Toyota GR86

Nearly a decade ago, Toyota wowed car enthusiasts with its all-new back-to-basics sport coupe. Co-developed with Subaru and initially sold as the Scion FR-S, the Toyota 86 was inexpensive, small, lightweight and very fun to drive. Now, for 2022, Toyota is back with its redesigned 2022 GR86. Significant changes include a more powerful engine and new styling, but most importantly the new GR86 improves upon the same principles that made the original so enjoyable.

Like its predecessor, the GR86 features a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine mounted up front. Along with a larger 2.4-liter displacement and improvements to the intake and exhaust, the engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft — an increase of 23 hp and 28 lb-ft compared to the previous model. Beyond the power increase, the difference in steering is immediately obvious. The GR86's wheel moves with more linearity and eagerness, providing a greater sense of directness to the driver than the previous model.

Of course there are other affordable, fun-to-drive cars on the market. On the rear-wheel-drive side, Mazda's MX-5 Miata continues to entertain drivers of all levels and Ford's Mustang offers a lot of performance, even with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel-drive fun can be found in the scrappy Hyundai Veloster N or the more refined Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Which GR86 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Toyota GR86 is a two-door, four-seat sports car available in two trim levels: base and Premium. Powering the rear wheels of the GR86 is a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 184 lb-ft) through your choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Highlighted features include:

Base Comes well equipped with features, such as:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Limited-slip rear differential (helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
• Dual-zone climate control
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Keyless entry with push-button start

Selecting the automatic transmission further gets you:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front)
• Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Premium Adds a few features and improves handling, with:

• 18-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires
• Heated front seats
• Aluminum pedals
• Eight-speaker audio system
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• A telematics system featuring a vehicle locator and diagnostic alerts (requires a subscription)

Either trim level can be equipped with an optional 10-speaker audio system and carpeted floor mats.