Everything You Need to Know About the Toyota GR86

Everything You Need to Know About the Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 represents the exciting next step for Toyota's accessible, driver-focused sports cars. Building on the GT86 legacy, the GR86 continues to deliver an engaging rear-wheel-drive experience with a boxer engine developed in collaboration with Subaru. Drawing inspiration from Toyota’s iconic AE86 Corolla and the legendary 2000GT, the GR86 combines agility with a classic, performance-oriented design that appeals to enthusiasts looking for an affordable sports car. Positioned in Toyota's GR lineup just below the GR Supra and GR Corolla, the GR86 provides a compelling alternative to models like the Mazda Miata and Honda Civic Si, offering a unique blend of performance and value.

So what exactly is the GR86?

The Toyota GR86 is the second generation of Toyota's entry-level sports car. Following its predecessor the GT86 produced from 2012-2021 it shares several important features and details from its previous generation like a slightly improved 2.0 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine produced in collaboration with Subaru. The design for the car was inspired from a combination of Toyota's historical lineup with certain design and handling characteristics from the Toyota AE86 Corolla and exoskeletal features from the Toyota 2000GT. With all of these features put together you have a nimble, rear wheel drive, FA24 powered, driver-focused vehicle with a very reasonable and welcoming price tag. 

The GR86 is Toyota's entry-level platform for their customers who are looking for interesting alternatives to other market leaders like the Honda S2000, Mazda Miata, and Fiat 124 Spider to name just a few. It also finds itself a part of Toyotas GR Lineup falling underneath the GR Corolla and GR Supra which both feature different drivetrains and different purposes with the GR Corolla being a rally-inspired 3-cylinder turbo that was solely engineered and designed by Toyota, and the GR Supra being a 6-cylinder turbo that was designed in collaboration with BMW, however, not being offered by BMW and instead sharing its entire chassis and drivetrain setup with BMW's Z4 platform. 

What's the difference between the GR86 and BRZ?

There are very slight differences between the two vehicles both in engine tuning and suspension tuning. The average everyday commuter may not notice the difference but to those who are planning on taking their car to the track or some spirited backroad driving will definitely notice the difference between the two. 

Starting with the power difference, the GR86 slightly peaks out on top with a whopping 145mph top speed where the BRZ stays at a moderate 140mph. The BRZ does regain some points with a faster 0-60 time at 5.4 seconds against the GR86's 6.1 seconds with both being tested in the manual transmission option. 

For interior and exterior styling there are not many differences to point towards. The interior shares almost the exact same styling between the two vehicles with the obvious differences in brand placement and some color options. The exterior on the other hand have more differences between them. The front bumpers have completely different styling compared to eachother with the Subaru featuring larger side ducts while reducing the overall size of the front grill. The Toyota on the other hand has slightly smaller side ducts with a larger front grill. Moving past the front we see that the Subaru has opted for paint matched mirror caps and the Toyota features black mirror caps. The last difference between the two is Toyotas inclusion of a duckbill spoiler at the rear of the car. Other than that there really aren't too many big differences between the two for interior and exterior styling.

The suspension on the GR86 and BRZ are what truly separates the two vehicles and actually makes the biggest differences. Each vehicle has distinct tuning for its front and rear dampers as well as very specific spring rates. The GR86 having a 2.9kg/mm or 162lbs/in in the front and 4.0kg/mm or 224lbs/in in the rear. The BRZ different slightly with 3.1kg/mm or 174lbs/in in the front and 3.6kg/mm or 202lbs/in in the rear. Other major differences can be found within each cars sway bar with Subaru’s stabilizer bars featuring a hollow design, measuring 18.3 millimeters in diameter, slightly thicker than the 86’s solid 18-millimeter bar. In the rear, Toyota’s stabilizer measures 15 millimeters, just one millimeter thicker than Subaru’s. Notably, Subaru’s rear stabilizer is mounted directly to the unibody, while Toyota attaches it to the subframe. Additional suspension differences include the BRZ’s aluminum front knuckles and firmer rear trailing link bushings, contrasting with the GR 86’s steel knuckles and retained bushings.

The differences between the two vehicles are very minimal unless you are driving them back to back in track-like conditions where you are able to push the cars boundaries to the point where you can find the exact point where the differences begin to show themselves. Overall when it comes to finding which one is right for you comes down to personal preference and experience with the two brands.

 

Aftermarket Support for the GR86 and BRZ

Since the early days of the GT86, BRZ, and FR-S, these cars have cultivated a strong following and received immense support from the aftermarket community. Nearly every component has an upgrade option, often from multiple manufacturers, allowing enthusiasts to tailor their builds precisely to their vision. Whether for track, drift, time-attack, rally, or any other specialized build, there’s a wealth of parts available to transform these models into just about any type of performance machine you desire. Since there are so many different routes to take with these cars we are going to cover a list of OEM+ options that take your car to the next level. 

Engine and Drivetrain 

The GR86 and BRZ already come with a very well performing engine and it doesn't need too many things to improve its OEM performance without having to improve internals or pull the motor. We would recommend the Eventuri intake for the GR86 and BRZ, paired with the Milltek GR86 Resonated Secondary Cat-back Exhaust to improve airflow all the way through the engine, and you get a good sounding exhaust and induction noise.

These items can be found here:

 

Suspension & Wheels

The suspension setups on the GR86 and BRZ have notable differences beyond just damper tuning and stabilizer bars. Up front, Toyota's GR86 features a heavier iron alloy knuckle, while Subaru’s BRZ opts for a lighter aluminum version, contributing to minor handling and weight distribution differences. Both cars also use distinct front stabilizer bars: the BRZ uses an 18.3mm hollow bar, while the GR86 has an 18mm solid bar.

In the rear, the stabilizer bar mounting methods set the two models apart. Toyota mounts the GR86's stabilizer bar to the subframe, offering a bit more flexibility under load, whereas Subaru mounts the BRZ's stabilizer bar directly to the unibody, providing a firmer, more connected rear end. This difference is noticeable in driving dynamics, with the GR86 showing a "tail-happy" character in tight corners, while the BRZ has a more grounded, stable feel.

The spring rates also add subtle distinctions: the GR86 uses 2.9 kg/mm (162 lbs/in) in the front and 4.0 kg/mm (224 lbs/in) in the rear, while the BRZ is slightly stiffer up front at 3.1 kg/mm (174 lbs/in) and softer in the rear at 3.6 kg/mm (202 lbs/in).

To enhance suspension without heavily modifying the factory tuning, we suggest Eibach's PRO-KIT Lowering Springs for a subtle change in ride height and handling. For a more adjustable solution without compromising shock durability, Annex Suspension Group’s Fast Road Pro Coilovers with Swift Springs offer a refined balance. Choosing the right option depends on budget and your ultimate driving goals.

To reduce overall body roll when cornering we would recommend the Whiteline GR86 / BRZ 16mm Adj Rear Sway Bar w/ Endlinks and the Whiteline GR86 / BRZ 22mm Adj HD Front Sway Bar w/ Endlinks 

These items can be found here:

 

Brakes

We have done some extensive testing at Autobahn with the GR86 and BRZ and have found that while the stock breaks perform perfectly well for spirited driving and street use, but there are definitely some gaps that could be filled with some slight modification. We have found that aggressive track driving leaves the vehicle covered in break dust from the stock pads, and we have also noticed that the OEM brake fluid doesn't hold up to the regular abuse that comes along with track driving. We have found that combining Project Mu GR86 / BRZ TYPE NS Brake Pads on the front and rear, and Motul RBF 600 Racing Brake Fluid to create the best combination for more intense driving situations. For those just looking for increased break performance during spirited driving but don't plan on intense track use the Project Mu Type NS Brake Pads for the front and rear improve breaking performance and decrease overall production of break dust. 

These items can be found here:

 

Interior 

The interior for both vehicles are almost completely identical except for some branding within the design, however, the connection between the car and the driver is found within the cockpit. The only touchpoint we have seen improvement with is by installing a Billetworkz GR86 / BRZ Short Shifter. We've noticed a 25% (1") decrease in overall throw distance with the upgraded shifter allowing for a more solid feel and connection between the driver and the car. 
The interior aesthetics, while not making a difference in the physical driving experience, will change the overall feeling the driver has in the car. The first thing that we would introduce is 3D MAXpider GR86 Kagu 1st & 2nd Row Floor Mats which have a specially designed backing that grips to the floor without digging in and damaging like some other floormats. They are also made from a special all-weather material for added floor grip and weather resistance without the nasty rubber smell. We have also enjoyed a lot of the carbon fiber accents from Driven Media to give the interior that premium feel. 
These items can be found here:

 

Exterior

The GR86 and BRZ come stock with a fantastic looking exterior. There are only a few slight downsides to the exterior design that can be easily fixed with simple modification. The first issue we have encountered is when driving at higher speeds with the windows down during track use or highway driving. The wind entering into the cabin creates an aggressive buffeting effect that is irritating to those riding inside. Verus Engineering GR86 / BRZ Plastic Anti-Buffeting Wind Deflectors completely eliminate the buffeting effect allowing the driver and occupants to enjoy the complete experience of the vehicle.

We have also found that the stock hood prop on the GR86 and BRZ just doesn't provide enough clearance when working under the hood. We have found that the Hydraulic Driven Media GR86 / BRZ Hood Struts create plenty of clearance into the engine bay. 

The last thing we have found is the rock chips and scratches produced from debris coming off of the wheels. Typically many owners would turn towards mud flaps to reduce the damage caused by debris but the visual impression that mud flaps have is just too much for some owners, and we have found that MegaChip GR86 / BRZ Low-Profile Chip Guards provide the protection that most owners need.  These guards are sleek and minimal while offering invaluable protection to the paint behind the wheels and along the sides of the car. The front guards have a vent that lines up perfectly with the OEM wheel liner so the fender vent remains functional. 

These items can be found here:

 

Engine and Performance

What Engine is in the GR86?

Both the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ feature FA24D engine that was designed by Subaru and based off of the previous generation FA20D engine that was found in the previous generation GT86, BRZ, and Scion FR-S. The engine has some very slight improvements that pickup slack found in the last generation like an increased displacement of 2.4 liters over the original 2 liters. The bore and stroke from the original engine has changed from a previously square 86mm x 86mm swept displacement to the updated 94mm x 86mm. It shares the same compression ratio of 12.5:1. Revisions to the torque curve have also been applied, with peak torque coming in at a lower engine speed and a decreased torque dip that was very prominent in the previous generation between 3,000 and 5,000 RPM. Another great improvement made from the previous generation is the addition of a oil cooler to help improve overall oil temps.

Why is the GR86 a 4-Cylinder? 

there have been many back and forth conversations over what engine should be put into the updated GR86 and BRZ, The original 4-cylinder found in the GT86 was a perfect pairing with the lightweight driver focused style of the car and with the improvements made to the engine in the GR86 and BRZ keeping the same horizontally opposed (boxer) configuration it will keep the vehicle with the same low center of gravity and maintain similar handling characteristics as in the previous generation. 

Is the GR86 Automatic?

The GR86 and BRZ are available with both a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic transmission. Both options are widely available with the Automatic being popular amongst daily drivers and commuters versus the Manual transmission being favored by both purists and the aftermarket community alike. 

    Reliability and Value

    How Reliable is the GR86?

    There are many skeptics on the reliability of the car mainly focused around the engine designed and engineered by Subaru. Subaru of course, having not the best track record (pun intended) with the engines they've engineered for their own series of performance vehicles like the WRX and WRX STI. However, the previous generation featuring the FA20D has been proven to be mostly reliable through years of spirited driving and track use. The jury is still out for this new generation of GR86's and BRZ's as the new FA24D has not had enough road or track time to reveal whether or not it will remain reliable in the long run.

    A few customers have experienced some complications during their first few months of ownership, more specifically with the RTV (a type of silicone used to create a sort of gasket for some engine components). Excess amounts of RTV have been known to break off into the main cavity of the oil pan, and then get sucked into the pickup tube. This would create a few problems for owners, the worst of them being engine failure. This issue, while being a catastrophic one, has not been witnessed by Toyota or Subaru as a large enough issue to prescribe a recall. This issue can very simply be fixed be removing the oil pan and cleaning out/removing all RTV from the pan and pickup tube, and then reapplying the RTV in a more moderate amount to create a good seal without causing the issue to repeat. 

    Will the GR86 Hold Its Value?

    Sports cars often do hold their value quite well over time with limited editions holding their value particularly well overall. The second generation GR86 and BRZ haven't been around long enough at this time to tell whether or not they will retain value through time however, we can refer to the first generation to estimate how the second generation may change in value over time. 

    Focusing exclusively on the base models of first-generation GT86, BRZ, and Scion FR-S, well-maintained examples across various mileages typically fall within a price range of $9,000 to $30,000. Special Editions like the Hakone Edition GT86 can vary in an even greater range. Low mileage special editions start at $30,000 with more examples of less well kept vehicles ranging a bit lower around $20,000 to $29,000 (a vast majority of these examples were found to have accident reports or being used as corporate fleet vehicles). These ranges can vary depending on several different factors including location, condition, mileage, and current popularity of the platform. 

    How Much are the Different Trim Levels for the GR86?

    The current model year (2024) Base and Premium GR86's start at $27,900 for base models and $30,500 for premium options. Limited editions for the GR86 and BRZ are currently available with more options being revealed each model year. There are currently three examples including:

    • GR86 Hakone Edition (860 units, $35,270 MSRP)
      • Featuring the same exterior as the Ridge Green Limited Edition with bronze wheels, receives its own unique interior accents. 
    • GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition Solar Shift (860 units, $34,360)
      • The 10th Anniversary Special Edition features a unique orange "Solar Shift" Exterior with orange stitching and accents as well as some added vinyl decals to the exterior. 
    • BRZ Series.Purple (500 units, $35,445)
      • The Series.Purple were limited to only 500 manual transmission units featuring Galaxy Purple Pearl exterior paint, satin silver wheels, and gray interior accents. 

    Comparisons 

    GR86 vs. Mazda Miata

    • Engine: The Miata features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (inline) engine, producing less horsepower (181 hp) than the GR86's 2.4-liter engine.
    • Drivetrain: Both the Miata and GR86 are RWD, offering a similar driving experience.
    • Design: The Miata is a roadster with a convertible top, providing a different driving experience compared to the coupe design of the GR86.

    GR86 vs. Nissan Z

    • Engine: The Nissan Z is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing significantly more power (400 hp) than the GR86.
    • Drivetrain: Both the Nissan Z and GR86 are RWD.
    • Price: The Nissan Z is positioned as a higher-end sports car with a higher starting price compared to the GR86.

    GR86 vs. Fiat 124 Spider

    • Engine: The Fiat 124 Spider features a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing less power (160 hp) compared to the GR86.
    • Drivetrain: Both the Fiat 124 Spider and GR86 are RWD.
    • Design: The Fiat 124 Spider is a roadster, similar to the Miata, offering a different driving experience compared to the GR86's coupe layout.

    GR86 vs. Porsche Cayman

    • Engine: The Porsche Cayman comes with a range of more powerful engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines.
    • Drivetrain: Both the Porsche Cayman and GR86 are RWD.
    • Price: The Porsche Cayman is positioned as a premium sports car with a significantly higher starting price compared to the GR86.

    GR86 vs. Chevy Camaro

    • Engine: The Chevy Camaro offers a range of engines, including turbocharged four-cylinder, V6, and V8 options, providing more power than the GR86.
    • Drivetrain: The Camaro is available in both RWD and AWD configurations.
    • Design: The Camaro is a muscle car with a different design philosophy compared to the GR86's sports car approach.

    GR86 vs. Ford Mustang

    • Engine: The Ford Mustang offers a range of engines, including turbocharged four-cylinder, V6, and V8 options, providing more power than the GR86.
    • Drivetrain: The Mustang is available in both RWD and AWD configurations.
    • Design: The Mustang is a muscle car with a different design philosophy compared to the GR86's sports car approach.

    GR86 vs. Lexus RC

    • Engine: The Lexus RC offers a range of more powerful engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinder, V6, and V8 engines.
    • Drivetrain: Both the Lexus RC and GR86 are RWD.
    • Price: The Lexus RC is positioned as a luxury sports coupe with a higher starting price compared to the GR86.

    GR86 vs. Honda Civic Si

    • Engine: The Honda Civic Si features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing less power (200 hp) than the GR86.
    • Drivetrain: The Civic Si is FWD, whereas the GR86 is RWD.
    • Design: The Civic Si is a sporty compact sedan, offering a different driving experience and practicality compared to the GR86's coupe layout.

     

     

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