In an era dominated by EVs, SUVs, and trucks, small and affordable coupes like the all-new GR86 are a seemingly dying breed. Regardless, the GR86 is a fantastic sports car that most enthusiasts looked forward to, considering it carries forth Toyota's Waku Doki concept for 'heart pumping, adrenaline racing.' The GR86's predecessor, the GT86, set incredibly high standards in the sports car category. Unfortunately, the GT86 wasn't a tremendous commercial success after all for Toyota, but the new model is undoubtedly well-placed to remedy that with several marked improvements.
The GR86 carries over a portion of the unique formula Toyota used on the GT86: lightweight, rear-driven, compact 2+2 configuration, a high revving boxer engine, and an affordable price tag. But considering Gazoo Racing had a lead hand in development, it's not surprising that the GR86 is more versatile, raw, complex, and absorbing in character. Of course, there's a lot more, so here's a lowdown of what we now know about the Toyota GR86.
10 The GR86 Flaunts A Fresh Design
Although Toyota built the GR86 on the same architecture as the GT86, it arrives with a significant refresh, giving it a more aggressive and sleeker look. At the same time, its near-perfect weight distribution is achieved through a high-strength steel unibody construction and aluminum hood, roof, and fenders for weight reduction.
The GR86 features matte-black-painted alloy wheels that blend beauty and function to complement the refined aerodynamic profile and racing-inspired proportions. A redesigned center console, dashboard, turbine-style air vents, and LCD control toggles are the biggest highlights of its upgraded interior. In addition, everyday practicality is guaranteed with foldable rear seats that make room for more cargo space.
9 The GR86 Is Up To Speed With The Latest Technology
An 8-inch infotainment system comes standard with every GR86, well-equipped with voice recognition and updated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Entertainment is certainly guaranteed by a quality sound system, complete with a 10-inch, 200W subwoofer for rumbling bass.
Toyota designed the GR86's standard multi-function in-key remote keyless entry with the driver in mind, allowing for convenience through a Push Button Start, access to driver and passenger doors, and trunk while the key fob is still in the pocket. Convenience is enhanced further with the new Connected Services that includes a Safety Connect trial for Remote Connect to Start using a compatible smart device, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and an Emergency Assistance Button.
8 Toyota Gazoo Racing Tested The Limits Of The GR86
Just as with the GR Supra and GR Yaris, Toyota allowed its global racing division, Gazoo Racing, to take the lead in developing the GR86. The racing division has been active in the Dakar Rally, WRC, Nürburgring 24h, and World Endurance Championship, and this vast experience ensures every vehicle that earns the GR badge is tested to its limits.
As a result, potential buyers are assured of spine-tingling fun with a GR86 that's been pushed, honed, and perfected through extensive testing. Toyota also provides parts and accessories such as track-capable brake pads, short-throw shifters, cold-air intake, and a dual cat-back exhaust system for even better performance.
7 More Engine Displacement For The GR86
Arguably the most significant improvement in the GR86 is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 20% more engine displacement than the unit in its predecessor. The boxer engine pumps out 228hp and 184lb-ft of torque, and it produces a more linear torque curve to improve the sports car's 0-60 acceleration.
In addition, Toyota ensured that the new engine sits low in the chassis to optimize the center of gravity and balance that comes in handy when maneuvering corners. Drivers get to toggle performance preferences from three available driving modes; Normal, Sport, and Track.
6 The GR86 Still Offers Manual Transmission
We are always gushed about manual transmission in modern sports cars, and that's probably one of the greatest indicators of how fast vehicles are evolving. But for a proper driver's car like the GR86, most enthusiasts will naturally gravitate to the TL70 6-speed manual gearbox as the best gateway to fun on the road.
There are equally compelling reasons to opt for an automatic transmission-equipped GR86, which comes standard with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. However, according to Edmunds, it's worth noting that an automatic transmission makes the GR86 nearly a second slower to 60mph.
5 Automatic GR86 Buyers Get Extra Safety Features
Whereas a manual transmission GR86 is fun to drive, the automatic variants have an added advantage in other aspects. Toyota predicts the majority of buyers will opt for automatic transmission, so they included extra safety features standard for these models.
The automatic GR86 Active Safety Suite includes intelligent safety features like Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Automatic High Beams. The top-of-the-range GR86 trim comes with Reverse Automatic Braking and Parking Assist Sonar.
4 The GR86's Loud Cabin Is A Notable Con
Every vehicle has flaws, and the all-new GR86 is no exception. The obvious one is the cramped, almost unusable back seat, which is a common disadvantage with most 2+2 configurations. And like other sports cars, the trunk is small, and the high-revving engine delivers subpar gas mileage.
However, the most notable con in the GR86 is the noisy cabin. Compared to other sports cars in the segment, the cabin gets loud as you accelerate on the highway, which could irritate some drivers over time.
3 Toyota Offers Just Two GR86 Trim Levels
For the 2022 model year, Toyota offers the GR86 coupe in two trims: base and Premium. Both trims share the same 228hp engine, rear-wheel drive, a choice between manual or automatic transmission, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, satellite radio, remote keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The Base model rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Primacy H/P tires, while the Premium boasts 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. Stepping up to Premium also adds heated front seats with leather and Alcantara upholstery, aluminum pedal covers, an eight-speaker stereo, and a duckbill rear spoiler.
2 The GR86 Is Priced To Thrill
Japanese automakers have a knack for delivering sports cars that are both engaging and rewarding, but that's not the only reason for their popularity. Despite the upgrades, Toyota's pricing for the GR86 makes it one of the best and most affordable sports cars on the market with a warranty.
The basic warranty covers 36 months/36,000 miles, while powertrain, corrosion perforation, and restraint systems are covered up to 60 months/ 60,000 miles. The base model has a starting MSRP of $27,700, and a GR86 Premium will set you back $31,800.
1 The GR86 Comes With A No Cost Maintenance Plan
Every new Toyota GR86 provides drivers with an opportunity to enjoy ToyotaCare. This no-cost maintenance plan covers standard factory service that includes tire rotation, multi-point inspection, engine oil and filter change, and inspection/adjustment of fluid levels, scheduled up to 2 years/25,000 miles.
The package also encompasses 24-hour Roadside Assistance, including battery jump-starts, emergency fuel delivery, lockout protection, towing, tire service, and winching for 2 years, unlimited mileage. And if that's not tempting enough, new GR86 buyers receive a one-year National Auto Sport Association membership and one performance driving class, since the 2022 GR86 is NASA's official pace car.