Sharing its platform with the Subaru BRZ, the 2023 Toyota GR86 strikes a more aggressive pose. The relationship is relevant, as the GR86’s 2.4-liter boxer engine is a Subaru design, not Toyota. That said, the cars have numerous similarities, with the GR86 getting a slightly more playful suspension setup ideal for drifting versus tenacious cornering.
With two trims, the GR86 can be either a basic, fun sports car or one with a few more luxury amenities. For 2023, there’s also a limited Special Edition model in bright Solar Shift orange paint.
Challenging the GR86 for your sports car dollar are the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the aforementioned Subaru BRZ, and possibly even the new Nissan Z.
GR86
Starts at $28,400 | See listings
- 2.4-liter flat-4 engine with 228 horsepower
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Available 6-speed automatic with shift paddles
- 8-inch touchscreen
- 6-speaker audio system
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Digital gauges
- Sport seats
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Folding rear seatback
- Two USB charge ports
- See more
GR86 Premium
Starts at $31,000 | See listings
- Heated front seats
- Leather and Ultrasuede seat trim
- Illuminated vanity mirrors
- Aluminum sport pedals
- Active LED headlights
- Body-color rear spoiler
- Matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels
- 8-speaker audio system
- Blind-spot monitor
- See more
2023 Toyota GR86: $28,400
The base 2023 Toyota GR86 coupe is one of those rare entry-level cars that seems quite perfect as is. It comes standard with a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter boxer engine, a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip rear differential.
An automatic transmission is available at $1,500, bringing additional driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam headlights, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Also included with the automatic is lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic braking.
The GR86 features a MacPherson strut front suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and GR (Gazoo Racing) tuned springs and shocks. Buyers also get a 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), which includes one free high-performance driving event.
With gas prices so high, it is essential to mention that the GR86 requires Premium fuel (gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher) to reach its maximum performance potential. Using anything less won’t damage the engine but will lower horsepower and torque.
Starting with the GR86’s exterior, you find an aggressive front end with a black mesh grille, functional black front wheel arch air outlets, and 17-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Primacy HP tires. There is no spare tire, but the GR86 does include a tire repair kit.
The base 2023 Toyota GR86 coupe features LED headlights and taillights, heated power side mirrors, variable intermittent front wipers, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and LED side marker lights. Smart Key keyless entry with touch-to-unlock door handles and a push-button start also come standard.
Because the GR86 has a trunk and not a hatchback, it’s not equipped with a rear wiper/washer.
Moving to the interior, we find one-touch up/down power windows, power door locks, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a small diameter leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls for the Bluetooth, audio, and cruise. Automatic models feature steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles and additional buttons for adaptive cruise control.
A 7-inch color digital instrument cluster features differing themes that vary when cycling among the three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Snow. Manual transmission cars have an additional Track mode that moves the tachometer to the center of the cluster and displays gauges for oil, coolant temp, and a lap timer.
Durable cloth covers the manually adjustable front seats and one-piece folding rear seat.
The GR86’s multimedia setup includes a 6-speaker audio system and 8-inch touchscreen accommodating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Also accessible are several Toyota Connected Services with a 1-year trial to the Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect apps.
With the $1,095 delivery fee, the 2023 Toyota GR86 6MT costs $29,495. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $557. See 2023 Toyota GR86 models for sale near you
2023 Toyota GR86 includes:
- Heated side mirrors – These keep ice and snow from building up on the side mirrors when driving.
- Digital instrument cluster – This configurable digital screen provides various information, including track lap times and G-force readings.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – Hard knobs and dials are a welcome departure from touchscreen-style systems, allowing the driver and passenger to quickly regulate air temperature from the vents.
2023 Toyota GR86 Premium: $31,000
Adding to the base coupe’s features, the GR86 Premium includes 18-inch matte-black painted alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, a color-keyed duck-billed rear spoiler, and adaptive LED headlights.
Like the base GR86, the Premium automatic comes with additional driver aids. However, the Premium comes with a standard blind-spot monitor regardless of transmission choice.
Interior upgrades include heated front seats, sport seats with leather bolsters and perforated Ultrasuede inserts, aluminum sport pedals, lighted visor vanity mirrors, and an 8-speaker stereo with amplifier. Those wanting better sound can opt for a dealer-installed 200-watt subwoofer.
Building off the Premium trim is a limited run of 860 Special Edition GR86s. Painted in Solar Shift orange, the Special Edition gets GR cat-back performance exhaust with black tips, matte-black 18-inch wheels, black exterior pillar graphics, and black badges.
With the $1,095 delivery fee, the 2023 Toyota GR86 Premium 6MT costs $32,095. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to approximately $606. See the 2023 Toyota GR86 Premium for sale near you
2023 Toyota GR86 Premium includes:
- Heated front seats – A must-have for cold climates, these seats help keep you warm without needing to crank up the GR86’s climate controls.
- Upgraded audio – The Premium’s 8-speaker audio includes an amplifier for better sound and more volume.
- Adaptive headlights – With the ability to swivel in the direction of the front wheels, these bright LED headlights illuminate curves before entering.
- 10th Anniversary Special Edition – This $34,360 Premium model, limited to 860 units (and shown in photos above), gets exclusive orange paint, a cat-back exhaust, black C-pillar graphics, and forged black wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
