Is the GR86 AWD or RWD?
The GR86 is rear-wheel drive (RWD). There is no all-wheel-drive (AWD) option in the current GR86 lineup, with Toyota focusing on a pure rear-drive sports car experience.
Drivetrain and performance
To understand what the GR86 offers, consider its drivetrain as the core of its character: a lightweight, rear-drive chassis designed for balance and responsive handling rather than all-terrain traction.
Key drivetrain details include:
- Drivetrain layout: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- Engine: 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder (boxer) engine
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Intended driving experience: Emphasizes cornering feel and driver engagement over all-wheel traction
With RWD at its core and two transmission choices, the GR86 centers on traditional sports-car dynamics rather than weather-friendly all-wheel traction.
Market positioning and availability
In its current generation, the GR86 remains a rear-drive coupe in major markets including North America, Europe, and Asia. Toyota has not announced or released an AWD GR86 variant, and its Subaru BRZ counterpart mirrors this rear-drive layout as well. The decision aligns the model with enthusiasts who prize balance, steering feedback, and a more connected driving experience over enhanced traction in low-grip conditions.
What this means for buyers
For buyers who require all-wheel traction, the GR86 does not fit the bill. If AWD capability is non-negotiable, shoppers may need to consider other models from Toyota or alternative brands that offer AWD sports cars, or rely on winter tires and careful driving in poor conditions when choosing a GR86.
Summary
The GR86 is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, not an all-wheel-drive vehicle. With a 2.4-liter flat-four engine and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, it prioritizes driver engagement and handling over AWD practicality. As of the latest information, Toyota has not introduced an AWD GR86 variant.
Is the GR86 good for snow?
Very capable snow performance with Proper Winter Tires ❄️ These cars are incredibly capable on snow & ice, provided they have proper winter tires. The limited-slip differential plays a huge role in winter performance.
Does the Toyota 86 have AWD?
No, the standard Toyota 86 is not an AWD (all-wheel drive) vehicle; it is a rear-wheel drive (RWD) sports car. The GR86's design is centered around its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout to provide a pure and balanced sports car experience.
- Drivetrain: The Toyota 86 is built with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration.
- Design philosophy: The RWD layout is a core part of the car's design, contributing to its balanced handling and performance.
- AWD versions: While the standard models are RWD, Toyota has showcased one-off concept or special project vehicles that are AWD, such as the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, but these are not available for consumer purchase.
Is the GR86 RWD or AWD?
Rear-Wheel Drive
Includes GR86 features and adds: 26/20 MPG. 2.4L 4-cylinder boxer engine. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
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.
