The Toyota GR86 stands out as a beacon of exhilaration and involvement in the sports car market, presenting a unique blend of affordability and joy in a landscape predominantly filled with SUVs and trucks. Its configuration, featuring a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive, coupled with a lightweight design, ensures balance with lively handling. Rather than prioritizing sheer speed, the GR86 shines on winding roads where it can fully demonstrate its agility. This model is ideal for those in search of a delightful, small, budget-friendly sports car.
For the 2023 model year, Toyota introduces a Special Edition variant of the GR86, restricted to just 860 vehicles. This unique model is distinguished by its vibrant Solar Shift orange exterior paint, complemented by a GR performance exhaust system featuring black chrome tips and distinctive black graphics on the rear roof pillar. Additionally, the Special Edition is equipped with exclusive 18-inch black wheels adorned with high-performance tires and boasts an interior badge denoting its Special Edition status. As it is derived from the Premium trim level, this version also includes all the high-end features associated with the top-tier model. The Special Edition trim is the subject of this review.
The GR86 boasts a range of distinctive features both inside and out, enhancing its appeal with 18-inch black wheels and high-performance tires designed for the warmer months. It introduces adaptive headlights that adjust their angle in sync with the steering wheel, improving visibility around bends. A duckbill-style spoiler adds to the aerodynamics, while the cabin is upgraded with aluminum pedals and seating that combines simulated suede with leather side supports for a luxurious touch. Comfort is prioritized with heated seats in the front, complemented by an eight-speaker sound system for an immersive audio experience. Safety features include a blind-spot monitor to warn of vehicles in adjacent lanes that might be out of view, rear parking sensors for easier maneuverability in tight spaces, and rear automatic braking to prevent collisions with unseen objects behind the car.
Making this the GR86 fun to drive is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower of pure exhilaration. A manual six or automatic six is available. My model was equipped with the zippy automatic which made gear transitions quick and smooth. Expect to get 21/city, 31/highway and 25/combined MPG.
The GR86’s interior is designed with a clear priority: enhancing the driving experience. Its low dashboard minimizes obstructions, enhancing visibility ahead, while the digital dashboard is easily legible at a glance. A highlight is the vehicle’s compact steering wheel,making it easier for taller people to get in and out (that’s not a problem for me).
While the GR86 might not have a spacious interior due to its compact size, the front area provides plenty of comfort for passengers. However, the rear seating, forget about it! The rear seats are better suited for things, not people.
Driving the GR86 is a whole lot of fun. I have found a couple of roads around where I live to take my review cars through their paces. On the twisty road the GR86 was a blast, it attacked the turns with verve and blasted along the straight-aways. It also looked good doing it with its distinctive orange Solar Shift paint and low-slung profile. It’s just a whole lot of fun to drive.
