Cars

Full Review: 2025 Toyota GR86 Specs, Performance, and Price

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Full Review: 2025 Toyota GR86 Specs, Performance, and Price

The 2025 Toyota GR86 continues to solidify its reputation as a pure driver’s car, blending balanced handling, a refined powertrain, and sharp styling into an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. With updates that focus on performance refinement and driver engagement, the 2025 model year brings subtle yet meaningful improvements over its predecessor. Whether you're a weekend canyon carver, a track day enthusiast, or just looking for an engaging daily driver, the GR86 delivers fun at a compelling price point. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the 2025 Toyota GR86 specs, performance, features, and pricing to help you determine if it's the right sports car for you.

Exterior Design: Aggressive and Aerodynamic

The 2025 Toyota GR86 features an aggressive front fascia, sleek LED lighting, and a low-slung silhouette that screams performance. Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (GR) division has ensured that every line on the car serves a purpose—whether it’s enhancing aerodynamics or improving cooling. The wide stance and flared fenders give the GR86 a planted look, while the rear diffuser and dual exhaust tips hint at its track-ready nature.

Updated for 2025, subtle changes include revised headlight clusters with better illumination and a more sculpted front splitter. The overall dimensions remain consistent: 167.9 inches in length, 69.9 inches in width, and 51.6 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 101.4 inches. This compact size contributes to the car’s nimble handling and easy maneuverability.

Standard 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires complete the exterior package. Buyers can choose from several exterior colors, including new-for-2025 Ceramic White, Super Black, and Nitrous Yellow, with the latter offering a bold, attention-grabbing finish perfect for those who want to stand out.

2025 Toyota GR86 specs and performance features on road

Interior: Driver-Focused and Functional

Inside, the 2025 Toyota GR86 maintains a minimalist, driver-centric philosophy. The cockpit is designed to keep the focus on driving, with intuitive controls and high-quality materials for its segment. Soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and available Alcantara®-trimmed seats enhance the sporty ambiance.

The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wirelessly for added convenience. Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker audio system, and USB ports are standard across all trims. Higher trims upgrade to a premium JBL audio system with eight speakers, delivering crisp sound without distracting from the driving experience.

Digital instrumentation includes a 7-inch TFT multi-information display that can be customized to show performance metrics like G-forces, lap times, and boost pressure (though the GR86 is naturally aspirated). The flat-bottom steering wheel, available heated seats, and automatic climate control add comfort without compromising the car’s track-ready DNA.

Packaging is tight, as expected in a two-door sports coupe. Headroom and legroom are adequate for drivers up to 6 feet tall, but taller passengers may find the rear seats best suited for storage or small children. The trunk offers 6.9 cubic feet of cargo space—enough for a weekend bag or track-day gear.

2025 Toyota GR86 Specs: Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the 2025 Toyota GR86 lies a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine developed in collaboration with Subaru. This naturally aspirated engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque—a modest but meaningful increase over the previous generation. The power delivery is linear and responsive, rewarding drivers who love to rev the engine and row through the gears.

The engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The manual remains the purist’s choice, offering precise throws and a satisfying clutch feel. The automatic includes Sport mode and keeps the engine in the sweet spot during spirited driving.

Thanks to its low center of gravity—aided by the boxer engine layout and a rear-mounted transmission—the GR86 achieves near 50/50 weight distribution. This balance, combined with a stiff chassis and tuned suspension, results in exceptional handling dynamics. The car feels planted during cornering, with minimal body roll and excellent feedback through the steering wheel.

Front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam rear suspension have been refined for 2025, with revised spring rates and damping for improved ride comfort without sacrificing performance. Toyota has also upgraded the electric power steering system for better on-center feel and responsiveness.

The GR86’s lightweight construction (around 2,800 pounds depending on trim) enhances agility and braking performance. Brembo four-piston front calipers with 11.6-inch ventilated discs are standard on higher trims, providing strong stopping power and resistance to fade during track use.

Driving Dynamics: Where the GR86 Excels

The 2025 Toyota GR86 isn’t about raw speed—it’s about balance, precision, and driver involvement. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 6.1 seconds with the manual transmission, which is respectable for a naturally aspirated 2.4L engine in a lightweight chassis. The real magic happens when you push the car through corners.

With a curb weight under 2,900 pounds and a responsive chassis, the GR86 encourages drivers to explore the limits of grip. The chassis communicates road feedback clearly, allowing you to feel when the rear tires are starting to lose traction. This makes the car forgiving for novice drivers and fun for experienced ones, as it allows for controlled oversteer when desired.

Toyota has equipped the GR86 with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and a Track Mode that loosens the traction control settings, enabling more dynamic driving on closed courses. The Track Mode also modifies the throttle response and shifts the gauge cluster to a performance-oriented display.

On public roads, the GR86 is surprisingly livable. The suspension soaks up bumps reasonably well, and road noise is kept to a minimum. Wind noise at highway speeds is present but not intrusive. The car’s low seating position and wide A-pillars require some acclimation, but visibility remains adequate for city driving.

For track enthusiasts, the GR86 is a dream. It’s light, predictable, and built to handle repeated hard use. Many owners report success in time attack events and driving schools, where the car’s balanced chassis and mechanical grip shine. Torsen limited-slip differential (standard on all trims) further enhances traction during aggressive cornering.

Technology and Safety Features

While the GR86 prioritizes driving purity, Toyota hasn’t ignored modern conveniences and safety. The 2025 model comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems that includes:

These features enhance everyday usability and safety, especially during long drives or in heavy traffic. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims, adding confidence when changing lanes or reversing.

Connectivity features include a Wi-Fi Connect subscription for remote services, such as remote start via smartphone app (on automatic models), vehicle finder, and maintenance alerts. The infotainment system supports over-the-air updates, ensuring software remains current throughout the vehicle’s life.

Physical buttons for climate and audio controls remain, a welcome feature in an era where many automakers rely solely on touchscreens. This allows drivers to make adjustments without taking their eyes off the road—a critical advantage in a performance-oriented vehicle.

Trim Levels and Pricing for 2025

The 2025 Toyota GR86 is available in two primary trims: Base and Premium. Both trims are offered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, with the automatic commanding a slight premium.

GR86 Base Trim – Starting at $28,335

The Base trim delivers outstanding value, including essential performance and comfort features:

GR86 Premium Trim – Starting at $31,335

The Premium trim enhances comfort and technology, making it ideal for drivers who want a more refined experience:

Destination and handling fees add approximately $1,195 to the sticker price. The 2025 GR86 remains competitively priced against rivals like the Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Ford Mustang EcoBoost, though it occupies a unique niche with its rear-wheel-drive layout, boxer engine, and balanced chassis.

Comparison with the Subaru BRZ

The 2025 Toyota GR86 shares its platform and powertrain with the Subaru BRZ, but the two cars have distinct personalities. While the BRZ emphasizes comfort and daily usability, the GR86 leans slightly more toward track-focused dynamics.

Toyota has tuned the GR86’s suspension to be slightly stiffer, with more aggressive steering calibration. The interior design is also more driver-oriented, with a lower seating position and a dashboard that wraps around the cockpit.

Exterior styling sets the two apart: the GR86 has a more angular front end with aggressive LED lighting, while the BRZ opts for a sleeker, more minimalist look. Inside, the GR86 features different trim materials and color options, giving it a unique identity.

Pricing is nearly identical, but Toyota often includes more standard tech features on the GR86, especially in the infotainment department. Both cars are excellent choices, but the GR86 appeals to those who prioritize engagement and a raw driving experience.

What’s New for 2025?

The 2025 model year brings several refinements over the 2024 version:

While not a full redesign, these updates demonstrate Toyota’s commitment to refining the GR86 experience based on owner feedback and evolving market expectations.

Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Economy

The 2025 Toyota GR86 delivers strong fuel efficiency for a sports car. EPA estimates are:

In real-world driving, owners report achieving 27–28 mpg on mixed routes, with highway cruising easily exceeding 30 mpg. The 13.2-gallon fuel tank provides a driving range of over 400 miles on a full tank, making the GR86 suitable for longer road trips.

Unlike turbocharged competitors, the GR86 runs on regular unleaded gasoline, reducing fuel costs over time. This makes it an economical choice for sports car enthusiasts who want performance without premium fuel requirements.

Ownership Experience and Reliability

Toyota’s reputation for reliability extends to the GR86. With a proven