What is it?
The second-generation GR86 (ZN8) is the Toyota half of the joint Gazoo Racing and Subaru sports coupe project. FA24 naturally aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four making 174 kW and 250 Nm, rear-wheel drive through a Torsen limited-slip diff, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. GTS and GR Sport grades, both manual or auto at the same price.
The lineup runs from GR86 GTS Manual at $45,390 plus on-roads, through to GR86 GR Sport Auto at $48,390 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Genuine rear-drive sports coupe at the cheapest end of the segment. 2.4 flat-four addressed the original 86's flat torque curve complaint, 6-speed manual offered at no extra cost, 5-year warranty extending to 7-year driveline cover via Toyota servicing, Torsen LSD standard, and the GR Sport adds Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes.
Naturally aspirated flat-four is loud and coarse on long highway drives. Cabin plastics feel cheap against the $45k price tag. Adaptive cruise is reserved for the auto so manual buyers lose the feature. Toyota allocation is tight and market premiums are common at dealers.
Should you buy the GR86?
Reasons to buy
- Genuine rear-drive sports coupe at the cheapest end of the segment. 2.4 flat-four addressed the original 86's flat torque curve complaint, 6-speed manual offered at no extra cost, 5-year warranty extending to 7-year driveline cover via Toyota servicing, Torsen LSD standard, and the GR Sport adds Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km (7 years driveline with Toyota servicing).
- 5-star ANCAP (2022), full driver-assist suite.
- 226 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- Naturally aspirated flat-four is loud and coarse on long highway drives. Cabin plastics feel cheap against the $45k price tag. Adaptive cruise is reserved for the auto so manual buyers lose the feature. Toyota allocation is tight and market premiums are common at dealers.
- You want a convertible (Mazda MX-5), more torque from forced induction (Ford Mustang EcoBoost), a hot hatch with adaptive cruise on the manual (Hyundai i30 N), or a near-identical car at a lower price with the same drivetrain (Subaru BRZ).
- Pick the GR Sport manual if you can find allocation. The 6-speed manual is the only way to spec it for the driving experience. Confirm dealer pricing before signing, market premiums are common.
- Top trim climbs to $48,390 plus on-roads.
CarTell.tv review of the Toyota GR86 is coming. Subscribe on YouTube and you will be first to see it.
