“This vehicle is sporty and economic. Great for a daily driver who wants to have both.”
Toyota GR86: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Toyota GR86 is a compact rear-wheel-drive sports coupe known for balanced handling, quick responses, and an approachable, driver-focused feel. It emphasizes connection and control over luxury or huge power.
The GR86 carries forward the same basic idea established by the Scion FR-S and Toyota 86: keep the car compact, simple, and engaging. A low seating position, rear-wheel drive, a boxer engine, and a limited-slip differential give it a genuine sports-car layout. Predictable handling has remained central to its character, while the 2022 redesign brought a larger engine and a stiffer structure. More recent tuning has sharpened its responses without changing that formula.
Strengths
- Its lightweight, balanced layout makes the car feel quick to respond and predictable in corners.
- Rear-wheel drive, a low seating position, and a limited-slip differential give it the fundamentals of a traditional sports car.
- Its approachable handling suits both back-road drives and track days without relying on huge power.
- The 2022 redesign added a stiffer structure and a larger 2.4-liter boxer engine.
- The 2025 steering, throttle, and suspension updates made the current car feel sharper and more direct.
Who it's for
It fits someone who values responsive handling and driver involvement more than straight-line speed, luxury, or everyday space. It makes the most sense as a back-road or track-day car for a buyer who can live with the compromises of a compact coupe.
Toyota GR86 lineup
The Base trim is the straightforward pick when the GR86’s core rear-wheel-drive driving experience matters most. Premium is the step up within the regular range and has also served as the foundation for several special editions. Limited editions rotate from year to year, usually pairing distinctive styling with select performance upgrades. For 2026, the Yuzu Edition builds on Premium and adds Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers as standard equipment.
Toyota GR86 generations
From 2017 to 2026, the GR86 spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — GR86 arrived for 2022, following the 1st Generation — Toyota 86 (2017–2020).
2nd Generation — GR86 (2022–Present)
The redesigned GR86 uses a larger 2.4-liter flat-four engine, a stiffer body, and an updated cabin with digital gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It remains a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe.
70 In Stock
2026Trim changes
The limited-run Yuzu Edition joins the lineup with upgraded Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers.
2025Trim changes
The Hakone Edition returns as the Trueno Edition leaves. Toyota also retunes the steering, throttle response, shocks, and engine controls.
2024Trim changes
The limited-run Trueno Edition joins the lineup. Manual cars gain the standard safety suite, and upgraded brakes and dampers expand beyond the special edition.
2023New generation
The limited 10th Anniversary Special Edition joins the lineup with a performance exhaust, forged 18-inch wheels, and unique trim.
2022New generation
The GR86 debuts with a larger 2.4-liter engine, a stiffer body, updated suspension and steering, digital gauges, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
1st Generation — Toyota 86 (2017–2020)
This earlier version was sold in the U.S. as the Toyota 86 after the Scion FR-S was renamed and refreshed for 2017. It uses a 2.0-liter flat-four engine and rear-wheel drive.
8 In Stock
2020Trim changes
The Hakone Edition joins the lineup. Every trim also gains a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019Trim changes
The TRD Special Edition joins with Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers, a TRD exhaust, and unique body pieces.
2018Trim changes
New GT and GT Black trims expand the lineup with more comfort features and added exterior details.
2017Mid-cycle update
The Scion FR-S becomes the Toyota 86 with revised styling, LED lighting, retuned suspension, updated cabin materials, and a small power increase for manual cars.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Toyota GR86.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota GR86 a real sports car or just a sporty coupe?
It is a genuine sports car. The Toyota GR86 is a compact two-door coupe with rear-wheel drive, a low seating position, a limited-slip rear differential, and chassis tuning focused on quick, predictable responses.
Is the Toyota GR86 rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
The Toyota GR86 is rear-wheel drive. Its limited-slip rear differential helps send power to the rear tire with grip, supporting the balanced handling that defines the car. AWD is not part of the GR86 formula.
Does the Toyota GR86 come as a hybrid?
No. The Toyota GR86 uses a gasoline boxer four-cylinder engine, which is a flat engine mounted low in the car. Newer GR86 models use a 2.4-liter version rated at 228 horsepower.
Does the Toyota GR86 have a manual or an automatic transmission?
Both versions exist in the used GR86 and Toyota 86 market. The six-speed manual emphasizes driver involvement, while the six-speed automatic suits shoppers who want the same rear-drive coupe layout without shifting for themselves.
Is the Toyota GR86 a two-seater?
No. The Toyota GR86 has four seats, but the rear is tight. The latest specifications list 29.9 inches of rear legroom, so those seats are better for occasional passengers or extra storage than regular adult use.
Why do some listings say Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, or Toyota GR86?
They are successive names in the same sports-coupe family. The U.S. Scion FR-S became the Toyota 86 for 2017. The redesigned second generation arrived for 2022 as the Toyota GR86 with a larger 2.4-liter engine and a stiffer structure.
Is the Toyota GR86 more about handling than horsepower?
Yes. The Toyota GR86 is built around light weight, balance, steering response, and driver involvement rather than huge power. Newer models make 228 horsepower, but the approachable rear-drive handling is the main attraction.
Toyota GR86 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Toyota GR86.
4.6
Toyota GR86
(323 reviews)
“You will love it. But if speed in a straight line is important look somewhere else. This is a fun car to drive and highly recommend it”
“Its a nice, fun car for cheap. Has a lot of aftermarket support and more to come. I would recommend investing into the car if you really want to track it.”
“I bought my Toyota GR 86 because it is the best handling road/track car for the money. It is built solidly and well. I have been absolutely pleased with the car.”
“Fun little car. Don't expect a lot of room or a quiet/soft ride. This car is not about that. Back seat is not functional except as additional storage. Great gas mileage. Hard to get in and out if mobility is an issue.”
“looks good and sharp. fun to drive and feels good when you sitting on driver seat.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Brightens The City Streets With New Gr86 Yuzu Edition
- pressroom.toyota.com — Vehicle / 2026 Toyota Gr86
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2025 Toyota Gr86 Hakone Special Edition Puts A Modern Twist On An Icon
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For 2027
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2025 / Gr86 Ebrochure
- toyota.com — 2023 / Compare / Gr86 Vs Mx5
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2024 Gr86 Trueno Edition Throwback Spirit Modern Performance
- pressroom.toyota.com — Drivers Rejoice Toyota Debuts All New Gr 86
- toyota.com — Vehicle / Gr86 / 2025
- toyota.com — Pdf / New / MY25 Connected Services and Audio Multimedia features Applicability
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2024 / Gr86 Ebrochure
- toyota.com — Gr86 / 2024