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What body type is Toyota 86?

The Toyota 86 is a two‑door, rear‑wheel‑drive sports coupe with seating for four in a 2+2 arrangement.



Core body-style attributes


The following list highlights the essential body-type characteristics that define the Toyota 86.



  • Body style: 2‑door coupe (two-door configuration with a conventional trunk rather than a hatchback).

  • Seating: 2+2 arrangement, with two small rear seats suitable for short trips or additional storage in a pinch.

  • Drive layout: Front‑engine, rear‑wheel drive (FR), chosen to emphasize handling balance and driving engagement.

  • Profile: Low, sporty roofline and compact dimensions designed for agility and driver visibility.

  • Market positioning: Compact, affordable performance coupe aimed at enthusiasts rather than a family sedan.


These attributes collectively establish the Toyota 86 as a two‑door sports coupe rather than a four‑door sedan or a hatchback, emphasizing driver involvement and chassis balance over back-seat space.


Current generation and naming


The modern iteration is marketed as the GR86 in most regions, reflecting Toyota’s Gazoo Racing branding. It is the successor to the original Toyota 86/GT86 and continues to be a 2‑door, 2+2 rear‑drive sports coupe shared with its Subaru BRZ counterpart.



  • Name: GR86 (2022–present in many markets; successor to the GT86/86).

  • Platform: Shared with Subaru BRZ, reinforcing its FR sports‑car character.

  • Seating/doors: Still a 2‑door coupe with limited rear seating, preserving the 2+2 concept.


The GR86 retains the core body-type identity of a small, front‑engine, rear‑drive sports coupe, even as styling and tech evolve across generations.


Where it fits in the automotive landscape


In the broader market, the Toyota 86/GR86 sits among affordable, enthusiast‑friendly sports cars. It competes with other light, rear‑drive coupes and roadsters, prioritizing driver engagement, lightweight construction, and balanced handling over raw horsepower or interior space.


Design and engineering notes


Design choices—such as a low beltline, compact footprint, and a chassis tuned for nimble handling—underscore its body-type classification as a compact sports coupe. While it emphasizes performance over practicality, its 2+2 seating and trunk space aim to provide usable everyday practicality for a sports car.


Summary


The Toyota 86 is a quintessential compact sports coupe: a two‑door, rear‑wheel‑drive vehicle with a 2+2 seating arrangement, marketed most recently as the GR86. Built to deliver engaging handling and light, athletic dynamics, it remains distinct from sedans and larger four‑door coupes while sharing a platform with the Subaru BRZ. Its body style and design philosophy are centered on driving involvement, balance, and everyday usability for a performance‑oriented audience.

Is the Toyota 86 considered JDM?


The Toyota GT86, also known as the Subaru BRZ, has gained immense popularity among car enthusiasts, particularly in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) community.



Is the Toyota 86 considered a sports car?


Introduced in 2022, the GR86 began as a Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) project. As a sports car designed by track racers, it offers not only top-notch speed and acceleration but a stable and precise driving experience.



What body type is a Toyota 86?


Developed purely to deliver Raw Driving® pleasure, the 86 allowed drivers to enjoy every twist and turn of the road. Its enduring appeal came down to its design and performance: a fastback coupe body paired with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.



What type of car is a GR86?


sports car
Discover the exhilarating new 2024 Toyota GR86! Immerse yourself in the striking sports car design and high-performance features of this dynamic and powerful vehicle.


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.