The Toyota GR86 Track-Tested is Fast and Sporty

Written by Marco Carvajal

2022 Toyota GR86 Premium

I am test-driving the all-new 2022 Toyota GR 86 Premium, a very fast GR model inspired by the classic Toyota 86 but with a bigger engine and more power. The GR 86 is a completely new car, released for the first time for the 2022 car year model. The Toyota GR 86 combines sports car performance, architecture, good comfort, and great value.

Toyota let drivers live the dream of driving a track-tested fast and sporty race car that also can be used for everyday rides.

The good news is that this racing car can be purchased for only $27,700 MSRP, a great value price for a fast sporty car with a 2.4L engine producing 228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of peak torque.

For drivers who want to purchase a cool sports car with a very attractive look and a fast loud engine, but want to spend less than $30K, the Toyota GR 86 is a great choice. Automakers like Toyota are offering more buying choices and options at a lower purchase cost.

Toyota GR Gazoo Racing

The name GR comes from Toyota’s sports racing brand Gazoo Racing used on a series of events and racing cars made by Toyota. GR cars are performance-oriented racing cars that are available to the public.

The first Toyota GR car available was the GR Supra back in 2019, this was the first GR brand-exclusive car. The sporty GR Supra uses the same platform as the BMW Z4 (G29) and is produced under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria.

Recently more GR cars are becoming available like the GR Yaris, the GR86 I am test driving, and also the GR Corolla.

With the sporty new GR Corolla, GR86, GR Supra, and other upcoming GR models, Toyota could capture a new youngster market attracted to these fast and cool new GR models.

Ready to race on the track and pro-driver approved, the new 2022 GR 86 is a new member of the Gazoo Racing family.

Toyota GR 86

The original Toyota 86 (non-GR) was launched by Toyota back in 2012, as a result of a joint development between Toyota and Subaru. The 86 was born with three concepts in mind, rear-wheel drive, no turbocharging, and being able to use ordinary tires. The goal was accomplished and Japanese car engineers gave birth to the 86.

Riding the new GR 86 is fantastic, get ready for fast acceleration, a loud powerful 228 horsepower engine and a very attractive racing-like design. The GR 86 featherlight body and handling make every curve on the road an adventure.

Toyota wants to provide a fantastic fast sports car for a very good price and value.

Those drivers like myself who have children can use their 86 on the fast highway when driving alone, but also can enjoy family daily driving with 4 seats, to take children to school and impress everybody on the school car rider line with the 86 impressive sports design.

This GR combines a 6-speed automatic transmission with a 2.4L engine for excellent performance and easy to ride.

The GR 86 Premium is a great sports car with a very good fuel economy of 25 MPG average, with 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG highway. This low fuel consumption for this type of car, together with its low price, makes the Toyota 86 a great value. Instead of paying more for gas and purchase prices, save some money to take your loved ones on fast rides onboard the 86 on weekend trips.

Highlights of the 2022 Toyota GR86

Responsive and lightweight 2+2 sports coupe designed by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts
Increased rigidity, more power and torque, aerodynamic body elements, and new interior
2.4L flat-four boxer engine hits peak torque at lower RPMs, giving the feel of more linear acceleration
Zero to 60 times have dropped from 7 to 6.1 seconds for the manual transmission and from 8 to 6.6 seconds for the automatic transmission
Complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA), featuring a High-Performance Driving Event with expert instruction
Functional exterior air vents were also added to further support steering stability
Aluminum roof panels and fenders help keep it at a nimble curb weight of just over 2,800 lbs.
Very good fuel economy of 25 MPG average

Fun Race Drive Bonus! All GR Car Owners Receive a Complimentary 1-Year NASA Membership

As a great bonus, every new 2023 GR vehicle owner can hit the track with a NASA (National Auto Sports Association ) professional for one free High-Performance Driving Experience (HPDE) and get discounted admission to NASA-sanctioned events, this is a great way to enjoy fast racing with your Toyota GR 86.

Aerodynamic Exterior

The exterior design of the GR 86 looks like a retro classic sports car modernized with aerodynamic touch. Sports aerodynamics produces a great low drag coefficient for better performance. Functional exterior air vents have been added to the GR 86 to further support steering stability

The GR 86 is better, it is one step above the classic 86

Driving through fast highways in Florida is a pleasure when you are riding the 86. It is compact, sporty, easy to maneuver, and very fast! The speed limit on the highway is the only reason not to keep pushing the accelerator when driving this great classic remake. Sports car architecture, good comfort, and modern performance merge together in the 2022 Toyota GR 86 Premium.

The new GR 86 inherits the characteristic driving pleasure of the original 86. The GR 86 is a very light four-seater coupe, thanks to an extensive set of measures to reduce its weight, such as the use of aluminum in the roof and body panels.

Powered by a new, very lightweight, larger displacement 2.4 liters horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, the GR 86’s performance is a step above its classic predecessor the 86.

The dimensions of the new GR 86 are practically identical to those of the GT86, which makes it possible for the new model to maintain a low center of gravity and, with it, unique agility.

The torsional stiffness has also been increased by around 50% compared to the GT86, for even more overall handling and response.

Functional aerodynamic components, such as front air vents, side rocker panels, and more, have been developed from the model’s motorsport participation, helping the GR 86 achieve the best-anticipated levels of driving feel and stability of its category.

The new engine, a 2.4 L naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine, produces 228 hp and 156 to 184 lb.-ft. of torque on the manual version. More power is produced by increased bore size, changes to the intake and exhaust systems, and optimization of the Toyota D-4S dual injection technology.

Drivers have the choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission.

Trims and Pricing

This new car is available in only two trim models for the 2022 car year model, GR 86 and GR 86 Premium. The exterior is available in seven exterior color choices. The premium trim model GR 86 comes equipped with a rear duckbill spoiler, adding dynamic contours and a sporty feel.

Pricing for both models is very good. The base model GR 86 starts at $27K, while the premium top of the line GR 86 Premium goes for $31K. Pricing is very affordable for all the power and modern design you get when driving a GR 86.

Among many small details, the main difference between both models is that the 86 Premium comes with automatic transmission. Both the automatic and manual transmissions have also received the GR performance treatment.

2022 Toyota GR 86 MSRP $27,700
2.4L 4-Cylinder 6-Speed Manual

2022 Toyota GR 86 Premium MSRP $31,800
2.4L 4-Cylinder 6-Speed Automatic

The GR 86 is ready for performance. Very strong stopping power is delivered by 11.6- and 11.4-inch vented front and rear brakes, and corner-chewing grip coming from Michelin Primacy HP tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels on the GR 86, and for the GR 86 Premium Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires aboard black 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The six-speed automatic transmission uses adaptive controls that sense brake and accelerator operation, automatically shifting to the optimal gear so the driver can experience just the right amount of control. Torque capacity has also increased, as well as the number of clutch discs for greater shifts.

The manual transmission on the GR 86 uses low-viscosity oil and strut bearings that enhance clutch capacity and gear strength. These materials support the higher torque output of the 2.4L boxer engine.

A redesigned, low-catch manual gearbox delivers smooth, enjoyable control for manual transmission fans.

The standard sport front bucket seats with side bolsters are firm and safe to drive with upgraded leather-trimmed sport seating and aluminum pedals on the Premium model.

The GR 86 seats can be adapted to your needs with 2+2 seating that offers the versatility of fold-down rear seats.

Premium Audio

The GR86 and GR85 Premium have a very similar audio system that includes an 8 inches touchscreen, eight speakers for the Premium and six speakers for the base model GR 86, including an amplifier, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatible, and SiriusXM compatible.

Safety Systems

Both GR 86 modes include Toyota’s Star Safety System, including safety features like Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA). It also includes Smart Stop Technology (SST), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Track Mode, and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) with lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) are also included on the GR 86.

Seven airbags are standard on all models, with the addition of a driver’s knee airbag.

The GR 86 Premium with Automatic Transmission version comes with active safety standard smart features that include Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning, Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Cruise Control, and High Beam Assist.