The Toyota GR86, formerly known as the Scion FR-S, has solidified its place as an accessible and engaging sports car. Sharing its DNA with the Subaru BRZ, the GR86 has undergone refinements over the years, yet it stays true to its original formula: deliver driving fun, particularly in handling, without breaking the bank. After spending a week with the 2024 Toyota Gr86 Premium, I’m ready to share my impressions on whether this latest iteration still hits the mark for enthusiasts seeking an exciting and affordable ride.
Track Ready 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium
The 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium enters the market with a starting price just under $30,000, while the Premium trim I evaluated began at $31,900. The test model included optional Track bRED paint and a Performance Package, enhancing its appeal with upgraded dampers and Brembo brakes featuring eye-catching red calipers.
Even in its standard Premium guise, the GR86 is generously equipped. Dual-zone automatic climate control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beam headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection are all standard. Furthermore, it includes blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, LED lighting, adaptive front lighting, a distinctive duckbill spoiler, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, a USB port, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay integration.
Sleek Profile of the 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium
Powering the 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium is a 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder “boxer” engine, producing a respectable 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While a six-speed automatic transmission is available for those prioritizing convenience, my test vehicle featured the preferred six-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience. The chassis utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multilink rear setup, complemented by a Torsen limited-slip differential to maximize traction for this rear-wheel-drive coupe.
Fuel economy figures for the manual transmission version are rated at 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. Now, let’s delve into the specifics with a breakdown of the pros and cons I experienced during my week with the 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium.
What Makes the 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium Stand Out?
- Exceptional Handling: The GR86 lives up to its sporty aesthetics. Its turn-in is remarkably sharp and precise, making cornering an absolute joy. You can confidently push this car in curves and experience its agility firsthand.
- Well-Weighted Steering: The steering provides good feedback and feels nicely weighted, although perhaps a touch overboosted for purists. It still offers a communicative connection to the road.
- Improved Power: Power was a common criticism of the earlier Scion FR-S. The 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium addresses this with a more potent engine. While not overwhelmingly powerful, there’s ample grunt for brisk acceleration from a standstill, and peak torque arrives relatively early at 3,700 RPM, enhancing responsiveness in everyday driving.
- Engaging Manual Gearbox: The clutch is finely tuned, offering good feel and a predictable engagement point. The shifter is generally a delight to use, allowing for quick and precise gear changes, although it can feel slightly notchy on occasion.
- Usable Trunk Space: Despite its sports car silhouette, the GR86 offers decent trunk space, proving surprisingly practical for weekend trips or errands. The opening is a bit narrow, but the depth is commendable.
- Fun and Affordable: The 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium successfully blends driving enjoyment with affordability. It delivers a genuine sports car experience without demanding an exorbitant price tag.
- Performance Brakes: The optional Brembo brakes included in the Performance Package are undeniably effective. They provide strong and consistent stopping power, even under spirited driving conditions, inspiring confidence behind the wheel.
Front Angle of the 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium Showing Red Brake Calipers
Areas for Improvement in the 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium
- Dated Interior: The interior design is where the GR86 shows its age. It’s functional but lacks the modern flair found in newer competitors. The infotainment system, in particular, feels outdated, especially when not utilizing smartphone integration.
- Small and Unintuitive Infotainment: The infotainment screen is small and the system itself is not particularly user-friendly. Navigating menus and accessing features can be less intuitive than desired.
- Wired CarPlay: While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, they are wired connections. In a car with limited storage space for a phone, this can lead to a cluttered center console. Wireless connectivity would be a welcome upgrade.
- Stiff Ride: True to its sports car nature, the GR86 has a firm ride. While contributing to its excellent handling, the stiffness can become noticeable on rougher road surfaces, potentially impacting long-distance comfort.
- Vestigial Rear Seats: The rear seats are essentially unusable for adults or even older children. They are best considered as additional storage space rather than passenger accommodations.
- Unrefined Exhaust Note: While not excessively loud, the exhaust note is present in the cabin and lacks a truly pleasing or sporty sound. It’s functional but not particularly inspiring.
- Challenging Entry and Egress: Getting in and out of the GR86, even for someone of average build, can be a bit awkward. The low seating position and long doors require some maneuvering, especially in tighter parking spaces.
Final Verdict: The 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium – A Pure Driving Experience
The 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium stands as a refreshing anomaly in today’s automotive landscape. It’s a straightforward sports car that largely delivers on its promises. What you see is genuinely what you get: a car designed for driving enjoyment with few frills. It handles superbly, offers sufficient power for spirited driving, and remains relatively affordable.
The enhancements in power compared to its predecessor are noticeable and appreciated. While the interior and cramped rear seats are compromises, they are arguably secondary to the core mission of this car. Even the firm ride is tolerable for daily use, especially considering the reward in handling prowess.
If you prioritize driving pleasure above all else, and are seeking an engaging weekend car or a fun commuter that discourages carpooling duties, the 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium is a compelling option. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-executed, no-nonsense sports coupe in a world increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs.
