All-new 2022 Toyota GR86 review, pricing, & specs

2022 Toyota GR86: An Affordable RWD Sportscar

PROS	CONS	VERDICT
Excellent handling with a more powerful engine. It is a good value for money in terms of performance and styling with ample front passenger space.	Interiors and features are kept to a minimum. The engine is still devoid of a turbo. The trunk space is not as large as that of some rival hatchbacks, such as the Golf GTI.	It drives and handles well. Toyota has reduced the torque dip while increasing power and peak torque. It has a cleaner and more classy appearance, similar to a classic British sports car from the 1960s and is the best entry-level budget sports car you can buy for the money.

Overview

TRIM	Base	Premium
PRICE	$ 28,725 MSRP	$ 31,325 MSRP

Toyota finally unveiled the new 2022 GR86 under the Gazoo Racing moniker, hence the GR rather than the GT in the nameplate. The GR86 has a more powerful, but non-turbocharged engine to keep the car light and affordable. Needless to say, a $30,000 front-engine RWD sports car in this day and age is nothing short of a miracle! It's time for you to get your hands on a GR86 at a Toyota dealership now!

Performance and Handling

Specs	GR86
Engine	2.4 liter DOHC Boxer
Price (USD)	28,725
Range (CITY/HWY) (miles)	270/400
Power (hp)	228
Torque (lb-ft)	184
Drive	RWD
0-60 mph (s)	5.4
MPG (CITY/HWY/COMB)	21/31/25

The driving dynamics of the new generation are as good as, if not better than, those of the previous generation. Toyota and Subaru have also improved the suspension, making the car more comfortable in town while also keeping it planted on the track. The steering feedback and feel are excellent, making you feel connected to the vehicle. For those old school drifting sessions on the track, you still get a manual parking brake.

The torque dip was present in the previous generation in the middle of the rev range, where you would normally operate the car during daily driving. This made the already underpowered car feel even less so.

The dip has been reduced this time, but the torque at the dip is still significantly greater than the peak torque of the previous generation. Peak torque can now be obtained at 3700 rpm, significantly improving the driving experience.

Interior

Seating	Headroom, Front/Rear	Legroom, Front/Rear	Cargo volume
2+2	37 / 33.5 Inches	41.5 / 29.9 Inches	6.3 Cubic Feet

Cabin

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 8-inch touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but no built-in navigation. You have to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both trims also include a 7-inch TFT Driver Display that is both informative and uncluttered. You can access a whole lot of information by using the steering-mounted controls.
The base trim comes with 6 speakers while the Premium package comes with 8 speakers.

LIKES:

Physical buttons to control Climate Control

DISLIKES:

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are absent

Storage

The automatic transmission trim adds one additional cup holder behind the gear shifter. Other storage options include door bins, glove boxes, and so on. Most adults and teenagers can't get to the back seat, so it's better used as a trunk extension. The trunk is small, measuring only 6.3 cubic feet, but the rear seats fold completely flat to provide a flat trunk floor.

Quick Quirks: The trunk in the GR86 is slightly smaller than the trunk in the GT86 (6.9 cubic feet), but the difference is negligible.

Features and Technology

The GR86 has some standard features such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Other features include Auto Headlamps, Back Up camera with guidelines, Hill start assist and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The automatic gets more advanced driver assistance features

LIKES

Track mode has a unique display with a horizontal rev counter and lap timer in focus.
Both the driver and center display are informative and easy to use.

DISLIKES

You cannot switch on the traction control in track mode.
The driver and center screens look dull under direct sunlight.
The steering mounted controls cannot be used in Track Mode.

Quick Quirks: The Manual Car is 0.6 to 1 second faster than the Automatic car since it is lighter and has closer ratios.

Some additional features:

Other features include voice assist, speed adaptive volume and a valet function

Exterior

The styling has been remarkably updated. Toyota did an amazing job with the 2012 model, especially considering the predecessor was 29 years old (Toyota AE86) and from a different styling era. Instead of continuing the tradition of making the 86s look angular and aggressive, the new version has a simplified design, giving it a classy look.

The car also appears to be very sporty. Its low raking roof, long hood, and short trunk with an integrated spoiler (only available in the premium package) are reminiscent of classic British sports cars from the 1960s. The standard trim includes 17-inch machined finish alloys wrapped in Michelin Primacy HP tires, while the premium package includes 18-inch Matte Black rims wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. LED headlamps are standard on the base model, but the premium model adds Auto leveling LED headlamps, an adaptive front lighting system, and heated outside mirrors.

Warranty and Safety

3 years/ 36,000 miles of limited warranty.
5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain warranty available.
2 years/25000 miles of complimentary maintenance and warranty.
7 airbags (standard)
Hill assist (standard)

The premium trim also includes Blind Spot detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which are not available as options on the base trim.

The GR86 comes with 7 airbags and hill assist as standard but also provides the option to opt for the Active Safety Suite which comes with Pre Collision Auto Braking, Auto Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane assist. However, it is only available with the Automatic transmission.

Interested in checking out the vehicle?

Checkout our website carweek.com to see GR86’s availability in your area.

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