2027 Toyota GR86
View more photosPros
- Enjoyable handling for drivers of all skill levels
- Driver-friendly interior
- Quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission
- Good power output for its size
Cons
- Back seats are better suited for storage
- High interior noise levels
- Jittery ride quality at times
Overview
The 2027 Toyota GR86 is a small, lightweight sport coupe and, dollar for dollar, one of the most entertaining cars on the road today. With rear-wheel drive and a standard manual transmission, the GR86 is a bit of a throwback and one of the few true sports cars left on sale that doesn't carry a six-figure price tag. It's not the fastest or the most practical car in the world, but the GR86 is one of the most fun. For 2027, Toyota announced a handful of small tweaks for the GR86. The throttle has been retuned, promising a smoother feel when you accelerate. Toyota has also revised the manual transmission's shifter to make it easier to downshift from fifth to fourth gear.
Edmunds Expert Rating
We drove the Toyota GR86 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Driving experience
In our testing, the GR86 with the manual transmission dashed from 0 to 60 mph mph in 6 seconds flat. The shifter feels precise, the clutch pedal is light, and the pedals are well placed for heel-and-toe downshift rev-matching. Opting for the automatic transmission yields slower acceleration (6.9 seconds). Visibility is good all around: It's great out of the front and sides and decent out of the back given the high rear deck and rectangular window.
Standard driver aids include adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. In a nod to enthusiast drivers, the GR86's traction and stability systems are well calibrated for daily driving, and you can also engage the Track mode, which loosens the systems for more dynamic control of the car.
Comfort
Still, there's ample room for front seat adjustment, especially when compared to more cramped cars like the Mazda Miata, and the manually adjustable seats feature improved bolstering and hold you in place without feeling restrictive. The small-diameter steering wheel also makes for easy entry and exit. The rear seats, though, are best used as storage space rather than for passengers. And while there are rear child seat anchor points, getting any reasonably sized safety seat in and out is a major challenge.
Dual-zone climate control seems like overkill for such a small car, but it does the job. Unfortunately, the GR86 is noisy. Road and tire noise is constant and loud, and engine noise is more annoying than evocative.
In-cabin tech
Far less impressive is the audio system. While that's likely not a priority for a sports car, the system can't really keep up with interior noise levels and is easily taxed by moderate volume. There's room for improvement here.
Storage & cargo
Inside, the GR86 offers a small but practical amount of storage. The cupholders reside well behind the driver's right arm, so you're never at risk of bumping them while driving, and the rear seats excel at holding bags, jackets and other items you don't want rolling around in the trunk.
Value
Warranties for the GR86 are fairly standard, with three years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper and five years/50,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Toyota also includes three years/36,000 miles for roadside assistance and two years of free maintenance.
MPG
X factor
2027 Toyota GR86 trim level differences
[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's GR86. We expect the 2027 model will have a similar lineup, and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Toyota GR86 is a small two-door sports car with seating for up to four (in a pinch). Last year's limited-edition Yuzu trim has been dropped, leaving just two trims to choose from: the base GR86 and the Premium. Both use the same 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 184 lb-ft) that sends power solely to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual is standard, and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional.
The 2027 GR86 trim level we recommend
Toyota hasn't released official information on the 2027 GR86 as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's GR86, we suggest going with the Premium trim. For a few thousand dollars more than the base trim, the Premium trim adds 18-inch wheels with performance tires, upgraded headlights, heated front seats, and a better audio system. We also recommend going with the Performance package for its upgraded brakes and suspension.
Alternatives to the 2027 GR86
You'll want to check out the Subaru BRZ, which is the GR86's mechanical twin. The GR86 is a bit less expensive and has slightly different styling and suspension tuning. There's also the Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible, which is a great choice if you want similar thrills and the option to have an open top. We're also fans of the revived Honda Prelude. It's not as quick as the GR86 but offers excellent handling, stellar fuel economy, and a more refined cabin. If you're OK with four doors, the Hyundai Elantra N and Volkswagen Golf GTI are great options, as is Toyota's all-wheel-drive GR Corolla.