What is the gear ratio of the GR86?

The GR86’s gear ratios depend on which transmission you choose. For the manual 6-speed version, the car uses a final-drive ratio of about 4.30:1 with specific gear ratios ranging roughly from 3.54 to 0.70 across the six forward gears. Automatic variants use a different, less-publicized gearing setup.

Understanding these numbers helps explain how the GR86 behaves at different speeds: how loudly the engine revs in each gear, how hard you must push the accelerator for quick acceleration, and what RPM you’ll see on the highway. Below is a breakdown of the manual transmission figures most commonly cited for recent GR86 models, followed by notes on the automatic version.

Transmission configurations

The following figures represent the manual transmission of the GR86 and are representative of 2022–2024 models. Values can vary slightly by market or production year, but the layout remains the same.

• Final drive ratio: 4.30:1


• 1st gear: 3.538


• 2nd gear: 2.106


• 3rd gear: 1.360


• 4th gear: 1.000


• 5th gear: 0.834


• 6th gear: 0.702

These ratios give a strong launch in first gear, a closely spaced mid-range for responsive acceleration, and a tall sixth gear for relaxed highway cruising. If you’re tracking fuel economy or engine speed, these numbers translate directly into your engine RPM at any given road speed.

Automatic transmission

Toyota does not widely publish the exact individual gear ratios for the GR86’s automatic (torque-converter) transmission. The automatic variant uses a different gearing scheme and tuning from the manual to suit smooth shifting and fuel economy, and final drive figures may differ by market or model year. For precise numbers, consult the official GR86 specification sheet or your dealership’s technical documentation.

Driving implications and how to read the ratios

Gear ratios determine how fast the engine must spin to reach a given road speed in each gear. A lower 1st gear (numerically higher) provides quicker off-the-line acceleration but higher engine revs at highway speeds, while a taller 6th gear keeps engine rpm low at speed for efficiency and quiet cruising. The final-drive ratio also influences acceleration feel and moment-to-moment power delivery, tying the engine’s torque curve to the wheels.

Summary

The GR86’s gear ratios vary by transmission, with the manual 6-speed configuration typically featuring a 4.30:1 final drive and forward-gear ratios roughly spanning 3.538, 2.106, 1.360, 1.000, 0.834, and 0.702. These numbers shape how the car accelerates, revs, and cruises. Automatic versions use a different, less-documented gearing setup. For exact figures, especially for a specific model year or market, refer to Toyota’s official GR86 specifications or the dealership’s technical documentation.

What is the rear gear ratio of the GR86?

2022 - 2022 Toyota GR86 Rear Differential Carrier Assembly 4.10 Ratio 2.4L MT RWD. This rear differential carrier assembly with a 4.10 gear ratio is a perfect fit for your 2022 Toyota GR86 or 17-20 Toyota 86.

What is a 3.73 gear ratio good for?

A 3.73 gear ratio is a good all-around choice for improving a vehicle's acceleration and towing performance without sacrificing too much highway drivability. It's considered a balance between gears focused on maximum fuel economy (lower numbers, like 3.55) and gears optimized purely for quick acceleration (higher numbers, like 4.10).
 
What a 3.73 gear ratio is good for

• Better acceleration: It provides more torque to the wheels, resulting in quicker off-the-line performance and a more responsive feel. 
• Improved towing: The extra torque makes it easier to tow heavier loads, as the engine doesn't have to work as hard. 
• Compensation for larger tires: It can help a vehicle with larger tires regain lost performance and acceleration. 
• Good for street/strip use: It offers a good compromise for performance applications like street trucks or drag strip use. 

What a 3.73 gear ratio sacrifices

• Fuel economy: The engine will have to spin at a higher RPM to maintain the same speed as a vehicle with lower gears, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
• Top-end speed: It can result in a lower top-end speed compared to higher gears because the engine will reach its redline at a lower vehicle speed. 

How it compares to other ratios

• vs. 3.55: A 3.73 ratio offers better acceleration and towing than a 3.55. A 3.55 is generally better for highway cruising and fuel economy. 
• vs. 4.10: A 4.10 ratio provides even quicker acceleration and more torque but at the cost of higher RPMs at highway speeds and reduced fuel economy. A 3.73 is often preferred for better highway comfort. 

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. 

What is the final drive ratio of the Toyota 86?

The final drive ratio was changed from 4.10 to 4.30.