Overview: 2023 Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 isn’t a sports car, although it certainly looks like one. Based on the Subaru BRZ, this rear-wheel drive 2+2 model makes up for handling acumen where it lacks in performance. Even so, the GR86 is a fun driver and affordably priced for thrill seekers.

Model Overview

Toyota offers the 2023 GR86 in three grades. The GR86 ($27,900), GR86 Premium ($30,500), and the GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition ($34,360). Add $1,095 for the destination charge.

Although offering room for four, the GR86 is useful for two. The legroom is incredibly tight for rear-seating passengers. We recommend folding down the rear seat and using it as an extension of the tiny cargo space offered in the liftgate.

What’s New for 2023?

One year removed from the release of the second-generation model, the GR86 gains a limited-edition 10th-anniversary special edition with Solar Shift paint color (pictured). Special wheels, a GR cat-back exhaust system, and rear roof pillar racing stripes highlight this model. Limited to just 860 copies.

Highlights of the 2023 Toyota GR86

The following are four highlights or features of the 2023 Toyota GR86.

Sports car styling.

The GR86 is not a sports car. That said, it has the profile and lines of one. That’s a brilliant approach that has paid dividends for this automaker and Subaru. Its long hood, compact greenhouse, and tapered rear are reminiscent of other sport cars models. The rear haunch and diffuser, sporty wheels, and functioning wheel vents are also sports car features of note.

Simple cabin.

If you’re looking for a razzle-dazzle cabin, you won’t find one with this Toyota. Instead, the GR86 advances a minimalist theme with soft-touch materials throughout and hard plastics in mostly out-of-the-way places. Even the base model has a few features that lift the interior, including a 7-inch digital instrument cluster display and an 8-inch center console display. The front seats are modestly bolstered and quite comfortable. We’ve sat in other sporty seats and have found them too firm to our liking.

Comfortable for two.

We cannot stress this point enough: the Toyota GR86 is best for two people. Our unscientific estimate is that someone as tall as 6-foot-3-inches can fit inside. But that also comes at the expense of anyone who would dare sit behind the driver or the front passenger for that matter. The GR86 has manually controlled front seats and even when they’re not pushed back, there is under 30 inches of legroom available. That’s barely enough for a preteen to squeeze in.

Boxer engine.

As always, the GR86 comes with a boxer engine. This design means the cylinders are horizontally opposed. The 2.4-liter flat-four engine also sits lower in the engine bay and closer to the firewall, enhancing handling. This engine develops 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and works with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission ($1,500). Save your money and choose the manual!

Did You Know?

The “GR” nomenclature seen in some Toyota products represents GAZOO Racing, Toyota’s motorsports racing arm. Officially founded in 2007, Gazoo Racing builds on more than 60 years of Toyota motorsports and performance.

DrivenAutos Tip

We would consider the base model and personalize it with aftermarket parts. That said, the $2,600 price difference between the standard and Premium models is attainable, with the latter adding Michelin Pilot Sport 4 performance tires and the color-keyed duckbill rear spoiler.

2023 Toyota GR86 Specifications

Specifications supplied by the manufacturer. Compiled by Tom Keegan.

See Also — Toyota Ups Its Game with the GR Supra

Copyright Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.