2024 Toyota GR86 Review

Toyota formed its GR (Gazoo Racing) line to fulfill drivers’ desire for high-performance cars within its brand. Subsequently, the automaker reflected its commitment to enhancing vehicle performance with track-testing at famous locations like Nürburgring. Today’s result is a unique three-car garage, including the 2024 Toyota GR86, GR86 Premium, and its special edition trim, the GR86 Trueno.

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

The GR86 is a sports coupe with refined performance and daring looks. Toyota emphasizes form and function within the Trueno Edition via its lightweight body and precise handling, translating to fun for all. This rear-wheel drive (RWD) model is also rare, as auto manufacturers produce fewer sports coupes in favor of new crossovers and SUVs. Its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine produces over 200 horsepower, and drivers can choose between an automatic or manual transmission.

Despite its pep, the 2024 GR86’s ride remains balanced, with handling optimized for more challenging road maneuvers like cornering. While its rear seats are best suited to cargo instead of passengers, there’s a case for partially compromising practicality in favor of this two-door model’s sportiness. For example, the all-new Trueno Edition boasts a stylish exterior with exclusive badging, sleek wheels, and a black-wrapped hood, which we’ll take a closer look at later. 

Keep reading below to see what highlights and lowlights MotoPickers found when researching this model.

Exterior spotlight

The 2024 GR86’s exterior features a purposeful design. Key elements characterizing this coupe’s body include sporty lines, a long hood, and a short rear deck, which form a race-inspired, aerodynamically optimized shape. This configuration also generates a near-perfect weight distribution, fostering sharp handling and eye-catching aesthetics.

Before evaluating its available upgrades, let’s examine this model’s standard interior features. All 2024 GR86 variants contain:

• Auto-leveling projector-type LED headlights with Automatic High Beams (AHB) and LED turn signal indicators
• LED rear combination lights (brake and turn signals) with a rear decklid-mounted LED stop light and backup light
• LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Black functional matrix front grille with G-mesh insert
• GR badge and working air inlet ducts with black accent trim
• Color-keyed roof with double-bubble (two raised sections) feature
• Rear ‘GR86’ badge
• Dual chrome-tipped exhaust
• Black heated power outside mirrors
• Machined-finish 17” alloy wheels

Its seven exterior colors include Halo white, Steel silver, Pavement gray, Raven black, Neptune blue, Track bRed red, and Trueno blue, exclusive to the Trueno edition. Opting for a GR86 Premium trim unlocks sleek 18” matte-black-painted alloy wheels.

Race-inspired performance

Motopickers recommends utilizing the 2024 GR86’s 6-speed manual transmission over its automatic counterpart to experience a more direct connection with this sports coupe’s performance. Toyota enhances this manual transmission with a short-throw shifter design concept, facilitating faster transitions between gears. Still, 2024 GR86 drivers with automatic transmission receive paddle shifters with dynamic rev management, which optimizes engine revs during gear shifts. 

Complementing these transmission options is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine with 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of linear torque. The 2024 GR86’s linear torque presents critical performance benefits, such as:

• Predictable power delivery
• Enhanced acceleration (0-60 MPH in 6.1 seconds)
• Sharper throttle responses
• More stability

This 2.4-liter engine also sits low in the chassis, improving balance during situations like cornering. The 2024 GR86’s dual chrome-tipped exhaust isn’t all for show. Toyota designed this exhaust to better support the motor’s increased displacement and output. In other words, the exhaust supports this sports coupe’s larger engine, which produces more power. Mandrel bends provide seamless airflow and corrosion-resistant materials.

Can you handle it?

Toyota has given a lot of thought to the 2024 GR86’s handling. Its front fender features active air vents, which provide more driving stability and turning precision. In contrast, automakers like Ford have non-active air vents on the front fender of their Mustang sports car, meaning it’s all for looks.

The GR86’s handling also benefits from track-tuned suspension and a limited-slip differential, establishing increased driver confidence during curves and facilitating a more equal power distribution between wheels. A front-engine RWD layout complements this suspension and limited-slip differential, providing more nimble handling via its lightweight materials and durable chassis.

Available Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, standard on the GR86 premium, don’t hurt handling, either. These tires boast competitive wet, dry, and braking performance, solidifying the car’s status as a performance vehicle capable of daily driving. The GR86 features an optimized body structure to boot, which is light and rigid, using aluminum alongside high-strength steel. 

Driver-centric interior design 

The 2024 GR86’s interior is straightforward, which isn’t a bad thing for its class. In this context, straightforward means a driver-centric interior emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Conversely, many of today’s vehicles can go above and beyond with their interior offerings, confusing drivers with one-too-many touchscreens, multi-layered display menus, and more. 

Toyota’s GR86 goes in a different direction with its cabin’s turbine-style air vents and standard dual-zone automatic climate control system, which also features a dedicated LCD control display. This LCD control presents climate settings for a streamlined overview of the vital comfort feature. The 2024 GR86’s interior also boasts a dashboard and center console with silver-finished toggle controls and available aluminum sport pedals, further establishing a sporty feel. Folding down the rear seats provides additional cargo space on demand. 

However, Toyota didn’t stop there. This coupe’s leather-trimmed driver touchpoints are all-black in areas that include, but aren’t limited to, the steering wheel, parking brake handle, and seats. Opting for a GR86 Trueno Edition gives you access to flashy red interior door panels and seat accents, along with a trim-exclusive shift knob with ergonomic placement. 

Technology and infotainment analysis 

Entering and firing up the 2024 Toyota GR86 is effortless thanks to its remote keyless entry with GR push button start feature. Drivers of this sports coupe can also open their trunk while the key fob sits in their pocket or bag. Once your car is on, a GR digital gauge cluster lights up and helps you switch between Normal, Sport, and Track driving modes. Track Mode projects a linear tachometer and giant shift light, resulting in a more direct connection with this vehicle’s performance. 

The 2024 GR86’s infotainment display offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but the screen is smaller at 8”. Still, this infotainment system accommodates voice commands for communication like texting and reads messages aloud to keep you safe behind the wheel with fewer distractions. If you want to take the 2024 GR86’s audio to the next level, select the available eight-speaker system with an increased base output and an available 10” 200W subwoofer.

Standard safety and a future wish 

Toyota’s 2024 GR86 boasts an array of capable standard safety and convenience features on its manual and transmission variants. These cutting-edge systems include:

• Pre-collision automatic braking
• Pre-collision throttle management
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lead vehicle start alert
• Lane departure warning with sway warning 
• Automatic high beams

Automatic versions additionally contain reverse automatic braking and rear parking sonar. However, automatic and manual transmission 2024 GR86s have seven standard airbags for premium protection.

One area we think could see improvement is Toyota adding this model’s blind spot detection system to its list of standard features within the GR86 safety suite. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated this vehicle’s crash capabilities as “Good” in all its categories, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet provided a crash protection rating.

Fuel efficiency and maintenance overview

The 2024 GR86 delivers 20-21 MPG in the city and 26-30 MPG on the highway, with automatic transmission variants providing the best fuel economy. 

Toyota offers all new GR86 buyers ToyotaCare, a maintenance plan that covers regular factory-scheduled service for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Consider complementing ToyotaCare by extending Toyota’s available Service Connect past its one-year trial, which allows you to receive notifications like maintenance reminders so that you can spend more time on the road and less in the shop.

Trim pricing and value guide 

Below are starting prices and spec highlights for the 2024 Toyota GR86’s three unique trims.

GR86 (base) – $29,300

In addition to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine producing 228 horsepower, entry-level GR86 drivers receive a 7” thin-film transistor GR digital gauge cluster with an LCD multi-information display reflecting data like your current drive mode and safety warnings.

GR86 Premium – $31,900

Moving into GR86 Premium territory grants you access to sporty 18” matte-black-painted alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and a distinctive rear spoiler.

GR86 Trueno Edition – $34,720

The 2024 GR86 Trueno Edition turns heads upon its arrival with a black-accented hood and side graphics, complemented by 18” forged alloy wheels with a black metallic finish. This trim’s available performance package boasts Brembo brakes with increased stopping power and performance dampers, mitigating body roll likelihood and optimizing cornering.

Its interior reveals accents on the door panels and leather-trimmed seats for a truly sporty feel. Toyota has limited its 2024 GR86 Trueno Edition production to 860 units, underscoring its exclusivity.

GR garage comparison 

The GR86 Trueno Edition is Toyota’s least expensive model within its peak GR-performance garage. The other two models, the GR Corolla Circuit 2024 and GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition start at $45,140 and $65,275, respectively. 

A GR Corolla Circuit model delivers more horsepower than the GR86 at 300, providing 273 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive (AWD), and a forged carbon-fiber roof containing UV protection. Opting for a GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition unlocks 382 horsepower, 368 lb-ft of torque, a manually adjustable rear spoiler, and 19” matte-black forged aluminum wheels.

Value proposition

Each new 2024 GR86 comes with a free 1-year NASA (National Auto Sports Association) membership, which provides a complimentary high-performance driving experience through Toyota and discounts to NASA events.

The high-performance driving experience grants 2024 Supra owners the opportunity to head to a race track for professional-level driving lessons that help motorists learn to harness their model’s capabilities fully. It’s not every day that drivers can form a close relationship with their vehicle through unique opportunities like these.

Owner Feedback and Reviews 

Toyota’s GR86 features an online forum dedicated to the model, gr86.org. One account on this forum, Dubtee, wrote: “Just got my [2024] Trueno edition, love it. Huge upgrade over the base ’22 I had. Handling, sound system (have the sub) and the interior just feels much better. All the driver safety features are way less invasive than I had expected as well.”

A Reddit user, account CptEgg, wrote: “I love this car. Unlike many new cars today, it has a stiff chassis and direct steering. No adaptive suspension intentionally softened bushings, or VG-EPS, which are things I cannot stand. 

“I prefer minimalistic and pure. This car gets me 85-90% of what I want out of my ‘fun’ car for cheap. It drives and handles very well and is a very good platform for learning performance driving.”

However, another Reddit user, account name Numerous-Nature-785, shared mixed feelings regarding this sports coupe’s interior: “The carpet in the car is terrible, thin, and seems like it would get destroyed instantly. I put in tuxmats day one. The layout of everything is awesome. My elbow resting position constantly opens the center console, which is highly irritating, though.”

While car shopping is becoming increasingly digitized, you should always take a vehicle out for a test drive to see whether or not you agree with owner feedback, as some information is more subjective than objective.

Final verdict 

If you’re looking for a coupe featuring an authentic, sporty design at a fair price, the 2024 Toyota GR86 may be right for you. MotoPickers favors the GR Supra 45th Anniversary Edition and the GR Corolla Circuit Edition over the GR86’s Trueno edition due to these models’ increased power within their performance-oriented category. Still, there’s no denying that the GR86 presents value with its sub-$30,000 starting price. While lower than its GR siblings, its standard horsepower still satisfies at 228.  

The GR86 also brings manual transmissions back into style, fostering a closer connection between driver and car via responsive shifts. Toyota’s 2024 GR86, designed for all driving skill levels, bridges the gap between quality sports car performance and affordability, landing an 8.7/10 overall MotoPickers rating.