What is the best Toyota for drifting?

The modern, most practical pick for drifting is the Toyota GR86/86 family (including the FR-S and BRZ siblings) because of its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive layout, and large aftermarket support. For purists, the AE86 Trueno/Levin remains the iconic benchmark, though it’s harder to source and maintain.

Drifting needs vary by budget, region, and goals. This article surveys current production and readily available used options, plus timeless classics and swap-friendly platforms, to help readers identify a path that fits their skills and wallet.

Modern Toyota drift platforms you can buy today

These modern options are widely available on the used market or as current models and are popular for drifting due to balance, maintenance costs, and aftermarket support.

• GR86 / 86 / BRZ family — the most accessible entry point for drifting today: light, rear-wheel drive, strong aftermarket support, and tunable power for beginner and intermediate drivers.


• Supra (A90) and, earlier, A80 Supra — high power and robust platforms that drift well with proper setup; they require a bigger budget and careful maintenance but are proven contenders in the scene.


• JZX-based chassis (Chaser, Mark II, Cresta) — rear-wheel drive layouts with 1JZ/2JZ options; popular for high-horsepower builds and swaps in many markets, though availability varies by region.


• AE86 (Sprinter Trueno/Levin) — classic lightweight platform with iconic status; extremely popular in grassroots drifting but now relatively scarce and pricey in good condition.


• MR2 (SW20) — mid-engine, rear-drive option offering distinctive balance; less common in drift circles but still used by enthusiasts who value unique handling characteristics.

In short, modern drift entries tend to favor the GR86/86 family for value and accessibility, while the A80/A90 Supras and JZX models offer more power for experienced drifters. The AE86 remains the aspirational icon that shapes the culture surrounding Toyota drift cars.

Iconic classics that shaped drifting in Toyota land

Beyond the modern lineup, these classic Toyota models are legendary in drift circles and continue to influence builds, competitions, and street scenes worldwide.

• AE86 Sprinter Trueno / Levin — the quintessential lightweight, rear-wheel-drive drift machine with a long aftermarket culture and a deep tuning heritage.


• Chaser / JZX100 — a rear-wheel-drive sedan with strong engines and solid chassis; a staple for high-power drift builds in many regions.


• Mark II / Cresta / JZX90 — comfortable, powerful platforms favored for long events and high-speed drifts, often equipped with 1JZ/2JZ engines.


• Soarer (Lexus SC) — luxury coupe variants that accommodate big engines and swaps; used in drift builds where donor reliability and space matter.


• MR2 (SW20) — mid-engine, rear-drive stereotype with distinctive handling; valued in niche drift circles for its balance and challenge.

These classics remain highly desired by enthusiasts, but they require careful sourcing, maintenance, and planning for parts and engines. They embody the heritage of Toyota’s drift culture while offering unique handling characteristics compared with modern platform cars.

Key considerations when choosing a drift Toyota

Selecting the right Toyota for drifting hinges on several practical factors. Here are the points drift enthusiasts weigh most carefully:

• Drivetrain and handling: rear-wheel drive is essential for traditional drifting; verify the availability of compatible diffs, suspension, and alignment options.


• Power potential and reliability: consider whether you want a capable stock package (like the GR86/BRZ) or a platform that accepts big-torque swaps (like JZX/Soarer/Supra).


• Parts availability and cost: newer models have broad aftermarket support, while classics may require more effort to source and swap in parts.


• Maintenance and ownership costs: plan for tires, fluids, safety equipment, and potential engine/transmission work, especially on higher-mileage or swapped builds.

Choosing a car with solid aftermarket support, regional parts availability, and a clear plan for maintenance will make the journey into drifting more sustainable and enjoyable.

Summary

There is no single universal “best” Toyota for drifting; the ideal car depends on your budget, goals, and willingness to maintain and modify. For most beginners and hobbyists, the GR86/86 family offers the most accessible path with proven handling and broad support. For fans of Toyota’s heritage, the AE86 remains the aspirational icon, while seasoned drifters lean toward high-power platforms like the A80/A90 Supra or JZX chassis for competitive builds. Across eras, Toyota’s drifting identity centers on rear-wheel-drive balance, tunability, and a strong community around these popular platforms.

What is a good first drift car?

The best beginner drift cars are typically rear-wheel-drive platforms like the Nissan 240SX (S-chassis), BMW 3 Series (E36, E46), and Nissan 350Z due to their affordability, large aftermarket support, and balanced chassis. Other excellent and often more budget-friendly options include the lightweight Mazda MX-5 Miata and the reliable Lexus IS300.
 
This video ranks the best beginner drift cars: 1mSpeeedYouTube · Sep 25, 2025
Top recommendations

• Nissan 240SX (S-chassis): A legendary choice for beginners, known for its huge aftermarket, ease of modification, and availability of parts. 
• BMW 3 Series (E36, E46): Offers a balanced chassis, strong inline-six engines, and a wide range of aftermarket parts, making it affordable and easy to work on. 
• Nissan 350Z: Comes with a powerful V6 engine that makes drifting easy, great suspension, and a large selection of aftermarket parts, including angle kits. 
• Mazda MX-5 Miata: An excellent car for learning car control due to its lightweight, nimble chassis. It's affordable, and the aftermarket is strong, but a roll bar is often necessary for safety. 
• Lexus IS300: A reliable and affordable sedan with a 2JZ engine, making it a great and dependable option for both daily driving and drifting. 

Other considerations

• Ford Mustang (Foxbody, SN95): An affordable V8 platform with plenty of torque to initiate slides, though it may require upgrades for better steering angle. 
• Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis: An often-overlooked budget-friendly option that uses a robust V8 and is common in the used market. 
• Infiniti G35: Shares many parts with the 350Z but offers a more comfortable sedan or coupe body style. 
• Toyota Corolla AE86: While an icon, it can be expensive and harder to find in good condition. It's a great car, but there are many other more affordable options available. 

Which car is best for drifting?

The best drift cars include the Nissan 240SX, BMW E36, and Nissan 350Z, which are popular for their balance, affordability, and strong aftermarket support. Other top choices are the Toyota AE86, Mazda RX-7, and Ford Mustang, particularly for those on a budget or seeking more power. 
This video discusses the best drift cars for beginners: 59sSpeeedYouTube · Sep 25, 2025
Popular choices and why they are good

• Nissan 240SX: A classic drift car with a large aftermarket support base. 
• BMW E36: Praised for its chassis balance, affordability, and extensive parts availability, making it a favorite for many. 
• Nissan 350Z: Known for its V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, and a huge aftermarket, making it a great starting point for drifting. 
• Toyota AE86: A legendary drift car, especially valued for its lightweight chassis and balance. 
• Mazda RX-7: Often cited for its near-perfect weight distribution, which makes it agile and easy to initiate drifts. 
• Ford Mustang: Options like the Fox-body or SN95 models are popular for their V8 engines, rear-wheel drive, and power potential. 

Beginner-friendly and budget options

• BMW E36: Still considered one of the best and most affordable starting points for beginners. 
• Mazda Miata: A great and affordable option, especially for learning the basics due to its small size. 
• Nissan 350Z: Available in a wide price range on the used market, and its massive aftermarket support makes it easy to build. 
• Lexus IS300: A rear-wheel drive sedan with a strong aftermarket and reliable engine, making it a solid and potentially cheap drift platform. 

Performance-oriented options

• Toyota Supra: A high-performance icon with a robust aftermarket, although often more expensive than other options. 
• Nissan Silvia S15: This chassis has won more championships worldwide than any other, demonstrating its competitive edge. 
• Ford Mustang GT: Newer models offer more factory power and modern handling for those looking for a higher-performance drift car. 
• Modern performance cars: Cars like the Ford Focus RS, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and BMW M2 are also capable drift cars, though typically at a higher price point. 

What is the famous Toyota drifting car?

Toyota AE86 Spinter Trueno
World renowned drift king, Keiichi Tsuchiya uses this car to drift and the Initial D series and comics also feature this model as the main car for its lead character Takumi Fujiwara.

Which car is the king of drift?

Nissan 350Z – The Modern Rival
With its robust VQ35DE engine and rear-wheel drive setup, the 350Z has become increasingly popular in the drift scene. It's known for its excellent handling and balanced chassis, making it a great car for both newcomers and seasoned drifters.