Co-developed with Subaru, the Toyota GR86 is one of the few remaining sports coupes. Along with Miata, it's tiny footprint, light weight and rear-wheel drive design is a rarity today. Originally the Scion FR-S when it launched in 2012, it became the Toyota 86 in 2017 and then officially the GR86 in 2022 when it was relaunched with a more powerful engine and freshened interior. Like its twin the Subaru BR-Z, the GR86 is a rear-wheel-drive 2-door coupe with seating for 4 passengers. Competitors are few and include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, MINI Cooper S and the departing Hyundai Veloster N.
GR86 comes in Base and Premium trim. Both are powered by a larger 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (up from 2.0-liters in 2020) this year. Horsepower goes up 23 to 228 and torque jumps by 28 lb-ft to 228. Transmission choices include either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. A limited-slip rear differential is standard.
Prices start at $28,000 and climb to $32,000. The base includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with support for Apple Car Play and Android Auto, leather-wrapped steering wheel and keyless entry with push-button start. Premium adds 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, adaptive headlights and blind-spot monitor. The optional automatic transmission brings with it adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and auto hi-beam headlights.
Performance is noticeably improved with the larger 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Toyota quotes a 0 to 60 MPH time of 6 seconds, more than half a second quicker than last year. More importantly, the engine provides more torque (pulling power), which makes it feel more responsive in around-town driving and in highway passing situations. No it's isn't Mustang GT quick, but there's enough performance to justify the sports-car handle and to keep you smiling on a twisty road.
As before, the 6-speed manual transmission is a joy to drive. Strengths include precise and short throws from the shifter and a firm clutch catch point. Though it might be blasphemy, the automatic, with its manual shift paddles and quick shifts, is a solid alternative.
Being a lightweight, rear-drive coupe means that GR86 can be a challenge to keep on course when the roads grows slippery. In addition, the performance tires do not carry a mud and snow rating.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the GR86 are 21/31 MPG with the manual and 20/27 MPG with the automatic. Premium-grade fuel is required. While more than respectable for its class, those ratings trail Miata by a few MPGs. In reality, the GR86 is an all-day 30 MPG cruiser. Efficiency drops as pace increases, but it can be quite the miser given a light throttle foot.
While the more-powerful engine is a nice add for '22, the GR86 really shines when the road gets twisty. The near 50/50 weight balance, firm suspension, short wheelbase, grippy tires and accurate steering combine to create an engaging driver experience that's reminiscent of sports cars past. Overall grip falls short of true performance cars, but the "tossability" of a car like the GR86 is unmatched.
On the flip side, the ride is quite firm. There's little impact absorption from the tires and large bumps can really pound through. Throw in a fairly noisy ride and buzzy engine and the GR86 isn't the most commuter-friendly ride.
The refreshed interior consists of a larger infotainment screen, redesigned central console and updated trim and materials. Though not groundbreaking, the '22 GR86 is more livable than previous generations and certainly more functional. The instrument cluster switches over to digital, but still features a large tachometer as a focal point.
The front seats are heavily contoured and somewhat confining. Still, they are comfortable and certainly provide adequate support in spirited driving. Front-seat head and leg room are actually quite good for a sports car. The same can't be said for the rear, where token back seats are more for additional cargo storage rather than actual passenger use. Getting in and out can be a chore as well because of the lowish build, but it's certainly better than a Supra or Corvette. Outward visibility is good forward, but somewhat blocked to the rear by the smallish rear window.
On a technology front, GR86 lacks some of the standard safety features found in competitors but they can be had as options. The new infotainment screen is a plus, but the system is still a bit outdated compared to those found in brand-new vehicles.
Cargo space is minuscule by today's standards. GR86 offers a scant 6.3 cubic feet in its narrow trunk. Still, that's better than the Miata and the rear seats do fold to help improve overall capacity somewhat. Interior storage is minimal with a few open bins and a tiny center console bin.
Bottom Line - The back-to-basics GR86 is a shining example of what a sports car use to be -- reasonably priced, somewhat practical and, most of all, fun to drive. Unfortunately, it brings along a few sports car drawbacks like a cramped back seat, firm ride and plenty of road noise. Those negatives aside, the agile GR86 is one last chance to feel the true joy or driving before electrification ruins the party.
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