The original Toyota 86 was a massive hit in Australia, with over 22,000 units sold. Now, after more than a decade, Toyota has finally released its successor, the GR86. But the big question is: does it still live up to the expectations? In this review, we’ll take a close look at the new GR86, from its design to its performance, and even throw in a little surprise at the end. So stick around as we explore whether Toyota’s new sports car is still worth your attention.
A Pricey Proposition: Is It Still Affordable?
When the first Toyota 86 launched, it shocked the market with its starting price of just $29,990 for the base GT model. In comparison, the new GR86 might feel a bit alarming in terms of pricing, but when you factor in inflation, the increase is only around $5,000. However, there’s a bit more to the pricing of the new GR86 than meets the eye.
The GR86 shares much of its DNA with the Subaru BRZ, and while Subaru’s manual BRZ is about $4,000 cheaper than the automatic, Toyota has priced both manual and automatic versions of the GR86 the same. This means that the manual GR86 is slightly pricier than its BRZ counterpart. Toyota insists that the GR86 offers superb value, but if you’re looking for the best deal, the BRZ might be more appealing.
Sleeker and More Powerful: What’s New in the GR86?
The GR86 is a more refined version of its predecessor, with a longer, lower, and more aerodynamic design. The visual differences between the GT and GTS trims are minimal, with the GTS sporting 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and adaptive front headlights.
Under the hood, the GR86 receives one of its biggest upgrades. The engine has grown from 2.0 liters to 2.4 liters, which means more power and, crucially, more torque. The new engine produces 174 kW (about 235 horsepower) and 250 Nm of torque, offering the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The manual model can hit 0-100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, while the automatic is slightly slower but more fuel-efficient, sipping 9.5 liters per 100 km compared to the manual’s thirstier appetite.
Toyota backs the GR86 with a five-year unlimited-kilometer warranty, and the engine and drivetrain come with an additional two years of coverage.
Inside the GR86: More Comfort, Better Design
Step inside, and the new GR86’s interior feels like a major step up from the previous model. The layout is more thoughtful, with better materials and a range of modern features. For instance, the HVAC controls feature digital readouts and sleek silver switches, which not only look good but are easy to use. The seating position is low and sporty, although the steering wheel could be positioned slightly higher for my taste.
The interior has other neat touches, like a manual handbrake, which is always a welcome sight in a sports car, and leather-wrapped elements like the steering wheel, handbrake, and gear lever. While there’s nothing groundbreaking here, the cabin certainly feels more premium than its price tag might suggest.
The digital instrument cluster is another notable improvement, and you’ll also find features like dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, heated leather-accented seats, and a six-speaker stereo. There’s even a playful nod to the car’s boxer engine in the design of the digital instrument surround.
Infotainment is handled by an eight-inch touchscreen that includes smartphone mirroring and digital radio. On the safety front, however, things are a bit sparse. The GR86 comes with seven airbags, but features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are only available on the GTS model. Unfortunately, automatic emergency braking (AEB) is not standard, which is a bit of a letdown in this day and age.
The Driving Experience: A Huge Leap Forward
The original Toyota 86 was celebrated for being an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car that was genuinely fun to drive. However, over time, some of its weaknesses became apparent. For instance, the old car’s engine lacked mid-range torque, the gearbox could be stubborn, and the tires—while great for sliding—weren’t up to the job of serious performance driving.
Thankfully, the new GR86 has addressed all of these shortcomings. The 2.4-liter engine offers more power, but more importantly, it delivers it in a much more usable way. There are no longer any flat spots in the power band, making the car much more engaging to drive at all speeds. The gearbox is also smoother, with shorter, more precise throws that make shifting a joy.
While the automatic isn’t terrible, it feels a bit lethargic, and the manual is where the fun really is. The GR86 is surprisingly comfortable, with soft suspension that soaks up bumps, making it a car you could easily drive long distances. The only downside is the road noise, which can get quite loud, but that’s a small price to pay for such an engaging car.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires provide a huge improvement in grip compared to the old model’s eco tires, and the car feels more stable at high speeds. The old 86 had a tendency to oversteer at the limit, but the new GR86 is much more composed, giving you greater confidence when pushing the car hard.
Fun Factor: Still There, But More Mature
For those who loved how the old Toyota 86 would slide around at just about any speed, the new GR86 might feel a bit more serious. It has more grip and is less prone to oversteer, which is a good thing for most drivers. But if you enjoyed the playful nature of the old car, you might find the new one a bit more grown-up.
However, when you get the GR86 on the right road or track, the fun factor is still there. The chassis is brilliantly balanced, and the steering is sharp and responsive. The car remains incredibly predictable and controllable, making it a joy to drive whether you’re carving up a mountain road or playing on a skid pad.
Should You Buy the GR86 or the Subaru BRZ?
Here’s the thing: while the Toyota GR86 is a fantastic car, its close cousin, the Subaru BRZ, offers just about everything the GR86 does but at a slightly lower price. The only major difference is the badge. So, if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, you might want to consider the BRZ instead.
Final Thoughts
We waited more than a decade for a new Toyota 86, but the wait has been worth it. Toyota has successfully addressed the issues that held the old model back, while making the GR86 a nicer, more comfortable place to spend time. It’s faster, more refined, and still an absolute blast to drive.
That said, if you’re looking for the best value in this segment, the Subaru BRZ might be the better choice. But no matter which badge you choose, you’re getting one of the best affordable sports cars on the market today.If you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts on the GR86 and what cars you’d like to see us review next.