2026 Toyota GR86 Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The GR86 is Toyota’s tail-wagging, small rear-wheel-drive sport coupe. It’s one of three performance models in the automaker's U.S. lineup tuned by Gazoo Racing, alongside the GR Supra and GR Corolla. Originally derived from the Scion FR-S, the GR86 faces few direct competitors, but it can be compared to its Subaru sibling, the BRZ, as well as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford Mustang EcoBoost.
What’s New
Toyota introduces a new limited-run special edition this year, as it has for every model year since the second-gen GR86 arrived for 2022. The yellow 2026 Yuzu Edition is a nod to a previous special from the GR86’s predecessor, the Scion FR-S. Last year, the automaker brought back the lineup’s Hakone model for a limited engagement, and the year before that it was the GR86 Trueno Edition.
What We Think
The second-gen GR86 sport coupe is heaps better than its forerunner and showed as much in testing. As ever, driving dynamics are excellent, and the car’s limits are easy to approach. The chassis is solid, and the car’s ride is on the smooth side, if a little stiff. Its low-slung boxer engine sounds much better post-redesign, though too much outside noise permeates the cabin. For a sports car, it isn’t especially quick, and if you get it with the automatic transmission the gearbox’s shift logic is bafflingly unsporting. The clutch take-up point is too high on the pedal stroke, as well, and brakes should be the first upgrade for anyone considering track days in the car.
The four-seat cabin is probably only comfortable for the people in the first row, but we dig how low the seats sit (the staff is split on whether the seat bolstering is too much). Soft materials are premium-feeling, but the dash and center console could use a design update. Despite its flaws, the enthusiast in us is pretty high on the fun-to-drive GR86. It even (barely) beat out the BRZ in a comparison, with cleaner styling, a better ride, and funner manners. That said, if straight-line quickness or a bigger trunk are priorities, the Ford Mustang might be a better option in the class.
Performance and MPG
Every GR86 features a 2.4-liter non-turbo flat-four engine. Output ratings are pegged at 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive is the only way the 86 comes.
The small Toyota handles like a sports car but isn’t as quick as one. The coupe is swiftest with its manual gearbox, capable of launches to 60 mph in a MotorTrend-tested 5.8 seconds. In comparison, the much more powerful turbo-four Mustang EcoBoost makes the sprint in a curt 4.9 seconds. Although the transmission in the automatic could use a retune, it does help return better fuel economy, with ratings of 21/30 mpg city/highway for 2025, versus the 20/26 mpg that comes with the manual transmission. Look for the 2026 to return similar ratings.
What Is the GR86 Yuzu Special Edition?
Toyota’s Scion brand existed from 2003 to 2016, and in that time the offshoot created several limited edition models. The GR86 began life as the Scion FR-S, and this year’s new Yuzu Special Edition pays tribute to the 2015 FR-S Release Series 1.0 that came sprayed in a model-specific Yuzu yellow exterior paint.
Modifications for the GR86 Yuzu special are added to the Premium grade, starting with Brembo brakes and a set of Sachs dampers. The handling upgrades are the same that came on the lineup’s previous two specials, and although their efficacy as performance enhancers is somewhat questionable, the calipers at least look good behind the car’s wheels.
Exterior changes include 18-inch matte black wheels and other black accents. The cabin features black Ultrasuede-trimmed sport seats with yellow perforation and yellow stitching on the steering wheel, parking brake handle, and door trim. Only 860 GR86 Yuzu special editions will be assembled for the U.S. market for 2026.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2025 GR86 does relatively well in IIHS testing, earning mostly good and superior ratings. However, because the coupe hasn’t been tested in the institute’s updated crash tests, it does not receive either of IIHS’ top two awards. The car wasn’t rated by NHTSA for 2025, but maybe by 2026 both agencies will have updated, full results.
Standard driver assists include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automatic high beams. Hill Start Assist Control is also standard, and blind-spot monitoring is unlocked on higher trims.
Technology
Every 2026 GR86 should come with a 7.0-inch digital gauge display and an 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model features a six-speaker system, while higher trims offer eight speakers. Heated front seats should also be available.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Toyota GR86 will be available with three trims this year: GR86, GR86 Premium, and the GR86 Yuzu special edition. Cars go on sale in fall 2025, but pricing won’t be available until closer to the release date. That doesn’t mean we can’t speculate—look for the 2026 GR86 base model to start at roughly $33,500, while the top trim should sticker around $39,000.
