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How big is a GR86 trunk?

The trunk behind the GR86’s rear seats is fairly compact, reflecting its sports-car design. It typically holds about 4.9 cubic feet (139 liters) of cargo, and with the rear seats folded you can boost usable space to roughly 7–8 cubic feet (198–226 liters).


Understanding the space in context


The Toyota GR86 is a two-door sports coupe with 2+2 seating, prioritizing handling and cabin livability over cavernous cargo. The trunk area is designed for daily errands and light travel rather than full-size luggage hauls. The following figures reflect recent model years (roughly 2021–2024) and can vary slightly by year, trim, and whether a spare tire or sealant kit is included.


Before exploring the specifics, note that cargo space is measured behind the rear seats. When you fold those seats, the usable area expands, but the opening and floor height can limit how you load larger items.



  • Behind-the-rear-seats cargo capacity: about 4.9 cubic feet (139 liters).

  • Rear-seat folding expansion: roughly 7–8 cubic feet (198–226 liters) of total cargo space when seats are down.

  • Practical loading note: the trunk opening is relatively narrow, so bulky items may be challenging to fit even when the seats are folded.


Conclusion: For everyday use, the GR86 trunk is adequate for groceries, a couple of carry-on bags, or a weekend bag, but it isn’t designed for large suitcases or substantial cargo. If you routinely haul big items, you’ll likely need alternative transport or roof storage solutions.


Practical packing tips


To maximize the trunk’s usefulness, consider smart packing and loading strategies tailored to a compact cargo area. Use soft-sided bags that compress well, place heavier items lower and toward the floor, and fold rear seats when you need extra length for longer items like sports gear or a burst of luggage space.


Load strategies and limitations


Place items in a stable stack, avoid overfilling, and be mindful of the trunk’s depth and opening size. If you anticipate frequent larger loads, plan ahead with a roof rack or a different vehicle for those trips.


Comparisons and context


Compared with some rivals in the same class, the GR86’s trunk remains on the smaller end of practical cargo spaces for daily use. The Subaru BRZ, a partner model with a similar platform, offers a comparable trunk footprint. Sports convertibles or higher-performance coupes typically trade cargo volume for performance and chassis balance.


Summary


In short, the GR86’s trunk behind the rear seats is about 4.9 cubic feet, with a best-case expansion to around 7–8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. It’s adequate for city errands and weekend trips with light luggage, but not a substitute for a larger cargo sedan or SUV. For anyone who needs more cargo flexibility, consider packing strategies, roof storage, or a different vehicle for longer trips.

Can people fit in the back of a GR86?


The rear seats are very cramped though, and even small children are likely to find them too confining. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard. Available upgrades include leather upholstery and heated front seats.



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. 



How big is the trunk of the GR86?


The Toyota GR86 has a trunk size of 6.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, which is enough for a carry-on and groceries. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands significantly, allowing items like two golf bags, a spare set of tires, or other large items to fit.
 
This video demonstrates the trunk space of the Toyota GR86 and its ability to fit golf clubs: 1mTop Gear PhilippinesYouTube · Aug 14, 2025
With the rear seats up

  • Capacity: 6.3 cubic feet 
  • Usability: Sufficient for small items like a carry-on bag, groceries, or a backpack 
  • Note: The trunk opening is not very large, and the trunk itself is not very tall, which can make loading certain items difficult. 

With the rear seats down
  • Capacity: Significantly larger, though the exact volume is not specified 
  • Usability: Can fit much larger and longer items 
  • Examples:
    • Two golf bags 
    • An extra set of wheels and tires 
    • Multiple guitar cases 
    • Other large objects like an amp 



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. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.