Toyota GR86: Price, Specs, Features & Review

The Toyota GR86 is a compact rear-wheel-drive sports coupe for buyers who value handling, a manual transmission, low weight, and driver involvement more than passenger or cargo space.

Every GR86 uses a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Buyers can choose a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

It is one of the most engaging new sports cars at its price. Its main compromises are a very small rear seat, limited trunk space, modest highway refinement, and no all-wheel-drive option.

WheelPedia Rating: 8.0/10

The Toyota GR86 earns an 8.0/10 WheelPedia Rating. It delivers excellent handling, a low driving position, rear-wheel drive, and a manual-transmission option at a relatively accessible price.

Its practicality score is low because it is a 2+2 coupe with a small trunk and rear seats best reserved for children, bags, or extra track-day tires.

Rating Category	Score	Weight
Safety	8.2/10	20%
Reliability and ownership	8.2/10	15%
Performance and driving	9.4/10	15%
Comfort and practicality	6.0/10	15%
Efficiency and fuel economy	7.5/10	15%
Features and technology	8.0/10	10%
Price and value	9.0/10	10%
Overall WheelPedia Rating	8.0/10	—

See how WheelPedia rates cars for the full scoring method.

Key Highlights

Starts from $31,500 MSRP in the US.
Rear-wheel-drive two-door sports coupe.
2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine.
228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota-estimated 0–60 mph time of 6.1 seconds.
EPA-estimated 20 city / 26 highway mpg.
Two trims: GR86 and GR86 Premium.
Standard digital gauge cluster and 8-inch touchscreen.
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Complimentary one-year NASA membership and one high-performance driving event.
Best for buyers who want an affordable, balanced sports coupe.

Quick Specifications

Specification	Toyota GR86
Vehicle type	Compact sports coupe
Seating capacity	4, in 2+2 layout
Engine	2.4L naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder
Power output	228 hp / 184 lb.-ft.
Transmission	Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive
0–60 mph	Toyota-estimated 6.1 seconds
Fuel economy	20 city / 26 highway mpg
Cargo space	6.3 cu. ft.
Length	167.9 in.
Wheelbase	101.4 in.

Expert Tip:
The base GR86 with the six-speed manual is the best choice for most buyers. It has the same engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, digital gauge cluster, safety equipment, and core handling character as the Premium. Choose the Premium if its larger wheels, Michelin tires, heated seating, and upgraded audio matter to you.

About the Toyota GR86

The GR86 is built around a simple sports-car formula: low weight, rear-wheel drive, a naturally aspirated engine, and a chassis designed for balance rather than outright horsepower.

It is a close sibling to the Subaru BRZ, but the Toyota has its own tuning, trim structure, and Toyota GR identity. It is designed for drivers who enjoy back roads, autocross events, track days, and manual shifting.

The GR86 is not intended to be a practical daily family car. Buyers who need four usable seats, large cargo space, AWD, or a more comfortable highway ride should consider another type of vehicle.

Price and Trims

Destination, tax, registration, accessories, dealer-installed equipment, and local fees increase the final purchase price.

Trim	Starting MSRP	Powertrain	Fuel Economy	Key Features
GR86	$31,500	2.4L boxer, RWD	20 city / 26 highway mpg	17-in. wheels, digital gauge cluster, 8-in. touchscreen, NASA membership
GR86 Premium	$34,400	2.4L boxer, RWD	20 city / 26 highway mpg	18-in. wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, duckbill spoiler, upgraded equipment

The base GR86 is the better value because it delivers the full driving experience for the lowest price.

The GR86 Premium is the better option for buyers who want its 18-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, spoiler, heated seating, and upgraded audio. Its extra equipment is useful, but it is not a different performance model.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every GR86 uses a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine. It produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

Power goes to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual is the enthusiast choice because it gives the driver more control and fits the GR86’s lightweight, driver-focused character.

The automatic includes paddle shifters and is a reasonable choice for buyers who want the GR86’s handling without using a clutch in daily traffic.

0–60 MPH Performance

Toyota estimates the GR86 reaches 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.

That is quick enough to make the car entertaining on public roads and capable at track events. The GR86 is not meant to be a drag-racing car; its strengths are balance, steering response, low center of gravity, and cornering confidence.

Driving Experience

The GR86 is one of the few modern sports cars that still prioritizes driver involvement over horsepower figures and luxury features.

Its boxer engine sits low in the chassis, helping create a low center of gravity. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and balanced weight distribution help it feel responsive in corners.

The steering is quick, the chassis is predictable, and the manual gearbox is a major part of the appeal. The ride is firm enough to communicate road surfaces, particularly on the Premium’s larger wheels and performance tires.

Fuel Economy

Configuration	EPA-Estimated City MPG	EPA-Estimated Highway MPG
GR86 manual or automatic	20 mpg	26 mpg

The GR86 is reasonably efficient for a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, but fuel economy is not its main purpose.

Aggressive driving, track use, cold weather, tire choice, and frequent short trips can reduce real-world mileage.

The GR86 uses premium unleaded gasoline.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

The GR86 has a simple, driver-focused interior. The seating position is low, the controls are within easy reach, and the dashboard puts important driving information ahead of the driver.

Standard and available features include:

7-inch GR digital gauge cluster
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth connectivity
GR push-button start
Remote keyless entry
Available heated seats
Available leather-trimmed seating
Available eight-speaker audio system
Available 10-inch subwoofer
Available aluminum sport pedals
Available blind-spot detection
Track Mode and Vehicle Stability Control settings

Front-seat space is suitable for most adults, although taller drivers should sit in the car before buying. The rear seats are very tight and are best used for small children, bags, or extra gear.

Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality

Dimension	Measurement
Length	167.9 in.
Width	69.9 in.
Height	51.6 in.
Wheelbase	101.4 in.
Seating	4 passengers, 2+2 layout
Cargo space	6.3 cu. ft.

The GR86 has a small trunk, but its rear seats fold down. That makes it possible to carry longer items or an extra set of tires for track days.

It is practical enough for a weekend trip for two people, but it is not well suited to family duties, bulky shopping, large pets, or frequent airport travel with four passengers.

Toyota does not list a US towing rating for the GR86.

Exterior Design

The GR86 has a low, compact coupe shape with a long hood, short rear deck, wide stance, and functional front-fender vents.

GR86: 17-inch wheels and a clean, understated sports-coupe look.
GR86 Premium: 18-inch matte-black wheels, Michelin performance tires, and a color-keyed duckbill rear spoiler.

The GR86 Premium looks more aggressive, but the base car still has the same core proportions and road presence.

Safety Features and Ratings

Every GR86 includes the GR86 Active Safety Suite, with standard features including:

Pre-Collision Braking System
Pre-Collision Throttle Management
Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lead Vehicle Start Alert
Automatic High Beams
Seven airbags
Rearview camera
Tire Pressure Monitor System

Available features include Blind Spot Detection, Rear Parking Sonar with Reverse Automatic Braking, and Adaptive Front-Lighting System.

Check the latest IIHS and NHTSA ratings before purchase because safety results can change by model year and transmission configuration.

Driver-assistance features can support the driver, but they do not make up for the limits of a small, low sports coupe in traffic.

Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership

The GR86 has a relatively straightforward ownership case compared with turbocharged performance cars. Its naturally aspirated engine, manual-transmission option, and compact size can help keep normal maintenance costs reasonable.

However, buyers who plan regular track use should budget for faster tire, brake, clutch, and fluid wear. Track driving also places much greater stress on the engine and drivetrain than normal road use.

Used buyers should check for aftermarket modifications, track use, tire condition, service records, accident history, and open recalls. Read our guide on how to check a car’s accident history before buying used.

Coverage	Length
Basic warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion perforation warranty	5 years / unlimited miles
ToyotaCare scheduled maintenance	2 years / 25,000 miles
Roadside assistance	2 years / unlimited miles

Pros and Cons

What We Like

Rear-wheel-drive sports-car layout
Six-speed manual transmission available
Excellent cornering balance
Low center of gravity
Naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine
Affordable price for a new sports coupe
Standard digital gauge cluster
Standard smartphone connectivity
Complimentary NASA membership and driving event
Fold-down rear seats improve cargo flexibility
Premium trim adds strong tires and useful upgrades

What We Don’t Like

Rear seat is extremely tight
Small trunk
No AWD option
No turbocharged high-performance version
Ride can be firm on rough roads
Road noise is noticeable at highway speeds
Premium fuel required
No US towing rating
Not suitable for buyers who need real four-passenger space

Competitors

Consider these alternatives before choosing a Toyota GR86:

Toyota GR Corolla: better for buyers who want four doors, AWD, turbocharged power, and more practical rear seating.
Toyota Supra: better for buyers who want much stronger acceleration and a more premium sports-car experience.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: better for buyers who want an open-top roadster and lighter weight.
Ford Mustang: worth considering for buyers who want more horsepower and a more usable rear seat.
Honda Civic Si: better for buyers who need four doors, a manual transmission, and daily practicality.
Subaru BRZ: a closely related alternative with a different suspension and ownership experience.

Should You Buy the Toyota GR86?

Buy the Toyota GR86 if you want an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a manual transmission, responsive handling, and a driver-first character.

Choose the base GR86 manual if value and driving involvement are your priorities. Choose the GR86 Premium if its performance tires, larger wheels, heated seating, spoiler, and upgraded audio are worth the extra cost.

Skip the GR86 if you need a large trunk, adult-friendly rear seating, AWD, quiet long-distance comfort, or high-horsepower straight-line performance.

FAQs

How much does the Toyota GR86 cost?

The 2027 Toyota GR86 starts from $31,500 MSRP in the US. The GR86 Premium starts from $34,400 MSRP, before destination, tax, registration, options, and dealer fees.

Is the Toyota GR86 rear-wheel drive?

Yes. Every Toyota GR86 has rear-wheel drive.

Does the Toyota GR86 have a manual transmission?

Yes. The GR86 is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.

How much horsepower does the Toyota GR86 have?

The GR86 produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

How fast is the Toyota GR86?

Toyota estimates that the GR86 can reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.

What fuel economy does the Toyota GR86 get?

The GR86 returns an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Does the Toyota GR86 need premium gas?

Yes. Toyota recommends premium unleaded gasoline for the GR86.

Is the Toyota GR86 practical?

It is practical for a sports coupe, but not for a family. It has a small trunk, very limited rear seating, and room for two adults rather than four.

Is the Toyota GR86 good for track days?

Yes. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, balanced chassis, manual option, Track Mode, and included NASA driving event make it well suited to beginner and intermediate track use.

Does the Toyota GR86 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Every current GR86 includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Which Toyota GR86 trim is best?

The base GR86 with the six-speed manual is the best choice for most buyers because it provides the same core performance and driving experience as the Premium at a lower price.

Final Verdict

The Toyota GR86 is one of the best new sports cars for buyers who care about driving feel more than luxury, horsepower bragging rights, or daily practicality.

Its rear-wheel-drive layout, manual transmission, low center of gravity, and balanced chassis make it rewarding on a winding road or track. The trade-off is clear: it is a compact 2+2 coupe with limited passenger and cargo space.

For most buyers, the GR86 manual is the trim to choose. It delivers the full point of the car at the lowest price. The Premium is worth considering for buyers who want its upgraded tires and comfort features, but the base car is the purer value choice.

Prices, specifications, fuel-economy estimates, safety ratings, recalls, and feature availability can change by model year, trim, and market.