Is the GR86 good on gas?
The GR86 is fairly efficient for a modern sports car, especially on highway driving. Official EPA ratings place the manual at 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined and the automatic at 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined, with real-world highway numbers often in the upper 20s to low 30s when driven calmly.
EPA fuel economy numbers
By transmission
The following EPA figures reflect the 2.4-liter FA24 engine introduced in 2022 and carried into subsequent years. They are mpg ratings under standard testing conditions.
- Manual transmission (6-speed): 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined.
- Automatic transmission (6-speed automatic): 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.
Conclusion: The automatic version generally edges out the manual in highway and overall combined mpg by a small margin, while both configurations sit in the low- to mid-20s combined range.
Real-world performance and efficiency tips
What drivers actually experience and how to improve mpg
Real-world mpg depends on driving style, terrain, temperature, and load. EPA numbers provide a baseline, but your results may vary.
- Typical city or mixed driving: roughly 22–26 mpg for most GR86 drivers, regardless of transmission.
- Highway cruising: maintaining steady speeds around 60–65 mph can yield upper 20s to low 30s mpg (roughly 28–32 mpg).
- Factors that typically reduce mpg: aggressive acceleration, heavy throttle use, driving at high speeds, cold starts, and carrying extra weight.
Conclusion: The GR86 offers better-than-average fuel economy for a sport coupe, particularly on highways, but it isn't a dedicated fuel-sipper. Real-world mpg will depend on how you drive.
Summary
Overall, the GR86 balances performance and efficiency for a compact sport car. Its EPA ratings place it in the low 20s mpg combined with the manual and just over 23 mpg with the automatic, while highway figures lean toward the upper 20s to low 30s when driven with a light touch. If fuel economy is a priority, plan for conservative driving to maximize efficiency, but expect the thrill of a responsive 2.4-liter boxer engine to influence the fuel costs.
