Is the Toyota 86 automatic?
Yes—the Toyota 86 is offered with an automatic transmission in many markets, alongside its widely acclaimed manual option.
Transmission options by generation and market
From its debut in 2012 through the current GR86, Toyota has offered two main transmission choices: a manual and an automatic. The first-generation model offered both options; the second-generation GR86 retains the same pairing with updated tuning.
- First generation (2012–2020): 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
- Second generation GR86 (2022–present): 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions, with the automatic tuned for quicker shifts and paddle control.
- Market availability: In most regions, both transmissions are available across trims, though exact configurations can vary by country.
In short, both transmission types have been offered throughout the 86’s lifecycle, and the current GR86 continues that dual-setup.
Performance and driving experience with the automatic
Choosing the automatic changes how the car delivers performance in everyday use and on spirited drives. The automatic is a traditional six-speed unit paired with paddle shifters and a sport mode to mimic manual control when desired.
Driving characteristics with the auto
The automatic typically provides easier city driving and smoother shifts, while still offering a sporty feel via steering-wheel paddles and a sport mode. It may be a touch slower to 60 mph than the manual due to the auto’s gearing and torque-converter design, but modern automatics are responsive and well-matched to the 2.0/2.4-liter flat-four.
Before listing pros and cons, here's a quick summary of trade-offs.
- Pros: Convenience in daily driving, smoother and more consistent gear changes, paddle-shift control, available on most trims.
- Cons: Usually a small penalty to straight-line acceleration time, slightly reduced driver engagement for some enthusiasts, and in some markets a higher price for the auto-equipped variant.
- Notes on gear ratios: The GR86's automatic uses a conventional six-speed torque-converter box, tuned to balance smooth shifts with quick responses while preserving rev matching when using the manual shift mode.
In sum, the automatic version offers practical benefits without sacrificing the car’s engaging character, making it a solid choice for buyers who prefer ease of use alongside sportiness.
Which should you choose?
Choosing between the manual and automatic depends on priorities. If you value a hands-on driving experience, a manual offers more control and potentially quicker, more engaging shifts. If convenience, traffic-friendly commuting, and consistent performance matter more, the automatic is a solid option.
Summary
The Toyota 86 is indeed available with an automatic transmission, along with its popular manual option. Across both generations—the original 86 and the current GR86—the car has consistently offered a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, with the automatic featuring paddle shifters and a sport mode for balanced performance. For buyers seeking convenience or a more engaged driving experience, both choices are supported in most markets.
Is the Toyota 86 manual or auto?
Stylish, functional design for enhanced aerodynamic performance. 6-speed manual or automatic transmission with paddle shift.
Are all Toyota GR 86 manual?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota GR86 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Do brz come in automatic?
Yes, the Subaru BRZ comes with an available six-speed automatic transmission. This automatic is available on the standard BRZ models and includes paddle shifters for a more manual-like control. It is a re-engineered, quick-shifting automatic transmission that provides the convenience of an automatic for daily driving while still offering performance control when desired, as noted in this YouTube video and this YouTube video.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Subaru BRZ's automatic transmission with paddle shifters: 58sViews on VehiclesYouTube · Jun 10, 2022
- Transmission type: Six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
- Control: Offers a choice between automatic convenience and manual-style control through the paddle shifters.
- Availability: Available on standard BRZ models, but not on the tS trim, which is manual-only.
Is there an automatic Toyota 86?
Yes, the Toyota GR86 is available with an automatic transmission, which is a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. It is offered as an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual transmission and is designed to make daily driving easier.
This video discusses the pros and cons of the automatic GR86: 43sAR12GamingYouTube · Jun 30, 2024
- Transmission: Both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters are available.
- Daily driving: The automatic transmission makes driving in stop-and-go traffic easier and reduces fatigue.
- Performance: The automatic uses a traditional torque converter, but its software is engineered to be responsive, especially when using the paddle shifters in Sport mode.
- User experience: While the automatic is a viable option for those who cannot or do not want a manual, some reviewers find the paddle shifters less responsive for spirited driving compared to a manual transmission.
This video shows what it's like to use the automatic transmission for daily driving: 1mMilesPerHrYouTube · Mar 2, 2025
