What is the ground clearance of the 86?
The ground clearance of the Toyota 86 family, including the GR86 and its predecessors, is typically around five inches, with slight variation by model year and wheel/tire configuration.
Overview: what ground clearance means for the 86
Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest point of the car's underbody and the road. For a lightweight sports coupe like the 86, a low clearance helps with handling and aerodynamics but can affect practicality on rough roads or steep driveways.
Key factors that influence measurement
Vehicle height can shift slightly depending on suspension setup, wheel size, tire profile, and any optional aero or performance packages. Measurements can also vary by market and by how the manufacturer defines "curb weight" versus "ride height."
Ground clearance figures by model year and package
Before listing typical figures, note that exact numbers can vary by market, trim, and wheel/tire choice. The following are representative values for common configurations.
- GR86 (2022–present): approximately 4.9 inches (125 mm) of ground clearance with standard wheels and tires. Some sources and markets may show a very slight variation around 5.0 inches depending on measurement method.
- Toyota 86 / GT86 (2012–2021, prior generations): generally around 4.9–5.0 inches (125–127 mm) on most trims with standard wheels; aero packages or larger wheels can slightly affect clearance.
These figures are typical for models sold with the common wheel/tire packages in many regions. Always check your specific trim’s official brochure or the dealer’s spec sheet for the exact figure.
What can change the clearance in practice
Factors that can influence the actual ride height
The following elements can push the measured ground clearance up or down by a small amount:
- Wheel and tire size: larger wheels or lower-profile tires can decrease clearance slightly, while smaller wheels can increase it a touch.
- Suspension setup: sport-tuned or lowered suspensions reduce ride height, while adaptive or non-sport setups may sit a bit higher.
- Aero/appearance packages: front splitters, side skirts, or rear diffusers can visually influence the perceived clearance and, in some cases, the actual underneath clearance.
- Loading conditions and fuel level: heavy payload or near-empty fuel can marginally affect ride height on some suspensions.
In short, while the baseline clearance is around 4.9 inches, your actual clearance can vary by a few millimeters depending on how the car is equipped and loaded.
Why ground clearance matters for the 86
A low stance benefits aerodynamics and cornering grip, which aligns with the 86’s design philosophy as a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. However, that same low clearance can pose challenges on steep driveways, speed bumps, or uneven roads, so owners often plan routing and parking accordingly.
Summary
For the Toyota 86 family, including the GR86, the typical ground clearance is about 4.9 inches (125 mm), with minor variations based on model year, trim, wheel size, and suspension setup. When shopping for an 86, verify the exact spec for your preferred configuration, and consider how your local road conditions might interact with that low stance.
