Are GR86 fun cars?

Yes. The GR86 is widely regarded as a fun car for driving enthusiasts: a light, rear‑wheel‑drive sports coupe with a rev‑happy engine that rewards cornering and precise handling.

What makes the GR86 fun

To understand why it’s beloved by many drivers, here are the core qualities that define its playful character.

• Lightweight chassis and balanced handling: the GR86’s curb weight sits around 2,800 pounds, contributing to agile, tossable behavior in corners.


• Rear‑wheel drive with sharp steering: a communicative, close‑to‑the‑bone steering feel helps you feel connected to the road and your line through twisty lanes.


• Rev‑happy 2.4‑liter flat‑four engine: producing about 228 horsepower and 184 lb‑ft of torque, it rewards spirited revs and provides a lively, linear power band.


• Engaging transmission options: a six‑speed manual is standard and enthusiast‑friendly, while a six‑speed automatic is available for those who prefer convenience.


• Low, sporty seating position and compact footprint: easy to place on the road and quick to maneuver, especially in tight canyons or urban turns.


• Chassis feedback and cornering grip: the GR86 is designed to encourage precise line choice and educated throttle/steering inputs, which many drivers find highly rewarding.

Taken together, these traits create a driving experience that shines on twisty roads, on-track days, and weekend escapes, where driver involvement takes precedence over raw straight‑line acceleration.

Driving dynamics and performance details

For context, the GR86’s current generation relies on a 2.4‑liter flat‑four engine that delivers a strong, usable midrange and a high‑revs character that enthusiasts tend to prefer. In typical configurations:

• Power: about 228 hp and 184 lb‑ft of torque (varies slightly by market and model year).


• Transmission choices: standard six‑speed manual with a satisfying, short throw; a six‑speed automatic is offered but is less engaging for purists.


• Performance figures: roughly 0–60 mph in about 6.1 seconds with the manual; the automatic is a touch slower, usually in the mid‑6-second range.


• Top speed: electronically limited, typically around 140 mph, depending on model and gearing.


• Weight distribution: near 53/47 front/rear, contributing to balanced turn‑in and stable mid‑corner behavior.

In real-world driving, the GR86 rewards early throttle discipline, smooth steering inputs, and deliberate cornering lines. It isn’t a drag‑strip king, but it excels as a driver’s car that makes everyday drives and weekend jaunts more engaging.

Practical considerations and trade-offs

Every fun car has trade-offs. Here are the realities you’ll likely encounter with the GR86.

• Ride quality: the suspension setup is tuned for sporty handling, which can feel firm on rough pavement or long daily commutes.


• Interior and materials: the cabin prioritizes function and feel over premium materials; it’s comfortable, but not luxurious by class standards.


• Practicality: rear seats are small and usable mainly for children or extra storage; the trunk space is modest for a coupe.


• Safety and driver aids: modern GR86s include driver assist features, but some advanced aids may vary by trim and year; newer models generally offer a solid suite of safety tech.


• Value and depreciation: the GR86 provides strong driving fun for the money, but overall resale and feature packages depend on market and timing.

For buyers who want a no‑nonsense, engaging driving experience with a sensible price tag, these trade‑offs are part of the package. If you’re after maximum straight‑line acceleration or premium interior niceties, other sports coupes might be a better fit.

Who should consider the GR86

These guidelines help identify potential buyers who are most likely to enjoy the GR86’s character.

• Driving enthusiasts who prioritize handling, balance, and a tactile connection to the road.


• New or returning sports car buyers seeking an entry point that’s enjoyable and affordable to own and operate.


• People who enjoy manual transmissions and crave a car that emphasizes driver involvement over luxury perks.


• Weekend‑only track days or canyon drives as core use cases, with practical daily driving as a secondary consideration.

If your priority is a high‑powered luxury coupe or a spacious, quiet cruiser, the GR86 may feel like the wrong tool for the job. But if you want a compact, engaging, and relatively affordable sports car, it remains a standout in its segment.

Summary

The GR86 delivers a compelling blend of light weight, rear‑wheel drive dynamics, and a rev‑happy engine that makes it genuinely fun to drive, especially on winding roads and track days. Its strengths lie in handling, driver engagement, and value, while its compromises include ride harshness, limited practicality, and interior refinement relative to pricier rivals. For enthusiasts who value the joy of driving over outright prestige, the GR86 remains a strong, approachable choice.

Why is GR86 being discontinued?

The Toyota GR86 is being discontinued in some markets, particularly Europe, due to new safety regulations that would require major, costly redesigns to comply. While there were also initial concerns about emissions regulations in Japan, the primary reason for the discontinuation in regions like Europe was the inability of the current design to meet new safety standards without significant changes. However, a new third-generation model is expected to be developed and will likely be a hybrid. 
Key reasons for discontinuation

• New safety regulations: Upcoming European safety regulations, such as Euro NCAP's General Safety Regulation 2, are the main reason for the discontinuation. 
• Cost and engineering challenges: To meet these new standards, the GR86 would need to be completely re-engineered, which is not economically viable for a low-volume sports car like the GR86. 
• Impact on design: Compliance with the new regulations would detrimentally affect the car's dynamic and performance-oriented character. 
• Vehicle compatibility: The current GR86 design, particularly the windscreen, is reportedly incompatible with new technology required by the new safety rules, such as traffic light recognition systems. 
• Market-specific issue: This issue is primarily affecting the European market, where the car will be discontinued in 2024. Other markets may be less affected or have a slightly different timeline. 
• Manual vs. Automatic: In some markets, like Australia, the manual versions may be discontinued if they cannot be fitted with the mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which is not equipped on manual versions of the car. 

Future outlook

• Third-generation model: The discontinuation does not signal the end of the GR86 nameplate. Toyota is reportedly moving forward with developing a third-generation model, possibly under its own in-house development team without Subaru's collaboration. 
• New powertrain: The new model is rumored to have an electrified, turbocharged powertrain. 

Why is GR86 so popular?

Precision Performance: Engine, Handling, and Drive Modes
No surprise here: the Toyota GR86, arguably the best Toyota sports car, delivers excellence under the hood. It's powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Which Toyota car is fun to drive?

Toyota GR86
If you're looking for a sports car that's also exceptionally affordable, the GR86 is right up your alley. Its available manual transmission makes it amazingly fun to drive, and its perky 228 horsepower engine and balanced suspension give it great driving dynamics.

Is a GR86 a good daily car?

Yes, the GR86 can be a good daily driver for those who prioritize a fun driving experience and have practical needs that align with its smaller size and coupe design. It is agile, comfortable for two people, and has good visibility, but its small trunk, stiff ride in cold weather, and need for premium fuel are downsides to consider. 
Pros of using the GR86 as a daily driver

• Fun and engaging: Many owners find it enjoyable to drive even at lower speeds, making everyday commutes more exciting. 
• Agile and easy to handle: Its light weight and responsive steering make it easy to maneuver in traffic or tight spots. 
• Comfortable for two: The front seats are comfortable, and the car is capable for long trips, as long as you only need to carry one passenger. 
• Good visibility: The car offers good visibility, especially forward and to the sides, which helps with positioning in traffic. 
• Reliable: It has been found to have low maintenance costs and good reliability compared to other vehicles in its class. 
• Good fuel economy: It can achieve good fuel economy, particularly on the highway, with an average of 28-32 mpg depending on speed. 

Cons of using the GR86 as a daily driver

• Limited cargo space: The trunk has very little space, so it's not ideal for hauling large items. 
• Uncomfortable ride in cold weather: The ride can be stiff in colder temperatures, and some parts like the gas cap can freeze. 
• Requires premium fuel: The GR86 requires premium fuel, which will increase running costs. 
• Loud cabin: Road and engine noise can be significant, especially at highway speeds. 
• Small size: The car is low to the ground and can be difficult to see in traffic, which is a safety concern. 
• Manual transmission may be difficult for some: The manual transmission can be annoying in heavy stop-and-go city traffic. 

Who should and shouldn't daily drive a GR86

• Who should: Single people or those who don't need to transport more than one passenger frequently, and who are willing to accept the trade-offs for a fun driving experience. 
• Who shouldn't: People who regularly need to carry more than one passenger, have a large amount of cargo to transport, or live in an area with poor road conditions or extreme cold.