The powertrain
One of the biggest changes for the rear-wheel drive GR 86 is under the hood, where you'll find a new, more powerful 2.4L horizontally opposed engine that produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is included as standard, while a 6-speed automatic transmission is a $1,800 option and includes Sport and Snow driving modes.
We're talking about a noticeable power increase over the previous model, which offered 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque with the manual transmission, otherwise 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque with the automatic transmission.
In other words, Toyota just upgraded its GR 86 from a boring car to an exhilarating one. The number increases may seem insignificant, but they translate into linear acceleration over a wider RPM range, allowing drivers to enjoy a longer boost. Acceleration is impressive without being explosive like some of the sportier models, but it does bring great joy and satisfaction.
Safety and technology
Like all Toyota vehicles, the GR 86 has the Star safety system. So you have Smart Stop technology, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes, traction control and electronic brake force distribution. In addition to the tire pressure monitoring system and seven airbags, each model gets a three-year trial subscription to Safety Connect, which offers 24/7 emergency assistance, automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator.
In the centre of the cabin, the 8-inch screen is fairly basic, but handles very well and easily.
The drive
As mentioned, our test drives of the previous GR 86/BRZ duo left us somewhat disappointed. The lack of power and the overlong gaps from the gearbox really impacted our driving pleasure. The new GR 86 is a different story. Everything that we didn't like about the old version, we immediately liked, and like a lot more. The manual gearbox handles extremely well, power is perfectly proportioned and if you need to give a push on the gas, no matter what gear you put in, the car responds immediately.
During our week-long test drive, there was no excuse too lame to jump behind the wheel of this GR 86 and hit the road... even if it was just to pick up some bread at the grocery store – three towns over. In short, there is no way you’ll be bored driving this car. We didn't try the automatic transmission version, but for us it seems that only one version is acceptable, the one with the three pedals and nothing else.
The pricing
The new Toyota GR 86 is available in the following models and versions:
The 2022 GR 86 entry model (MSRP $31,490 with manual transmission; $33,890 with automatic transmission) comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and heated side mirrors. Inside, the cabin includes a 7-inch digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Smart Key with push-button start. Other features include active sound control and a 6-speaker audio system.
The automatic transmission model includes additional safety technologies such as pre-collision braking, dynamic radar cruise control with full range of speeds, pre-collision acceleration management, lane departure warning, swerving alert and lead vehicle start warning.
The 2022 GR 86 Premium (base MSRP of $34,490 with manual transmission; $36,890 with automatic transmission) adds numerous upgrades. On the outside, these include 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and a rounded rear spoiler.
Inside, this model gets an 8-speaker audio system, leather/Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats and aluminum sport pedals. Safety upgrades include a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and an adaptive front lighting system.
On the automatic transmission model, additional safety technologies include pre-collision braking, dynamic radar cruise control with full speed range, pre-collision acceleration management, lane departure warning, swerving alert, lead vehicle start warning and automatic high beams.
The last word
This fun and affordable sports coupe is criminally overlooked in a market obsessed with muscle cars and a constant search for more raw power.
Some might be trying to decide which to choose between the GR 86 and the BRZ. As mentioned, the two cars are nearly identical, but one point of differentiation is price. The Subaru BRZ starts at $31,533 with the manual transmission and $34,533 for the Sport-Tech version (the equivalent of the Premium).
You might say, for a few hundred dollars, the difference is minimal. True, if you buy and pay for your car without financing. If you decide to lease it for four years, the BRZ will cost you $412 + taxes while the GR 86 will cost you $515 (figures are applicable in Quebec, and for demonstration purposes). The Sport-Tech and Premium versions are $457 and $561, respectively. This price difference is also reflected in the financing. Toyota's higher lease/finance rates explain the disparities.
We like
Fun to drive
VERY fun to drive
New engine is one of the best in the category
The Premium version sticks to the road with purpose
We like less
Very firm suspension that can ruin a day's drive on bad pavement
Little to no storage space, tiny trunk
Seat backs don't return to normal position after letting someone climb in back
The competition
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Mustang
Mazda MX-5
Nissan Z
Subaru BRZ
