What kind of car is Toyota gr86?

The Toyota GR86 is a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car designed for driver engagement; a two-door coupe that sits at the entry level of Toyota’s GR performance lineup, developed with Subaru as the successor to the Toyota 86 (formerly the Scion FR-S).

Overview

The GR86 is categorized as a small, lightweight sports car that emphasizes handling, balance, and driving feel over sheer power. It seats two in front with modest rear seating and cargo space, and it’s built to deliver a connected, tactile driving experience rather than luxury appointments.

Origins and engineering partnership

The GR86 is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, sharing the platform and aims of the former Toyota 86/Scion FR-S. The Gazoo Racing (GR) badge marks Toyota’s performance-focused development philosophy, while Subaru’s involvement provides the horizontal boxer-engine architecture and collaborative engineering. The car is the spiritual successor to the previous 86 model, continuing the tradition of approachable, driver-focused sportiness.

Performance and specifications

Here are the defining technical details that shape the GR86’s on-road character.

• Engine: 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder (FA24) delivering about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.


• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with a track-focused chassis balance and a limited-slip differential on most configurations.


• Transmission: Six-speed manual is standard; a six-speed automatic is available as an option.


• Weight and footprint: A relatively light, compact two-door coupe designed for agile handling (roughly in the 2,800-pound range, depending on trim).


• Performance figures: 0–60 mph typically around 6.0–6.5 seconds, varying by transmission and trim; top speed is electronically limited but suitable for street and casual track use.


• Efficiency: Fuel economy generally in the low- to mid-20s mpg range, depending on configuration and driving conditions.

These specifications underline the GR86’s focus on driver involvement, with modest power paired to a light, balanced chassis for real-world agility.

Ownership and market positioning

The GR86 sits at the affordable end of Toyota’s performance spectrum, aimed at enthusiasts who want a pure, engaging drive without the higher price tag or raw power of many other sports cars. Availability has included both manual and automatic transmissions, with pricing typically starting in the low to mid-$20,000s at launch and moving upward with options and trims. Toyota has kept the model largely consistent in concept across model years, emphasizing a straightforward, no-nonsense sports car experience rather than high luxury or extreme speed.

Pros and cons

Below is a concise look at what buyers commonly weigh when considering the GR86.

• Pros: Exceptional driving engagement, lightweight and balanced handling, manual transmission option, approachable price for a sports car, practical daily usability for a sport coupe.


• Cons: Limited rear-seat space and cargo room, interior materials and amenities are basic relative to more premium rivals, performance is strong but not class-leading in horsepower or straight-line speed.

Overall, the GR86 appeals most to purists who value chassis feel and driver connection over raw horsepower or luxury features.

Summary

The Toyota GR86 is a compact, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe built for enthusiasts who want a lively, responsive driving experience without the higher cost of more power-focused rivals. Born from a close partnership with Subaru and wearing Toyota’s GR performance badge, it emphasizes light weight, balanced handling, and a available manual transmission to deliver engaging, everyday usability rather than ultimate speed. For buyers seeking an accessible entry into genuine sports-car dynamics, the GR86 stands out in its class.

Is a GR86 a good daily car?

Yes, the GR86 can be a good daily driver for those who prioritize a fun driving experience and have practical needs that align with its smaller size and coupe design. It is agile, comfortable for two people, and has good visibility, but its small trunk, stiff ride in cold weather, and need for premium fuel are downsides to consider. 
Pros of using the GR86 as a daily driver

• Fun and engaging: Many owners find it enjoyable to drive even at lower speeds, making everyday commutes more exciting. 
• Agile and easy to handle: Its light weight and responsive steering make it easy to maneuver in traffic or tight spots. 
• Comfortable for two: The front seats are comfortable, and the car is capable for long trips, as long as you only need to carry one passenger. 
• Good visibility: The car offers good visibility, especially forward and to the sides, which helps with positioning in traffic. 
• Reliable: It has been found to have low maintenance costs and good reliability compared to other vehicles in its class. 
• Good fuel economy: It can achieve good fuel economy, particularly on the highway, with an average of 28-32 mpg depending on speed. 

Cons of using the GR86 as a daily driver

• Limited cargo space: The trunk has very little space, so it's not ideal for hauling large items. 
• Uncomfortable ride in cold weather: The ride can be stiff in colder temperatures, and some parts like the gas cap can freeze. 
• Requires premium fuel: The GR86 requires premium fuel, which will increase running costs. 
• Loud cabin: Road and engine noise can be significant, especially at highway speeds. 
• Small size: The car is low to the ground and can be difficult to see in traffic, which is a safety concern. 
• Manual transmission may be difficult for some: The manual transmission can be annoying in heavy stop-and-go city traffic. 

Who should and shouldn't daily drive a GR86

• Who should: Single people or those who don't need to transport more than one passenger frequently, and who are willing to accept the trade-offs for a fun driving experience. 
• Who shouldn't: People who regularly need to carry more than one passenger, have a large amount of cargo to transport, or live in an area with poor road conditions or extreme cold. 

How expensive is a GR86?

The 2025 GR86 has a starting MSRP $30,000. The price depends upon the trim. For instance, the GR86 Premium comes with a Base MSRP of $32,600 and GR86 Hakone Edition is at a Base MSRP of $35,270.

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 type of car is a Toyota GR86?

Sports car
Toyota 86

Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ
Class	Sports car (S)
Body style	2-door fastback coupé
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive