start.
The Premium model includes the aforementioned visual, performance, and upholstery upgrades along with heated front seats, aluminum pedals, adaptive headlights (they swivel in conjunction with the turning direction of the GR86), and an eight-speaker audio system. These features are also standard on the 10th Anniversary Special Edition along with its visual upgrades. The trunk provides 6.3 cubic feet of storage space. The rear seats can be folded away for added cargo-hauling ability.
Interior Dimensions
Seating Capacity | 4 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 37 in. |
Headroom (second row) | 33.5 in. |
Legroom (front) | 41.5 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 29.9 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 53.6 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 51.7 in. |
Cargo Room | 6.3 cu-ft |
2023 Toyota GR86 Price And Availability
The 2023 GR86 is available now and comes with an MSRP of $28,400 to $35,880. The base GR86 with a manual transmission serves as the entry-level model with the automatic transmission tacking on an additional $1,500. The Premium model starts at $31,000. The top-spec 10th Anniversary Special Edition tops the range at nearly $36,000, though its limited production numbers and sold-out status means buyers will have to buy one second-hand.
2023 Toyota GR86 Price
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
Base | $28,400 |
Premium | $31,000 |
10th Anniversary Edition | $35,880 |
Safety
Active safety features are practically non-existent for base GR86 models with the manual transmission. However, models with the automatic are fitted with adaptive cruise control, automatic forward emergency braking, a pre-collision throttle management system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and other features. Premium models add a blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and rear automatic braking. The 2022/2023 GR86 has not been given an overall safety rating by the NHTSA.
Main Competition
The affordable compact sports coupe segment isn’t ripe with an abundance of offerings, but the GR86 does have some competitors. The most obvious is its sibling, the Subaru BRZ. There’s not much separating the two models other than badging and some minor styling tweaks, but with slightly different suspension tuning, buyers could prefer one to the other. Though, these differences will only really be apparent at either sports coupe’s limits. The Subaru is priced slightly higher, but the difference is almost negligible.
Some enthusiastic-focused affordable coupes shoppers might also want to consider are the Ford Mustang and Mazda MX-5. The MX-5 has been the champion of affordable roadsters for over three decades, but the GR86 is far more livable with more passenger and cargo space. The MX-5 can also cost notably more than the Toyota in its upper trims.
The base Mustang is similarly priced to the GR86 at $27,700, and its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivers far more grunt, 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, to be exact. It also comes standard with a six-speed manual. On paper, the Mustang packs on 600 more pounds than the Toyota, and it's significantly larger overall — it’s longer by nearly 20 inches. That equates to far more trunk space, 13.5 cubic feet to the GR86’s 6.3, but interior accommodations are similar. Subjectively, the GR86 is more athletic and provides better feel, though the Mustang isn’t a slouch overall.
FAQ
Q: How many GR86 will be made for 2023?
Toyota hasn't released production numbers overall for the 2023 GR86, but the 10th Anniversary Special Edition is limited to 860 units.
Q: Is the 2023 Toyota GR86 fast?
The GR86 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a Toyota-claimed 6.1 seconds, though as a sports coupe is far more attuned for being quick in corners versus straight-line speed.
Q: What is the base price for a 2023 Toyota GR86?
The 2023 Toyota GR86 has a base MSRP of $28,400.
Q: Is GR86 a 2 or 4 seater?
The GR86 is a 2+2, so it includes four seats, though the rear seats provide minimal passenger space.
Q: Is the GR86 sold out?
The 10th Anniversary Special Edition is sold out, but the base and Premium GR86 models are still in production.