Introduction
The Toyota GR86 has long been celebrated as one of the most engaging and affordable sports cars on the market. With a focus on rear-wheel-drive dynamics, lightweight construction, and a naturally aspirated engine, it appeals to driving enthusiasts who crave a pure connection to the road.
The 2023 model builds on the legacy of the first generation by offering improved engine performance, enhanced comfort, modern technology, and safety features. Sharing a platform with the Subaru BRZ, the GR86 maintains its reputation for agility and fun, while offering a slightly sportier experience tailored to Toyota’s design philosophy.
In this in-depth review, we explore the engine, performance, interior, fuel efficiency, safety, and ownership benefits of the 2023 Toyota GR86. By the end, readers will understand why it’s one of the most compelling options in the affordable sports coupe segment.
The Toyota GR86 has long been celebrated as one of the most engaging and affordable sports cars on the market. With a focus on rear-wheel-drive dynamics, lightweight construction, and a naturally aspirated engine, it appeals to driving enthusiasts who crave a pure connection to the road.
The 2023 model builds on the legacy of the first generation by offering improved engine performance, enhanced comfort, modern technology, and safety features. Sharing a platform with the Subaru BRZ, the GR86 maintains its reputation for agility and fun, while offering a slightly sportier experience tailored to Toyota’s design philosophy.
In this in-depth review, we explore the engine, performance, interior, fuel efficiency, safety, and ownership benefits of the 2023 Toyota GR86. By the end, readers will understand why it’s one of the most compelling options in the affordable sports coupe segment.
Engine, Performance, and Transmission
The heart of the 2023 GR86 is its 2.4-liter flat-four “boxer” engine, capable of producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This represents a notable upgrade over the previous generation, providing quicker acceleration, improved throttle response, and an overall more engaging driving experience.
The heart of the 2023 GR86 is its 2.4-liter flat-four “boxer” engine, capable of producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This represents a notable upgrade over the previous generation, providing quicker acceleration, improved throttle response, and an overall more engaging driving experience.
Transmission Options
The 2023 GR86 offers two transmission choices:
- 6-speed manual: Perfect for enthusiasts who want a direct, tactile connection to the car. Gear shifts are precise, and the clutch provides excellent feedback.
- 6-speed automatic: Features Dynamic Rev Management, which smooths shifts and slightly enhances fuel economy, making it better suited for daily driving.
The 2023 GR86 offers two transmission choices:
- 6-speed manual: Perfect for enthusiasts who want a direct, tactile connection to the car. Gear shifts are precise, and the clutch provides excellent feedback.
- 6-speed automatic: Features Dynamic Rev Management, which smooths shifts and slightly enhances fuel economy, making it better suited for daily driving.
Driving Experience
The GR86’s rear-wheel-drive chassis and lightweight construction deliver exceptional handling. The car feels nimble around corners, with steering that is responsive and accurate. On twisty roads, the GR86 inspires confidence, while the suspension strikes a balance between sporty agility and everyday comfort.
Even during spirited driving, the GR86 remains composed, and the brakes provide strong, reliable stopping power. This combination of performance, precision, and fun makes it a standout in its class.
The GR86’s rear-wheel-drive chassis and lightweight construction deliver exceptional handling. The car feels nimble around corners, with steering that is responsive and accurate. On twisty roads, the GR86 inspires confidence, while the suspension strikes a balance between sporty agility and everyday comfort.
Even during spirited driving, the GR86 remains composed, and the brakes provide strong, reliable stopping power. This combination of performance, precision, and fun makes it a standout in its class.
Performance Specifications
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: ~5.8–6.1 seconds
- Top Speed: ~140 mph
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- 0–60 mph: ~5.8–6.1 seconds
- Top Speed: ~140 mph
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
GR86 Special Edition: What’s New for 2023
Toyota launched the GR86 Special Edition for 2023, providing both aesthetic upgrades and performance-focused enhancements. This limited-production model adds style and exclusivity, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors.
Toyota launched the GR86 Special Edition for 2023, providing both aesthetic upgrades and performance-focused enhancements. This limited-production model adds style and exclusivity, appealing to enthusiasts and collectors.
Exterior Features
- Unique paint option: Solar Shift Orange
- Matte-black 18-inch wheels
- Performance-oriented cat-back exhaust
- Special edition graphics and badging
- Unique paint option: Solar Shift Orange
- Matte-black 18-inch wheels
- Performance-oriented cat-back exhaust
- Special edition graphics and badging
Interior Upgrades
- Duckbill rear spoiler for aerodynamic styling
- Six-way adjustable heated front seats
- Upgraded eight-speaker audio system
With only 860 units produced, the GR86 Special Edition is a collector’s item while still delivering the core driving enjoyment of the standard GR86.
- Duckbill rear spoiler for aerodynamic styling
- Six-way adjustable heated front seats
- Upgraded eight-speaker audio system
With only 860 units produced, the GR86 Special Edition is a collector’s item while still delivering the core driving enjoyment of the standard GR86.
Interior, Comfort, and Practicality
Cabin Layout
- Driver-focused cockpit with intuitive controls
- Supportive front seats for comfort during spirited driving
- Rear seats suitable for small passengers or additional cargo
- Driver-focused cockpit with intuitive controls
- Supportive front seats for comfort during spirited driving
- Rear seats suitable for small passengers or additional cargo
Infotainment and Connectivity
- 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7.0-inch digital driver display for speed, G-force, and other driving metrics
- Premium audio system with eight speakers on higher trims
- Two USB ports and auxiliary input for additional devices
- SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial
The interior is practical for daily commuting while still offering the sporty feel that enthusiasts expect. Seat comfort has been improved for longer drives, although the suspension can feel firm over rough roads.
- 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7.0-inch digital driver display for speed, G-force, and other driving metrics
- Premium audio system with eight speakers on higher trims
- Two USB ports and auxiliary input for additional devices
- SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month trial
The interior is practical for daily commuting while still offering the sporty feel that enthusiasts expect. Seat comfort has been improved for longer drives, although the suspension can feel firm over rough roads.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Despite being a sports coupe, the GR86 provides reasonable fuel efficiency, thanks to its lightweight body and efficient engine.
- Automatic transmission: 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- Manual transmission: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Real-world tests suggest drivers may achieve up to 28 mpg on mixed driving routes. This makes the GR86 one of the more practical sports cars for daily use.
Despite being a sports coupe, the GR86 provides reasonable fuel efficiency, thanks to its lightweight body and efficient engine.
- Automatic transmission: 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- Manual transmission: 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Real-world tests suggest drivers may achieve up to 28 mpg on mixed driving routes. This makes the GR86 one of the more practical sports cars for daily use.
Safety Features
Toyota has upgraded the safety features in the 2023 GR86, particularly on models with the automatic transmission. Standard and optional safety technologies include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Automatic High-Beams
For detailed crash-test ratings, consult official sources such as IIHS and NHTSA.
Toyota has upgraded the safety features in the 2023 GR86, particularly on models with the automatic transmission. Standard and optional safety technologies include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Automatic High-Beams
For detailed crash-test ratings, consult official sources such as IIHS and NHTSA.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
The GR86 is designed for driving enthusiasts, offering a responsive and predictable handling experience.
- Front suspension: Double-wishbone for improved control
- Rear suspension: Multi-link for better stability and grip
- Balanced weight distribution enhances cornering performance
- Firm suspension improves steering precision
Whether on a track or a twisty backroad, the GR86 delivers a thrilling experience without compromising day-to-day usability.
The GR86 is designed for driving enthusiasts, offering a responsive and predictable handling experience.
- Front suspension: Double-wishbone for improved control
- Rear suspension: Multi-link for better stability and grip
- Balanced weight distribution enhances cornering performance
- Firm suspension improves steering precision
Whether on a track or a twisty backroad, the GR86 delivers a thrilling experience without compromising day-to-day usability.
Pricing and Trim Levels
- Base model: ~$28,000
- Premium trim: ~$31,000
- Special Edition: ~$34,000
Compared to competitors such as the Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Chevrolet Camaro, the GR86 provides excellent value, balancing performance, style, and features at a reasonable price.
- Base model: ~$28,000
- Premium trim: ~$31,000
- Special Edition: ~$34,000
Compared to competitors such as the Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Chevrolet Camaro, the GR86 provides excellent value, balancing performance, style, and features at a reasonable price.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Engaging driving experience
- Affordable sports coupe pricing
- Modern infotainment and tech features
- Upgraded engine performance
- Limited-edition model adds exclusivity
- Engaging driving experience
- Affordable sports coupe pricing
- Modern infotainment and tech features
- Upgraded engine performance
- Limited-edition model adds exclusivity
Cons
- Rear seats small and not suitable for adults
- Cabin noise can be noticeable
- Firm suspension may be uncomfortable on long drives
- Safety features limited to certain trims
- Rear seats small and not suitable for adults
- Cabin noise can be noticeable
- Firm suspension may be uncomfortable on long drives
- Safety features limited to certain trims
Comparisons: GR86 vs Competitors
GR86 vs Subaru BRZ
- Platform: Shared
- Performance: GR86 slightly more powerful
- Ride Comfort: BRZ slightly softer
- Interior: Similar, GR86 offers upgraded front seats
- Platform: Shared
- Performance: GR86 slightly more powerful
- Ride Comfort: BRZ slightly softer
- Interior: Similar, GR86 offers upgraded front seats
GR86 vs Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Seating: Miata is 2-seater; GR86 seats 4
- Weight: Miata slightly lighter
- Handling: Both are agile, GR86 offers more passenger space
- Seating: Miata is 2-seater; GR86 seats 4
- Weight: Miata slightly lighter
- Handling: Both are agile, GR86 offers more passenger space
GR86 vs Chevrolet Camaro
- Price: GR86 more affordable
- Handling: GR86 is lighter and more nimble
- Practicality: GR86 has rear seats, Camaro offers larger engines
- Price: GR86 more affordable
- Handling: GR86 is lighter and more nimble
- Practicality: GR86 has rear seats, Camaro offers larger engines
Warranty and Ownership Benefits
Toyota provides a comprehensive warranty package for the GR86:
- Bumper-to-bumper: 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Corrosion protection: 5 years / unlimited miles
- Complimentary maintenance: 2 years
- Roadside assistance: 2 years
Owners also receive a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, allowing access to track days and high-performance driving events.
Toyota provides a comprehensive warranty package for the GR86:
- Bumper-to-bumper: 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Powertrain: 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Corrosion protection: 5 years / unlimited miles
- Complimentary maintenance: 2 years
- Roadside assistance: 2 years
Owners also receive a one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, allowing access to track days and high-performance driving events.
FAQs About the 2023 GR86
- Q: Is the GR86 practical for daily driving?
A: Yes. It has a reasonably comfortable interior, good fuel efficiency, and modern tech features. - Q: How does it compare to the Subaru BRZ?
A: Both share a platform, but the GR86 offers slightly more power and sportier suspension tuning. - Q: What are fuel economy numbers?
A: Automatic: 21/31 mpg city/highway; Manual: 20/27 mpg city/highway. - Q: Is the Special Edition worth it?
A: Yes, if you want exclusive styling and limited production status. - Q: Can I take it to track days?
A: Absolutely. Its handling, suspension, and rear-wheel-drive layout make it excellent for track enthusiasts.
- Q: Is the GR86 practical for daily driving?
A: Yes. It has a reasonably comfortable interior, good fuel efficiency, and modern tech features. - Q: How does it compare to the Subaru BRZ?
A: Both share a platform, but the GR86 offers slightly more power and sportier suspension tuning. - Q: What are fuel economy numbers?
A: Automatic: 21/31 mpg city/highway; Manual: 20/27 mpg city/highway. - Q: Is the Special Edition worth it?
A: Yes, if you want exclusive styling and limited production status. - Q: Can I take it to track days?
A: Absolutely. Its handling, suspension, and rear-wheel-drive layout make it excellent for track enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The 2023 Toyota GR86 is a well-rounded sports coupe, offering exciting performance, modern technology, and everyday practicality. Its affordable price, engaging driving dynamics, and limited-edition options make it a top choice for enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.
Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a weekend track car, the GR86 provides a balanced, thrilling, and stylish experience. With its strong warranty, fuel efficiency, and practical interior, it’s one of the most compelling sports cars under $35,000 in 2025.
The 2023 Toyota GR86 is a well-rounded sports coupe, offering exciting performance, modern technology, and everyday practicality. Its affordable price, engaging driving dynamics, and limited-edition options make it a top choice for enthusiasts and casual drivers alike.
Whether you’re looking for a daily driver or a weekend track car, the GR86 provides a balanced, thrilling, and stylish experience. With its strong warranty, fuel efficiency, and practical interior, it’s one of the most compelling sports cars under $35,000 in 2025.