Head-Turning Shape, Tighter Lines
Toyota GR86 2025– keeps the long-hood-short-deck stance enthusiasts love, but subtle tweaks make it look even sharper. A reshaped front bumper funnels more air to the radiator, while slimmer LED headlights and a new G-mesh grille add a serious stare. At the rear, a lower diffuser and wider dual exhaust tips finish the businesslike look. Matte-black 18-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber are now standard on Premium and Hakone Edition trims, giving the lightweight coupe a planted posture whether it’s carving a canyon or sitting at a traffic light.
Driver-Focused Cockpit With Upscale Touches
Inside, the GR86 upgrades its minimalist cabin without piling on weight. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster replaces the old analog dials and flips to a lap-timer view in Track Mode. The 8-inch touchscreen keeps wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Toyota has reworked the menus for faster boot-up. Premium and Hakone trims add two-stage heated suede-and-leather sport seats that grip hard in fast corners yet stay comfortable on long drives. Aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped wheel, and turbine-inspired vents remind you that every inch of this cabin was built for people who enjoy driving as much as arriving.
Flat-Four Power Still the Star
The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine continues unchanged, and that’s a good thing. It makes 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, delivered either through an old-school six-speed manual or a quick-shifting six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Thanks to the flat engine’s low mounting point, the center of gravity stays sports-car low, contributing to balanced handling and predictable breakaway at the limit.
| Powertrain Spec | Figure |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 2.4-L flat-four, naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm |
| 0–60 mph (manual) | 5.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 140 mph (limited) |
Track-Ready Hardware From the Factory
All versions ride on a stiffened chassis with MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone rear, but the Premium and Hakone gain SACHS performance dampers plus four-piston Brembo front calipers for repeated high-speed stops. A standard Torsen limited-slip differential puts power down cleanly when exiting bends, and a new Track Mode loosens the stability control enough for mild slides while still catching big mistakes. Curb weight with the manual stays just under 2,840 pounds, so the GR86’s quick steering and communicative chassis remain its biggest thrills.
Tech and Safety Upgrades Keep Pace
While driving joy is priority one, Toyota adds modern conveniences missing from early 86 models. The infotainment now supports over-the-air updates, and two USB-C ports join a faster 15-watt wireless charger. Automatic-transmission cars receive Toyota Safety Sense with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and pre-collision braking; manuals keep basic forward collision warning and a rear-view camera. LED adaptive headlights that swivel into corners debut on the Premium trim, improving nighttime confidence on unfamiliar back roads.
Price, Trims, and Value Snapshot
Even with its new toys, the GR86 stays within reach of young enthusiasts. Base prices rise only $500 over 2024, and Toyota offers a 3-year/36,000-mile free maintenance plan plus a 1-day high-performance driving course for first owners.
| Trim | Notable extras | MSRP (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| GR86 | Cloth sport seats, 17-in wheels, limited-slip diff | $30,000 |
| GR86 Premium | Heated suede/leather seats, Brembo brakes, 18-in wheels | $32,600 |
| GR86 Hakone Edition | Ridge Green paint, bronze wheels, numbered plaque | $35,700 |
Why It Still Matters
Simple, lightweight rear-drive coupes are rare, and Toyota’s GR86 shows how to modernize that formula without blunting its edge. With crisper styling, a tech-filled cockpit, and just enough power to keep things lively but controllable, the 2025 GR86 stays a driver’s car first—one that makes every on-ramp a reason to smile while still costing less than many hot hatchbacks. For sedan owners itching to rediscover fun or track-day regulars wanting an affordable weapon, the new GR86 delivers thrills in a sleek, reliable package that only Toyota Gazoo Racing could craft.