In a world dominated by SUVs, EVs, and oversized trucks, Toyota has quietly reignited a dying flame — the affordable, analog sports car. Enter the Toyota GR86 Premium, the second generation of a coupe born from driving passion rather than boardroom pragmatism. As cars become increasingly digital and detached, the GR86 Premium brings back what many have missed: a real connection to the road, affordability that doesn’t compromise on fun, and just the right amount of modern touch.
This article dives deep into what makes the GR86 Premium such a compelling revival of the old-school sports car — from its design roots and performance specs to how it stacks up in today’s world of overpriced performance machines.
The Return of the Affordable Driver’s Car
Toyota, through its Gazoo Racing (GR) performance division, has taken major strides in recent years. With models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and the GR Supra, they’ve sent a clear message: driving fun is not dead. But among these, the GR86 Premium holds a unique place — it’s the spiritual successor to the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S before it.
Where the Supra appeals to turbocharged thrill-seekers, and the GR Corolla caters to rally enthusiasts, the GR86 Premium is made for the pure enthusiast — the driver who seeks balance, light weight, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics at a price point that doesn’t destroy the budget.
Engineered for Enthusiasts
Under the hood, the 2025 Toyota GR86 Premium features a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine developed in collaboration with Subaru. This boxer engine produces:
- 228 horsepower
- 184 lb-ft of torque
- 0–60 mph in about 5.4 seconds
It’s a significant upgrade from the 2.0-liter in the first-generation 86, which was criticized for feeling underpowered. The power increase is tangible and usable, especially in the midrange, where the previous model struggled.
And most importantly? It’s still available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Toyota could have gone the easy route and offered only an automatic, but they didn’t. For enthusiasts, this decision means everything.
Lightweight Chassis and Rear-Wheel Drive
Weighing just around 2,850 pounds, the GR86 Premium keeps its weight in check, preserving the featherlight ethos of cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or classic AE86. The chassis balance is impeccable, and the car feels alive at every speed.
The 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution combined with Torsen limited-slip differential makes for controlled slides, crisp corner exits, and incredible confidence in twisty roads.
While the GR86 isn’t the fastest car in a straight line, it’s not trying to be. This car is about the corners. And that’s where it absolutely shines.
What’s “Premium” About the GR86 Premium?
Let’s break down what the Premium trim adds compared to the base GR86:
| Feature | GR86 Base | GR86 Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 17-inch alloys | 18-inch black aluminum alloys |
| Tires | All-season | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (Summer Performance) |
| Seats | Cloth | Ultrasuede & Leather-trimmed |
| Audio System | 6-speaker | 8-speaker premium audio |
| Spoiler | None | Duckbill rear spoiler |
| Interior Accents | Matte black | Aluminum sport pedals, upgraded trim |
| Safety | Subaru EyeSight (Auto only) | Subaru EyeSight (Auto only) |
| Price (MSRP estimate) | ~$30,000 | ~$32,500 |
These upgrades might seem small at a glance, but they elevate the GR86 into something more cohesive. The Michelin summer tires alone make a huge difference in grip and handling, while the premium interior brings a sense of refinement without diluting the sporty character.
Handling: Precision on Tap
The GR86 Premium is surgically precise. Thanks to:
- Double-wishbone rear suspension
- MacPherson front struts
- Rigid chassis bracing
- Electric power steering tuned for feedback
…it delivers a sense of control that’s rare at this price point.
There’s almost no body roll, and with the improved torque curve, you no longer have to rev the engine to redline to feel its power. It pulls smoothly and eagerly, making even daily commutes feel like an event.
Interior: Form Meets Function
Inside the GR86 Premium, Toyota focuses on driving-first ergonomics:
- A low-slung seating position
- Large, easy-to-read digital tachometer
- Center stack tilted toward the driver
- Real knobs for climate controls
It’s not overly luxurious — nor should it be. It’s not a grand tourer; it’s a driver’s car. Yet, touches like heated seats, Ultrasuede upholstery, and the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto give it modern comfort without overcomplication.
Daily Driving and Practicality
This isn’t a car you buy for practicality, but it’s not totally unreasonable either:
- Rear seats exist (though best for bags or kids)
- Trunk space is modest but can fit weekend bags or groceries
- Fuel economy is solid at 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway (manual)
Unlike some performance cars, it doesn’t demand a punishing daily sacrifice. If anything, it’s surprisingly livable.
GR86 vs. The Competition
Let’s see how the Toyota GR86 Premium stacks up against some of its closest rivals:
| Model | Engine | Power (hp) | Drivetrain | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota GR86 Premium | 2.4L NA Flat-4 | 228 | RWD | ~$32,500 |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2.0L NA Inline-4 | 181 | RWD | ~$30,500 |
| Subaru BRZ Limited | 2.4L NA Flat-4 | 228 | RWD | ~$32,500 |
| Nissan Z (base) | 3.0L Twin-turbo V6 | 400 | RWD | ~$42,000 |
| Ford Mustang EcoBoost | 2.3L Turbo I4 | 315 | RWD | ~$30,920 |
| Chevy Camaro LT1 | 6.2L V8 | 455 | RWD | ~$38,800 |
As the table shows, the GR86 may not be the most powerful, but it’s arguably the most balanced and engaging in terms of chassis feel, weight, and driver feedback — and it delivers that for a price that undercuts most rivals.
The Tuner’s Dream: A Canvas for Mods
One of the biggest draws of the GR86 is its modding potential. Like its predecessor, the GR86 is already gaining attention in the aftermarket world:
- Coilover suspension kits for precision tuning
- Turbo kits for those who want forced induction
- Lightweight forged wheels for better performance
- Interior upgrades like shift knobs, pedals, and race seats
- ECU tuning options from companies like Ecutek and HKS
Toyota hasn’t just built a fun car — they’ve built a platform for enthusiasts to shape into their dream machine.
A Nod to the AE86 Legacy
The spiritual ancestor of the GR86 Premium is the Toyota AE86 — a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe beloved by drifters and purists alike. Known globally from Initial D fame, the AE86 wasn’t about outright power; it was about momentum, balance, and driver engagement.
The GR86 carries that torch with dignity. It may have more horsepower and modern safety features, but the core idea remains the same: accessible driving joy.
Why the GR86 Premium Matters
Toyota could have scrapped this project entirely. They could have focused on hybrids, crossovers, or EVs. But they didn’t. Instead, they doubled down on driving fun. That commitment matters in an era where manual transmissions are vanishing and real driver’s cars are reserved for six-figure price tags.
The Toyota GR86 Premium proves that you don’t need massive horsepower, all-wheel drive, or an eye-watering loan to feel pure excitement behind the wheel.
It’s a love letter to the golden era of Japanese sports cars, reborn for a new generation.
Final Verdict
The Toyota GR86 Premium is more than just a car — it’s a movement. A return to roots. A bold stance against the rising tide of sterile, soulless transport appliances. It brings personality, excitement, and connection back to the streets.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or someone stepping into the world of rear-wheel-drive fun for the first time, this car delivers one message loud and clear:
Driving isn’t dead. It’s just getting started again.
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