The 2025 Toyota GR86 brings back the joy of driving with its lightweight body, agile handling, and a naturally aspirated engine designed for driving purists. A part of Toyota‘s “GR” (Gazoo Racing) performance lineup, the GR86 is a collaboration with Subaru, blending the best of both brands. The result is a compact, rear-wheel-drive coupe that provides exceptional handling and an engaging driving experience, all at a relatively affordable price point.
In this article, we’ll delve into every aspect of the 2025 Toyota GR86, including its design, performance, features, and pricing. Whether you’re an enthusiast looking for an affordable sports car or just someone who enjoys a thrilling driving experience, the 2025 GR86 deserves your attention.
Table of Ratings
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design | 8.5 |
| Performance | 9.0 |
| Features | 7.5 |
| Price | 8.0 |
| Mileage | 7.0 |
| Riding Satisfaction | 9.2 |
| Sustainability | 7.5 |
| Overall | 8.2 |
Overview
The 2025 Toyota GR86 is the epitome of an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports car. It’s compact, lightweight, and delivers a visceral driving experience, thanks to its 2.4-liter flat-four engine, sharp handling, and balanced chassis. Like previous versions, it remains an ideal vehicle for car enthusiasts who prioritize driving engagement over raw power. In 2025, Toyota has made small tweaks to enhance the car’s features and driving dynamics, ensuring that the GR86 remains a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
History of the Toyota GR86
The history of the Toyota GR86 dates back to its inception as the Toyota 86 (also sold as the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S). Launched in 2012, the 86 was Toyota’s return to affordable sports cars, built as a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe with the spirit of the classic Toyota AE86. The collaboration with Subaru resulted in a chassis that was nimble and responsive, with Subaru providing the flat-four engine while Toyota focused on the design and tuning.
In 2022, the 86 was rebranded as the GR86 under Toyota’s performance-focused Gazoo Racing division. The second generation brought more power and torque, fixing one of the major criticisms of the original model. For 2025, the GR86 continues this legacy, offering incremental improvements to keep it competitive in the modern sports car market.
What’s New in 2025?
The 2025 Toyota GR86 brings several updates and refinements, focusing on both performance and comfort. Here are some of the notable changes:
- Revised Suspension Tuning: Toyota has fine-tuned the suspension to improve both ride comfort and handling precision. This makes the GR86 more composed during aggressive driving while remaining comfortable for everyday use.
- Enhanced Interior Materials: The 2025 model sees improvements in cabin materials, particularly around the dashboard and seats, giving the interior a more premium feel.
- Updated Infotainment: The GR86 now includes Toyota’s latest infotainment system with a larger touchscreen, better smartphone connectivity, and quicker response times.
- New Paint Colors: Toyota has introduced a few new color options for the 2025 model year, adding more visual appeal to the already sporty design.
- Improved Safety Features: Advanced driver assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard on higher trims.
Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway |
| 0-60 mph Time | 5.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 mph |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Curb Weight | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 101.4 inches |
Exterior Design
The 2025 Toyota GR86 boasts a sleek, low-slung design that screams performance. Its long hood, short rear deck, and wide stance give it a classic sports car silhouette, reminiscent of legendary coupes from the past. The front fascia features aggressive air intakes and sharp headlights that lend the car a purposeful look.
In addition, the rear end has been designed with aerodynamics in mind, featuring a small rear spoiler and dual exhaust outlets that give the car an aggressive stance. Overall, the exterior of the GR86 strikes a perfect balance between form and function, designed not just for aesthetics but to enhance the car’s driving dynamics.
Colors
For 2025, the Toyota GR86 is available in several vibrant and understated color options, including:
- Track bRED
- Neptune Blue
- Pavement Grey
- Halo White
- Steel Silver
- Raven Black
Interior Design
The interior of the 2025 Toyota GR86 has been slightly refreshed for 2025, with better materials and an overall more refined feel. The layout remains driver-centric, with all controls easily accessible and focused on enhancing the driving experience. The sports seats are well-bolstered, offering excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable for longer journeys.
The dashboard is dominated by a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, which can be customized to show various driving information, including lap times, g-forces, and engine performance. In addition, the infotainment system is now controlled via an 8-inch touchscreen, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One of the standout features of the GR86‘s interior is the low seating position, which enhances the driver’s connection to the road and improves the overall driving experience.
Riding Experience
The driving experience of the 2025 Toyota GR86 is where it truly shines. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine may not offer turbocharged power, but it provides a linear, responsive driving experience that driving purists crave. With 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the GR86 delivers strong mid-range acceleration, making it fun to drive on both city streets and backroads.
The rear-wheel-drive layout and low curb weight (around 2,800 lbs) make the GR86 incredibly agile. Its suspension has been tuned for a perfect blend of comfort and precision, allowing the car to handle sharp corners with ease. The 6-speed manual transmission is a joy to use, offering crisp shifts and a true connection between the driver and the machine. For those who prefer an automatic, the 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters provides a sporty experience as well.
Despite its performance credentials, the 2025 GR86 remains relatively comfortable for daily driving, with a suspension setup that absorbs bumps without sacrificing agility.
Key Features
The 2025 Toyota GR86 comes with a host of features designed to enhance both performance and comfort. Some of the standout features include:
- 7-Inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Provides customizable driving data, including g-forces, lap times, and engine information.
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: Features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation.
- Torsen Limited-Slip Differential: Improves traction and handling, especially during aggressive driving.
- LED Headlights and Taillights: Provide better visibility and enhance the car’s aggressive appearance.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: Standard on higher trims, offering added comfort during longer drives.
Safety Features
Toyota has always been known for its commitment to safety, and the 2025 GR86 is no exception. While the focus of the GR86 is on performance, it comes equipped with a range of modern safety features to ensure that driving excitement doesn’t come at the cost of safety.
- Toyota Safety Sense: Includes features like pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Standard on higher trims, this system alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots during lane changes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Helps drivers detect vehicles approaching from either side when backing out of parking spaces.
- Stability Control: Ensures that the car remains stable during high-speed driving or emergency maneuvers.
Variants of the 2025 Toyota GR86
1. GR86 Base
The base model offers excellent value, with all the essentials for an exciting driving experience. It comes with the 2.4L flat-four engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch digital cluster, and a 6-speaker sound system.
2. GR86 Premium
The Premium trim adds more features for comfort and convenience, including 18-inch wheels, a premium 8-speaker sound system, heated front seats, and a Torsen limited-slip differential for better handling.
Price Table for 2025 Toyota GR86 Variants
| Variant | Price in US | Price in Europe | Price in India |
|---|---|---|---|
| GR86 Base | $30,500 | €32,000 | ₹28 Lakh |
| GR86 Premium | $33,000 | €35,000 | ₹31 Lakh |
Fuel Consumption
Despite its focus on performance, the 2025 Toyota GR86 offers respectable fuel efficiency. The manual transmission variant delivers an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, while the automatic variant offers slightly better numbers, with 21 mpg city / 30 mpg highway. These figures are competitive for a performance-oriented car in this segment.
Cost of Maintenance
The 2025 Toyota GR86 is designed to be an affordable sports car, not just in terms of purchase price but also in terms of running costs. Routine maintenance like oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tire rotations will typically cost between $500 and $1,000 annually. However, owners should be aware that performance cars often require more frequent servicing than regular sedans or SUVs.
Insurance Costs Table
| Region | Annual Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| US | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Europe | €1,400 – €2,000 |
| India | ₹60,000 – ₹1 Lakh |
Warranty
Toyota backs the 2025 GR86 with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is in line with what most automakers offer, though some competitors offer longer warranties, especially in the powertrain department.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent handling and driving dynamics
- Affordable sports car with a manual transmission option
- Lightweight and agile
- Enhanced infotainment and safety features in 2025
Cons:
- Less power compared to some turbocharged competitors
- Limited rear-seat space
- Not the most fuel-efficient option in its class
Why Buy the 2025 Toyota GR86?
The 2025 Toyota GR86 offers a pure, unadulterated driving experience that is increasingly rare in today’s automotive market. If you’re a driving enthusiast who prioritizes handling and balance over straight-line speed, the GR86 will be immensely rewarding. Its lightweight, rear-wheel-drive layout provides a driving experience that’s hard to match at this price point.
For those who want a sports car that’s affordable, practical, and fun to drive, the GR86 is an excellent choice. It’s a car that offers real bang for your buck, both in terms of driving excitement and ownership costs.
Return on Investment
While the 2025 Toyota GR86 may not be the cheapest car in its segment, it offers great long-term value thanks to Toyota’s renowned reliability and strong resale values. Unlike some sports cars that depreciate rapidly, the GR86 is likely to retain much of its value over time, making it a solid investment for driving enthusiasts.
Sustainability
Though the 2025 Toyota GR86 is not a hybrid or electric vehicle, it makes efforts to be environmentally conscious. The naturally aspirated engine is relatively fuel-efficient for a sports car, and Toyota continues to reduce the overall environmental impact of its manufacturing processes. Additionally, the GR86 is relatively lightweight, which means it consumes less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to heavier sports cars.
Competitors
The 2025 Toyota GR86 faces stiff competition in the compact sports car segment. Key competitors include:
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is the GR86’s closest rival, offering a similar driving experience but with a convertible design. While the Miata is lighter and more nimble, it offers less power and cargo space.
2. Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is nearly identical to the GR86, sharing the same platform and engine. The key differences lie in their suspension tuning and design, with the BRZ offering slightly softer ride characteristics.
3. Nissan Z
The Nissan Z is more powerful than the GR86, with a twin-turbo V6 under the hood. However, it’s also more expensive, making the GR86 a more budget-friendly option for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota GR86 remains one of the best choices for driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable sports car. With its sharp handling, lightweight construction, and rear-wheel-drive layout, it offers an exhilarating driving experience that’s hard to find at this price point. Whether you’re on a twisty mountain road or navigating city streets, the GR86 delivers fun and engagement in every mile.
If you’re in the market for a sports coupe that prioritizes driving dynamics, offers modern features, and comes with the backing of Toyota’s legendary reliability, the 2025 GR86 should be at the top of your list.
FAQs of 2025 Toyota GR86
1. How much does the 2025 Toyota GR86 cost?
The 2025 Toyota GR86 starts at $30,500 for the base model.
2. What engine does the 2025 GR86 have?
The 2025 GR86 comes with a 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower.
3. Does the 2025 GR86 come with a manual transmission?
Yes, the 2025 GR86 is available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
4. How fast is the 2025 Toyota GR86?
The 2025 GR86 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
5. What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Toyota GR86?
The 2025 GR86 offers 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the manual transmission.
6. How many people can the 2025 GR86 seat?
The 2025 GR86 can seat up to four passengers.
7. Does the 2025 GR86 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the 2025 GR86 features an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
8. What safety features does the 2025 GR86 offer?
The 2025 GR86 comes with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
9. Is the 2025 GR86 good for daily driving?
Yes, the 2025 GR86 is comfortable enough for daily driving, while still offering an engaging driving experience.
10. How does the 2025 GR86 compare to the Mazda MX-5 Miata?
While the Miata is lighter and more nimble, the GR86 offers more power and a more practical coupe design, making it a better choice for some drivers.