The 2022 Toyota GR 86 is a driver-focused sports car with enough power for stoplight-to-stoplight fun, but no need to set records. Designers focused on handling over raw speed. It’s available with three pedals and a short-throw stick and comes only in rear-wheel drive. And its price will almost certainly start under $30,000.
That makes it one of the last of its kind. Affordable sports cars have become a rarity, so we’re always happy to see a new contender appear.
Toyota took the wraps off the 2022 version of its cheapest sports car this weekend. The version seen here is destined for Japan. An American version, which will be largely the same, will most likely appear in U.S. dealerships in late fall. Price is unknown, but the 2021 model it replaces starts just below $28,000, and we expect to see a slight price bump.
The GR 86 is developed in partnership with Subaru and shares most of its parts with the 2022 Subaru BRZ. The “GR” in its formal name is short for Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division.
Though the two cars look almost identical in profile, the 86 has a larger grille and smaller air intakes. Picking a favorite is a matter of taste, but we think the proportions of the 86 make it look more ready to throw a punch.
Inside, it’s even harder to tell the Toyota and the Subaru apart. We like what we see from the heavily-bolstered sport seats with faux suede surfaces for grip. Toyota says the GR 86 will play a unique startup animation on the new 7-inch infotainment display, which tells you how hard they’re working to find a way to differentiate the two cars.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine provided by Subaru. It sits low to keep the weight close to the road for handling balance and puts out 232 horsepower. Toyota will offer no turbocharged version, so if it’s raw power you’re after, you’ll have to shell out more to step up to the Supra. Two transmissions are available – a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual.
It is quicker than the 2021 86. The 0-60 mph jump now takes 6.3 seconds, down from 7.4 in the older version.
But cheap sports cars are about go-kart road manners. The outgoing 86 is known for them, and Toyota says the new version will be, as well. Toyota describes the 86 and BRZ development teams as in “friendly rivalry,” over tuning the cars to outperform each other. As to whether it can out-corner the BRZ, well, we look forward to road testing them and letting you know which is worthy of your attention.
