The Toyota GR86 has generated considerable buzz in the automotive world, lauded as a return to form for affordable, driver-focused sports cars. After putting this car through its paces for over 3,000 miles and 95 hours of driving, I’ve developed a comprehensive personal review. Having owned and driven a diverse range of vehicles, from vans and SUVs to high-performance sports cars like the Jaguar F-Type and Porsche 911, including previous GT86 models, I feel well-placed to offer an informed perspective on the GR86. This review delves into the highs and lows of living with the GR86, particularly for driving enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of car and driver connection.
The Alluring Aspects of the GR86
Let’s begin with the GR86’s strengths, the elements that genuinely impress and make it a compelling option in its segment.
Head-Turning Aesthetics and Road Presence
The GR86’s visual appeal is undeniable. It’s a car that commands attention, often mistaken for something far more exotic and expensive than its price tag suggests. The sleek lines and aggressive stance contribute to a feeling of driving something truly special. This visual magnetism isn’t just about vanity; it enhances the ownership experience, making every drive feel like an event.
Enhanced Power Band and Engine Responsiveness
One significant improvement over its predecessor, the GT86, is the GR86’s more accessible power band. The increased torque means you don’t need to relentlessly chase the redline to extract performance. Driving in the 3,000-4,000 rpm range provides ample responsiveness for spirited driving, making it more enjoyable in everyday scenarios compared to the high-rev dependency of the previous generation.
Superb Handling and Steering Feel
The GR86 excels in the corners. The steering feedback is exceptional, providing a direct and communicative connection to the road. The chassis is remarkably well-balanced, allowing for precise cornering and apex clipping. It inspires confidence, making even challenging roads a joy to navigate. The car feels planted and stable, even when pushed hard, thanks in part to the excellent Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires which offer superb grip and feedback, letting you know exactly when they are approaching their limit.
Toyota’s Unmatched 10-Year Warranty
Peace of mind is a significant factor in car ownership, and Toyota’s 10-year warranty (provided servicing is maintained within their network) is a standout feature. This level of long-term coverage is virtually unheard of from other manufacturers, offering a decade of worry-free motoring. It adds considerable value and reduces the potential financial anxieties associated with car ownership.
Relative Affordability and Running Costs
In today’s market, where car prices and maintenance costs are escalating, the GR86 presents a relatively affordable sports car option. Servicing, brakes, and general maintenance items are reasonably priced compared to many premium brands. This makes the GR86 a more accessible choice for enthusiasts who want driving thrills without exorbitant running costs. Compared to brands like Mercedes AMG, the cost of ownership is significantly lower, making it a practical choice for enthusiasts.
Exclusivity and Rarity
The limited production numbers of the GR86 contribute to its exclusivity. With only a few hundred initially available, owning a GR86 means joining a select group of drivers. This rarity enhances the sense of occasion and makes the car feel even more special and desirable.
The Compromises and Shortcomings of the GR86
Despite its many positive attributes, the GR86 is not without its flaws. These shortcomings, while perhaps not deal-breakers for everyone, are important considerations for potential buyers.
Power Deficit and Lack of Forced Induction
The most significant drawback of the GR86 is its power output. While improved over the GT86, it’s still not a fast car in outright terms. It relies on momentum and skillful driving to maintain speed. The absence of a forced induction option, like a turbocharger, is keenly felt, especially when considering the performance potential that could be unlocked. It’s speculated that Toyota intentionally limited the power to avoid overshadowing the Supra, but this leaves enthusiasts wanting more.
Attention-Grabbing Looks Can Be a Double-Edged Sword
While the GR86’s striking appearance is a major draw, it can also be a source of unwanted attention. Parking in public areas can become stressful due to the car’s eye-catching nature. Concerns about vandalism or unwanted interactions from the public, especially in less affluent areas, are valid. Sometimes, a more understated car is preferable for everyday use.
Warranty Limitations on Modifications
The very 10-year warranty that is a selling point also acts as a deterrent to modifications. Any aftermarket enhancements risk voiding the warranty, preventing owners from addressing some of the car’s inherent weaknesses, such as the power deficit or brake performance. This creates a dilemma for enthusiasts who typically enjoy personalizing and improving their vehicles.
Disappointing Fuel Economy for a Lightweight Car
Despite being a lightweight sports car, the GR86’s fuel economy is underwhelming. Achieving only around 24-25 mpg in mixed driving, even with a focus on spirited driving, is lower than expected. Previous GT86 models and even more powerful hot hatches offered better fuel efficiency. While not a primary concern for all sports car buyers, it’s a factor to consider given rising fuel costs.
Surprisingly High Insurance Premiums
Insurance costs for the GR86 are unexpectedly high, often exceeding premiums for more powerful and expensive cars. This illogical insurance grouping adds to the overall cost of ownership and is a puzzling aspect of GR86 ownership.
Notchy Gearbox and Clutch Feel
The manual gearbox, while engaging, suffers from a clunky and notchy feel, particularly when cold. Second gear shifts can be especially problematic until the gearbox warms up, which can take a considerable amount of driving time. Similarly, the clutch feel is described as imperfect, requiring acclimatization. While some might argue it “makes you a better driver,” it’s not indicative of refinement expected in a modern sports car. However, when driving aggressively, these issues become less apparent, suggesting the drivetrain is optimized for hard driving rather than daily commutes.
Stock Wheels, Brakes, and Lack of Staggered Setup
The GR86 would benefit from larger rear wheels and a staggered wheel setup for improved aesthetics and potentially enhanced handling balance. The brakes, while adequate, could also be upgraded for better stopping power, especially for track use or more demanding driving scenarios.
No Factory Forced Induction Option
The lack of a factory turbocharged or supercharged version is a missed opportunity. A forced induction option would address the primary criticism of the GR86 – its lack of outright power – and elevate it to another level of performance.
Limited Practicality as a Sports Car
As a sports car, practicality is inherently limited. The GR86 is essentially a two-seater (with very cramped rear seats), low to the ground, and can be challenging to get in and out of in tight parking spaces due to the long doors. This is to be expected in this vehicle category, but worth noting for daily usability.
Interior Quality and Technology Deficiencies
While an improvement over the GT86, the interior still feels somewhat budget-oriented in places. The infotainment screen appears dated, and the car lacks tech features that are becoming standard in comparable vehicles, especially from Japanese brands like Hyundai and Kia. Features like a heads-up display and extensive customization options, common in competitors, are absent in the GR86.
Absence of Rev-Matching Technology
The omission of automatic rev-matching (auto-blip) for downshifts is a surprising oversight in a modern sports car. While heel-toe downshifting is a skill many enthusiasts enjoy, having the option for auto-blip, as seen in cars like the GR Yaris, would enhance the driving experience, especially in daily driving or less spirited moments.
Positioned as a “Poor Cousin” to Yaris and Supra
There’s a sense that the GR86 is deliberately positioned below the GR Yaris and Supra in Toyota’s performance hierarchy. It feels like its full potential is intentionally capped to avoid competing with or overshadowing its higher-priced siblings. This can be frustrating for enthusiasts who see the platform’s potential for even greater performance.
Muted Stock Exhaust Sound
The stock exhaust is criticized for being too quiet, almost Prius-like. For a sports car, a more engaging and audible exhaust note is expected. Modifying the exhaust becomes almost necessary for enthusiasts seeking a more visceral driving experience, yet this clashes with warranty concerns.
Loud Cold Start and Inability to Disable
The GR86 has a noticeably loud cold start that lasts for an extended period and cannot be disabled. While some appreciate a brief sporty startup sound, the GR86’s is excessive and intrusive, especially in residential areas or early mornings.
Price Point for an “Unfinished” Car
While relatively affordable, the GR86’s price of around £31,000 (in the original context) is still a significant investment for what is perceived as an “unfinished” car. The need for aftermarket modifications to address its shortcomings raises the overall cost, potentially pushing it into the territory of better-equipped stock sports cars.
Limited and Uninspiring Color Palette
The factory color options are considered bland and lacking in vibrancy. The absence of more exciting colors like greens, yellows, or bright oranges is a missed opportunity to enhance the car’s visual appeal and personality.
Fragile Paint Quality
The paintwork is reported to be fragile and prone to chipping, which is a concern for long-term ownership and maintaining the car’s appearance.
Variable Toyota Dealer Experience
Dealing with Toyota dealerships, particularly for GR performance models, can be inconsistent. While some dealerships have knowledgeable technicians, many are primarily geared towards servicing mainstream models and hybrids, lacking the specialist expertise for performance cars.
Poor Dipped Beam Headlights
The LED dipped beam headlights are criticized as being inadequate, offering poor illumination. Ironically, the older GT86’s headlights are considered superior in this regard. While the full beam and adaptive features are praised, the poor dipped beam performance is a significant practical drawback.
Lack of Standard Rear Spoiler
The absence of a rear spoiler as standard equipment is seen as a cost-cutting measure and detracts from the car’s sporty appearance. It’s an optional extra that many feel should be included as standard.
Review Summary: A Driver’s Car with Untapped Potential
Driving the GR86 hard is where it truly shines. However, it feels less engaging at slower speeds, and the engine can sound unrefined, even diesel-like at low rpms. While cornering at speed is exhilarating, the lack of power becomes evident on straights, requiring constant gear changes and high revs to maintain momentum. On motorways, it can feel surprisingly sluggish compared to its sporty looks.
To unlock its full potential, the GR86 arguably needs a supercharger to boost power and torque significantly. However, the cost of such modifications, along with wheels, brakes, and other enhancements, quickly adds up, making it a financially questionable proposition when considering the warranty implications.
Future Car Considerations:
Moving on from the GR86, the review considers alternatives, including:
- GR Yaris: Dismissed as visually unappealing, still slow, and with a limited color palette.
- 2022-23 GR Supra: Considered a strong contender, offering a BMW-sourced engine with a Toyota warranty, particularly the 3.0-liter version.
- 2022-23 BMW M240i: Another contender with the same engine as the Supra (B58), offering more horsepower.
The Supra and M240i are praised for their higher quality interiors and overall refinement. The reviewer also contemplates a shift towards a luxury 4×4, moving away from sports cars altogether due to changing lifestyle needs.
Conclusion:
The GR86 is undeniably a good car, especially for driving enthusiasts who prioritize handling and engagement. It delivers smiles and a rewarding driving experience. However, it’s not without its compromises, particularly in terms of power, refinement, and some practical aspects. It feels like a car with immense potential that is deliberately held back from being truly great in stock form. For those willing to invest in modifications, the GR86 could be transformed into an exceptional machine. However, straight out of the box, it occupies a space as a fun, engaging, but ultimately flawed sports car.
Too Long Didn’t Read (TLDR):
- Handling: Sublime.
- Power: Lacking.
- Looks: Stunning.
- MPG: Thirsty.
- Interior: Dated and basic compared to rivals.
Rating: 7/10 (potential for 9/10 with modifications).
