2022 Toyota GR86 Premium RWD: A New Name, Fresh Redesign And More Horsepower

 

Highlight: Every new GR86 owner receives one free high-performance driving experience.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $33,250 (Base Model: $28,725)

Seating Capacity: 2 + 2

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; LED daytime running lights; stability control system; a hillstart control system; a rear camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; a pre collision braking system; a radar activated cruise control system; a lane departure warning system; a sway warning system; a lead vehicle start alert system and a high beam alert system

Standard Equipment (Base): 17-inch wheels; a 6-speed manual transmission; cloth seats; remote keyless entry; power exterior mirrors; chrome tip dual exhaust system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a push button ignition system; a leather trimmed steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a leather wrapped shift knob; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a multi-link rear suspension system; aggressive front fenders with functional air vents

Standard Equipment (Review Model): 18-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; steering wheel paddle shifter (automatic only); an 8-speaker audio system; a rear spoiler; larger front and rear brakes; heated seats; aluminum sport pedals and scuff plates; black and silver trimmed seats; black and silver trimmed steering wheel; auto leveling projector headlights; one piece folding rear seatback; and dual visor vanity mirrors

Options:  Premium color paint

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Apple - Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard IS350 Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/228-hp

Recommended Fuel: Premium

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/31-hwy (automatic transmission)

What’s New: The GR86, which is formerly known as the 86, is all-new for the 2022 model year.  

Why: 

Fun to drive

Sporty design

New styling

Rear wheel drive configuration

Supportive seating for the back

Rear end resembles more expensive Toyota Supra

A number of driver’s aid features

SiriusXM available in vehicle

Available in a manual and an automatic transmission

Great handling

A variety of driving modes

Adds more horsepower and torque than the outgoing model

17-inch and 18-inch wheels available

An active sound control system

New track mode designation with instrument displays for lap time and the like

An easy-to-use infotainment system

But:

Designed for 2 occupants

No sunroof

No heads up display (HUD)

Not designed for long distancing cruising

Subjective front-end styling

Verdict: Since making it debut in 2013, Toyota’s GR86 just received its first major redesign. The vehicle has also traveled through two name changes too. When it was a member of the Scion family, it was known as the FR-S and after the death of the brand it was picked up by Toyota. At that time, the vehicle became known as the 86. And today, the sporty Toyota is known as the GR86. Ironically, as many automakers have shifted their portfolios to build crossovers, SUVs and trucks, the compact sports car is literally in a lane by itself with very few competitors.

In addition to the name change, as we noted earlier, the GR86 gained a personality or some much needed styling cues in the rear. The previous model looked like a generic sports car. This year’s model rear athletic styling seems more aligned with its larger sports car sibling, the Supra GR.  Conversely, while styling is subjective, the design team marginalized the front end, making it look more generic. In fact, we preferred the front-end styling of the 86, the vehicle the GR86 replaced. In a perfect world, we would mesh both vehicles to create the perfect stying (or at least what we perceive to be such).

Also sports car enthusiasts will welcome that this year’s model adds more torque and horsepower, heightening the fun factor for the driver when they're behind the wheel. The rear-wheel-drive GR86, which is available in two trims, as either an automatic or a manual transmission, continues to share a platform with Subaru’s BRZ. So, for buyers looking for an affordable, but thrilling driving experience … look no further. The GR86 is the answer to one's prayers.

Competition: Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and Subaru BRZ