Launching into its second generation, the Toyota GR86 arrives with a fresh exterior, redesigned interior, and more power. The GR86 is an evolution of the former Scion FR-S which launched in 2012 and sold through 2016 when the Scion brand dissolved. Toyota kept the car alive and rebadged it as the 86, later adding the 'GR' moniker to the name to tie it to the Gazoo Racing family (GR Supra and GR Corolla). It's a 2+2 sports car that is jointly developed with Subaru (BRZ). The two models look and handle similarly as they are built side by side.
The GR86 is available in two grades, GR86 and GR86 Premium. Both models come with a naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four engine that generates 228 horsepower (up from 205) and 184-pound feet of torque (up from 156). It's available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed electronically controlled automatic. For 2023, prices start at $28,325 for the GR86 and at $30,925 for the Premium MT. Opting for the automatic will be a $1,500 price bump. Coming in 2023 will be a limited production of 860 10th Anniversary Special Edition models with an exclusive Solar Shift paint color, forged matte black 18-inch alloy wheels, GR cat-back exhaust, and b-pillar racing stripes. Sports car competition includes its Subaru BRZ twin along with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, Nissan Z, Volkswagen GTI and Chevrolet Camaro. After driving the GR Supra 3.0 week, I immediately jumped into the GR86 Premium for a back-to-back comparison of two Toyota sports cars (thank you Toyota). I spent a week in the GR86 Premium with a manual transmission and here's what stood out...
Exterior Style (+)
The overall shape and style have remained relatively similar since its launch. For 2022, the GR 86 gets updated front and rear fascias, new wheels, and new lighting. It's available in seven exterior color choices that include Track bRED, Halo White, Steel Silver, Pavement Grey, Raven Black, and Neptune or Trueno Blue. Up front a new headlight shape houses L-shaped LED lights while a larger mesh-shaped matrix grille cools the engine and looks aggressive. Added molding on either side gives dimension and improves its overall aerodynamics. On the side, its front fender and large rocker molding form side sill spoilers with integrated and functional air outlets. The lower rocker panel draws attention up to the rear fender for fluid design. Black side mirrors add contrast and are slightly larger than the previous generation, with a curved shape to maximize airflow. The roofline is raked upwards in the front while the back window has a less harsh angle that flows into the rear duckbill spoiler.
From the rear, inverted wheel arches express its wide stance while more aerodynamic fins have been added to the lower rear bumper. Three-dimensional rear taillights wrap around the rear deck and blend into trim molding along the trunk line to form a wide, connected rear. Premium models will come standard with a duckbill spoiler while base models will have a more subtle arch to the trunk. And one of the most obvious design changes is that the placement of the license plate has dropped from the decklid to the rear bumper. Reverse lights are incorporated into the lower fascia which also wraps around a dual exhaust set-up. Overall proportions are great with minimal overhangs, a wider stance, and appropriate height. This car looks sporty and more aggressive than the previous generation from all angles.
Wheels (+/-)
Base models ride on 17-inch V-shaped machined-finish 10-spoke aluminum alloys. Premium models come with 18-inch 10-spoke black aluminum alloy wheels that are supposed to represent a Japanese-sword-inspired look. Both grades ride on different variations of Michelin sport tires. The wheels fill the arches well and look fine on the GR86, but I'd like to see something with more character and design available. Toyota does offer a 17" forged bronze wheel option for $1,850 which has a similar look to the standard wheels.
Performance- Power (+)
One of the biggest complaints with the former model was its lack of power. Toyota made appropriate tweaks to give the new GR86 an 18% boost to deliver 228 horsepower and 184-pound feet of torque. While it may not seem like a huge jump from 205, it is a noticeable one as the car feels more refined and zippier. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is tuned so the peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband at 3700 RPM, versus 6600 RPM on the previous generation, making for a responsive and powerful driving experience. It accelerates from 0-60 in approximately 6.1 seconds in the manual transmission and slightly slower at 6.6 seconds in the automatic. Keeping the manual is a big win for enthusiasts as it's easy to shift through the gears and is engaging. With the push of a button, MT drivers can engage Track mode or switch off Vehicle Stability Control. The shape of the shift lever is optimized for smooth, enjoyable shifting. Manual models also come with a track mode for some extra fun. The new Track Mode changes the tach's display and brings important info like rpm and gear into focus. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is also dialed back to help you reach the limits of grip, while Full-Off Mode prevents the VSC from kicking in, putting you in full control. While I haven't driven the automatic, many have stated that it tends to downshift slowly. Automatic models are available with different drive modes that include normal, sport, snow, or track. Passing power is sufficient on the highway.
Performance- Handling (+)
I had nearly as much fun driving the GR86 as I did driving the GR Supra. It certainly has less power, but the car is nimble, agile, and responsive. This is truly a fun-to-drive sports car as it hugs turns tightly with little body lean. Steering is well-weighted and responsive to direct the car exactly where you want to go. Regardless of speed and road conditions, it feels grounded to the pavement. It's a relatively light weight car at 2,851 pounds and maintains a low center of gravity.
It has a bit of a go-kart feel, but with much more stability and safety. I have been fortunate to take this on an autocross track as well, and it was an absolute blast zipping around turns. This is the type of car that begs to be driven and Toyota has given it all of the right components to engage both a novice or experienced driver. Sport-tuned independent MacPherson front struts feature refined damping performance and gain new rebound springs to enhance handling characteristics. A double-wishbone style, multi-link rear suspension features a Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction while cornering. And sport-tuned rear shock absorbers feature stiffer springs to provide planted, predictable handling for the front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe.
Exhaust (+)
This little 4-cylinder sounds pretty good thanks to an available dual cat-back exhaust system that features dual chrome tips. Constructed from high-grade, corrosion-resistant materials, this cat-back exhaust system features mandrel bends for smoother airflow, helping heighten GR86's engine performance and make an impression at every block. The natural growl is satisfying, and an active sound control system augments the engine sound in the cabin.
Fuel Economy (+/-)
The GR86 arrived with a full 13.2-gallon fuel tank that offered a range of around 273 miles. Fuel economy is rated at 20/27/22 MPG city/highway/combined which is average for the class. It runs on regular gasoline and after a week of primarily suburban driving I averaged 25 MPG.
Interior Fit & Finish (+/-)
The revised interior is very driver-centric with a horizontally configured 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The display content varies with each drive mode (normal, sport, snow, or track). A sport-inspired leather-trimmed steering wheel includes GR badging, audio controls and a 3-spoke design. Materials are a mix of soft and hard plastics which aligns with the vehicle's low price. The dash layout features an 8-inch touch screen flanked by push button controls for audio. The screen surrounding and buttons feel on the cheaper side, but directly below that are three dials for climate control and five toggle switches finished in a brushed silver that feel higher quality. As expected, space is limited overall. There's two cupholders within the center console, but they require the driver to reach back some. As an alternative, there is room for a standard cup/water bottle in the driver's door for a taller drink. The overall feel inside is sporty, but on a more basic level.
Technology (+/-)
The GR86 focuses more on style and performance rather than tech. Overall technology fulfills all the basics without much more. The 8-inch touchscreen integrates with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via a cord connection. Functionality is simple and easy to use. A 6-speaker sound system is standard on the base model while premium models come with an 8-speaker system. An optional 10-inch 200W subwoofer is available to boost the audio base. Other standard technology includes Toyota's connected services through their app which is standard on most cars now.
Interior Seats (+/-)
The 2+2 design accommodates four passengers in the GR86, barely. The rear seats are extremely small and tight for even kids. My 6-year-old was the only one who could really manage to get back there comfortably, and it required the passenger seat to be pushed forward. Front seats easily slide forward via a handle at the top of the seatback. Nonetheless, it does have the extra space and seats when needed... which is helpful compared to the GR Supra.
Front passengers fare much better as the bucket seats offer reasonable support and bolstering to snuggly accommodate the driver and passenger. Head and leg room is also sufficient for even taller adults. Cloth and manually adjusted seats are standard on the base, while heated leather seats and Ultrasuede inserts are standard on premium models. The seats are comfortable, and the car is easier to get in and out of than the GR Supra.
Cargo (-)
Open the trunk and you'll find only 6.2 cubic feet of trunk space which is below average compared to most sports cars. Even the GR Supra offered more space at 10.2 cubic feet. As a bonus though, the rear seatback does fold down for access to the trunk and the rear seats themselves can be utilized for cargo.
Safety (+)
The automatic transmission GR86 comes with a standard active safety system that includes pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure warning, sway warning, lead vehicle start alert and high beam assist. An anti-theft system with engine immobilizer and alarm are also standard. All grades of the GR86 come with Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brake system, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. The GR86 scores good/superior in IIHS safety ratings and gets a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Final Statement (+)
I have been a fan of this car since it launched as the Scion FR-S and I continue to celebrate this sports car as the GR86. This car is built to be driven and is the type of car you just want to go for a cruise in. While the interior is basic and lacking in some higher quality materials you might find in a Mazda, remember that the GR86 maintains a starting price under $30k. It would make a great second vehicle for any car enthusiast to have in their personal fleet without a huge expense. It looks the part with tasteful styling and performs the part with its new zippy powertrain. This one remains on my shopping list... if only I had a bigger garage. Take one for a spin and go places.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2022 GR86 Premium
Exterior Color: Track bRED
Interior Color: Black Leather/Ultrasuede
Notable Options: Special Paint Color ($425), Preferred Accessory Package ($364)
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $32,975
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