2017 Toyota GR86: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2017 is the U.S. transition from the Scion FR-S to the Toyota 86, paired with a meaningful mid-cycle refresh. The coupe gets updated styling, revised suspension tuning, cabin improvements, and a small power increase for manual-transmission cars.
About the 2017 Toyota GR86
1st generation (2013-2020 U.S. FR-S/86), 2017 refresh year and first year sold as Toyota 86.
Toyota positions the 86 as a simple, lightweight rear-drive sports coupe for people who care more about balance, steering feel, and driver involvement than outright power. Its appeal is an old-school sports-car formula with just enough everyday usefulness: small rear seats, a usable trunk, decent fuel economy for the class, and standard touchscreen audio. The big difference versus many rivals is that the 86 chases agility and connection instead of chasing bigger horsepower numbers.
The base 86 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe focused on balance and driver involvement, with a limited-slip differential, LED lighting, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The limited-run 860 Special Edition adds a more premium feel with heated leather-trimmed seats, keyless start, dual-zone climate control, and a driver display showing G-forces and engine information, but it is not more powerful.
What changed, by category
2017 Toyota GR86 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Paddle Shift & Dynamic Rev Mgmt | Auto, 6-Spd w/Paddle Shift & Dynamic Rev Mgmt |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 205 hp | 205 hp |
| Torque | 156 lb-ft | 156 lb-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.9 in | 29.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Toyota 86 the same car as the Scion FR-S?
Yes. The Scion FR-S became the Toyota 86 in the U.S. for 2017, making this the first model year sold here under the Toyota 86 name. Toyota also refreshed the styling, suspension, and cabin rather than changing the badge alone.
What changed from the 2016 Scion FR-S to the 2017 Toyota 86?
The 2017 Toyota 86 brings a new name, revised front and rear styling, standard LED lighting, retuned shocks and springs, updated cabin materials, and steering-wheel audio controls. Manual-transmission cars also receive revised gearing and a five-horsepower increase.
Does the manual 2017 Toyota 86 have more power than the automatic?
Yes. The manual 2017 Toyota 86 is rated at 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, while the automatic is rated at 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet.
What is different about the 2017 Toyota 86 860 Special Edition?
The 860 Special Edition is a limited-run, more premium version of the 2017 Toyota 86 rather than a more powerful model. It adds heated leather-trimmed seats, keyless start, dual-zone climate control, LED fog lights, a rear spoiler, and a 4.2-inch driver display with G-force and engine information.
Did the 2017 Toyota 86 add a major active-safety suite?
No. The 2017 Toyota 86 did not add a major active-safety suite, though Hill Start Assist is standard.