Price: $28,925- $35,880
8.0 /10
Rating
Pros
- Thrilling, balanced handling dynamics
- Affordable sports car pricing
- Bold, head-turning exterior design
- Punchy 2.4L engine upgrade
Cons
- Tiny trunk for storage
- Noisy cabin at highway speeds
- Cramped, unusable rear seats
- Stiff ride on rough roads
Overview: 2023 Toyota GR86
Sliding into the driver’s seat of this automatic-equipped sport coupe, I braced myself. The redesigned GR86 promises thrills, but its slushbox reputation precedes it—and rightly so. Let’s cut through the noise: the automatic transmission here is a fun-draining anchor. While the chassis remains undeniably brilliant, delivering razor-sharp reflexes on back roads and a telepathic connection to the road, pairing it with this slushbox feels like serving champagne in a paper cup. My week with the car revealed a laundry list of annoyances—jerky downshifts, a confused gearbox at low speeds, and a barely lukewarm response to throttle inputs. Yet, the GR86 isn’t without talent. That refined chassis, wrapped in aggressive black wheels and 18-inch performance tires, dances through corners like a ballerina. The exclusive GR performance exhaust growls through black chrome tips, adding drama to an otherwise brutal soundtrack. But let’s be honest: the manual is where the soul lives. Toyota’s decision to push this automatic-equipped version as a fun performance car feels like selling a turbocharged dream with a vacuum cleaner engine.
What's New in the 2023 Toyota GR86 ?
Toyota’s joint-venture with Subaru continues to shine in the GR86, now riding on an all-new platform with a stiffer bodyshell that transforms handling into something telepathic. Under the hood, the bigger-capacity engine (2.4L vs. the old 2.0L) delivers 228 lb-ft of torque, erasing the GT86’s infamous mid-range slump. I’ve driven this affordable sports car on twisty backroads, and the rear-wheel drive balance paired with beefed-up suspension had me grinning like a rookie—until the blatty roar from the new cat-back exhaust with black chrome tips snapped me back to reality. For 2023, Toyota’s fresh wardrobe includes orange paint (dubbed Solar Shift) and matte-black 18-inch wheels on the Special Edition, limited to 860 units globally. Inside, the improved interior swaps cheap plastics for Premium equipment like Alcantara accents, though the cabin still feels snug. If you’re after exclusive performance without breaking the bank, this limited iteration proves Toyota hasn’t lost its touch.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
If you’re eyeing the GR86 , you’ll find its base price starts at a reasonable $28,400 , but with added features like adaptive LED headlights , heated seats , and an eight-speaker audio system , the Premium trim pushes the MSRP to $28,925 . Opt for extras such as summer performance tires or 18-inch wheels , and you could reach the higher end of $35,880 . The six-speed manual transmission (6M) is standard equipment, making it the obvious choice for enthusiasts who crave control. Driving this 2dr Coupe with its 2.4L 4cyl engine feels exhilarating—smooth yet powerful. As someone who has driven countless sports cars, I can confidently say that even with the destination charge included, the Toyota GR86 delivers unmatched value in its segment.
$28,925
$33,025
$35,880
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2.4L boxer engine (courtesy of Subaru) packs a punch with 228 horsepower and 205 pounds-feet of torque—enough to hit 0-60 MPH in under six seconds. Opt for the slick six-speed manual, and you’ll appreciate the precise shifter that clicks through second gear like an internal task board, paired with rev-matching that turns heel-and-toe into a joy, not a chore. The pedals are perfectly spaced for quick downshifts, letting you chase redlining without jerks. During a backroad drive, the chassis felt telepathic, responding to left-right commands with agility that shames the old 86. Even the automatic transmission avoids feeling like an inanimate object—its track mode sharpens throttle response and quick downshifts to keep the RPM soaring. Toyota’s lowered center of gravity and steering tuned for feedback make handling supremacy obvious, while wheels bite into corners with grip reminiscent of an E46 M3. Push the lightweight front end hard, and it sticks like glue, never leaving you confused mid-corner. Though I miss the Toyota MR2’s mid-engine motion, the GR86’s driving position and fluid balance on main road or track let it keep pace with pricier rivals—no stopwatch needed to feel its brilliance.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
Balancing thrills and practicality, the GR86’s small engine (a 2.4L four-cylinder) delivers fuel economy that’s respectable for a sports car: 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic transmission, hitting a combined 25.5 MPG per the EPA’s website. During a fuel-economy test in heavy rain, my GR86 averaged just 24 mpg—tires slipping more, fuel mileage dipping. The six-speed manual version sips less, rated at 20 mpg/27 mpg, but rowing gears myself felt worth the trade-off. While it won’t match the Mazda Miata’s efficiency, the GR86 outshines older icons like the BMW 325is (with its thirsty 2.0 four-cylinder and five-speed manual). Its 13.2-gallon tank promises a theoretical 200-mile range, though aggressive driving halved that in my weekend canyon runs. Compared to the GR Supra’s 2.5L six-cylinder, this Toyota’s economical tuning makes it a smarter pick for daily drives—just don’t expect Prius-like numbers.
Premium Interior and Comfort
Sliding into the cabin, the GR86’s driving position instantly impresses—lower ride height, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and minute adjustments to the seats ensure even my lanky frame fits snugly. The supportive bolsters offer lateral support during hard cornering, though rear seats remain a cramped joke (better suited for grocery bags). Toyota’s upgrade from the GT86’s flimsy hollow plastic controls is noticeable: the digital instrument panel feels modern, and door handles now click with purpose, not like toy-store trinkets. But interior storage space is still sparse—my phone slid around the shallow cubby mid-corner. The small steering wheel and compact dimensions amplify the go-kart vibe, though visibility suffers at angled intersections. While the Mazda Miata trumps it in attractive simplicity, the GR86’s price points justify quirks like the taller side sills that made exit a comical shuffle. For daily purposes, it’s livable, but don’t expect luxury—just a focused space where front passengers trade comfort for connection.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Owning the GR86 demands creative thinking when it comes to practicality, but there’s still plenty to be thankful for. The trunk space measures 6.3 cubic feet—smaller than a Miata’s 4.3 cubes but surprisingly usable thanks to its short height and wide opening. Fold the rear seats (a lifesaver for emergency purposes), and you’ll hold weekend gear or a set of replacement wheels and tires. Inside, cupholders near the driver’s right arm and door pockets prevent bumping essentials like bags or jackets while driving. Weekly errands? It’ll swallow groceries, though bulkier items risk rolling around. I once squeezed a reasonably sized safety seat using the child safety seat anchor points, but it’s a challenge—the cramped rear suits quick trips, not family duty. Compared to a Mustang’s 13.5 cubes, it’s no hauler, but the Toyota’s storage shines in cleverness over raw size.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech
Ever cursed a car’s tech for feeling older than your first flip phone? The GR86’s infotainment system slays that 2014-era dread. Its standard 8-inch center touchscreen—vibrant graphics, snappy touch commands—responds like it reads your mind. During aggressive driving, I jabbed menus expecting lag; instead, it kept up, a stark improvement over Toyota’s past electronics. No native navigation system, but Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility saves the day. The quick-charging USB ports (neatly tucked by the center armrest) are lifesavers for smartphone addicts. Unlike fiddly aftermarket units, this technology feels intuitive—no engineering degree needed to figure out basics. It’s easy, not catastrophic. While I’d stop short of predicting awards, the blend of features and polish hints at Best Buy potential. Twenty years reviewing cars taught me: good tech shouldn’t fight you. This unit? It collaborates.
Safety and Driving Support
Teaming up with Subaru, the GR86 integrates active safety systems like EyeSight with radar cruise control and automatic braking as standard features. During my test drive in heavy car traffic, the collision warning notification’s sharp beep alerted me to a motorcycle rear-ending risk, while traffic light recognition aided smooth stops during creeping flows. Unlike other Toyotas, you can turn off certain alerts via intuitive settings, though the default mode stays vigilant—ideal for drivers prioritizing proactive safety.
Key features:
✅ Standard features include radar cruise control and automatic braking for stress-free drives.
✅ Collision warnings with audible alerts prevent potential rear-ending in dense traffic.
✅ Customizable settings let drivers tweak systems, though default mirrors Toyotas’ safety-first ethos.
Toyota's Warranty and Maintenance Plan
Balancing sporty thrills with peace of mind, the GR86’s warranty policy shines. Owners receive a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection—fairly standard but reassuring for a car this spirited. Having driven both the GR86 and its twin, the BRZ, I’ve found Toyota’s complimentary 25,000-mile maintenance package a nice touch, covering basics like oil changes. The one-year roadside assistance adds confidence, though rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata skip this perk.
Key features:
✅ Three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage.
✅ Complimentary one-year roadside assistance and 25,000-mile maintenance package.
✅ Exclusive High Performance Driving Events access with National Auto Sport Association membership.
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This Post Has 3 Comments
My favorite sport car. One day i buy this.
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