2023 Toyota GR 86 2.4 AT Review

In Malaysia's sports car segment, there aren't many options in the RM300,000 range, and consumers often have to compromise between power, features, and practicality. The arrival of the 2023 Toyota GR 86 2.4 AT perfectly fills this gap — not only does it carry forward the performance DNA of the GR series, but it also introduces a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine for the first time, while retaining the rear-wheel-drive layout and two-door design. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its power upgrade lives up to expectations and how it performs as a daily commuting vehicle.

At first glance, the GR 86's compact and sporty stance is highly recognizable. The car measures 4,265mm in length, 1,775mm in width, and 1,310mm in height. Its low-slung body paired with a smooth waistline that extends from the front to the rear creates a dynamic forward-leaning posture. The front face features a blacked-out honeycomb-style grille, with sharp LED headlights on both sides that integrate daytime running lights, which are highly recognizable when illuminated. The 18-inch alloy wheels on the side, paired with 215/40 R18 tires, enhance its sporty vibe. At the back, a simple ducktail spoiler and round taillights on both sides echo classic sports car designs, while the rear fog lamps and dual exhaust system further emphasize its performance characteristics.

Entering the interior, the cabin mainly adopts a black color theme, complemented by silver accents. The overall style leans towards functionality rather than luxury. The center console layout is simple, with an 8-inch touch screen located in the middle, supporting Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions, with user-friendly operation logic. In terms of materials, the seats and inner door panels are wrapped in leather, offering a fine texture. The multi-function steering wheel is moderately sized and provides a firm grip, with volume adjustment and phone control buttons integrated on the left side. In terms of features, the 7-inch color TFT instrument cluster offers rich information, while the HUD head-up display can show real-time speed and RPM, making it convenient for the driver to read. The front seats offer six-way electric adjustment for the driver and four-way manual adjustment for the passenger, providing decent cushioning for long periods of use. However, while the rear seats adopt a 2+2 layout, the space is only suitable for short-term needs. They can be folded down in a 60:40 split configuration to expand trunk storage capacity, where fitting two carry-on suitcases is not an issue.

The engine performance is the key highlight of this facelift. The 2.4L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces a maximum power of 237PS/7000rpm and a peak torque of 250N·m/3700rpm (note: data based on engine performance characteristics and power-to-rev matching). It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the take-off is light and smooth, and the torque output in the low RPM range is consistent, avoiding the abruptness often associated with turbocharged cars in city commuting. When the throttle is pressed hard, the engine starts to unleash its power above 3000rpm, with the power being released linearly as the revs climb. Although the exhaust note at the 7000rpm redline is not overly aggressive, it is still pleasing to the ears. When switched to sport mode, the transmission adopts a more aggressive shift logic, with faster downshifts and more immediate power response when overtaking. With an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds, it stands out in the upper range among naturally aspirated sports cars in its class.

The handling performance continues to reflect the strengths of the GR series. The rear-wheel-drive layout paired with MacPherson front independent suspension provides a chassis tuned towards a firmer feel. During cornering, body roll is well controlled, the steering is precise with minimal dead zones, and it clearly feedbacks road surface information. When dealing with bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most small vibrations, but speed bumps result in noticeable bouncing, sacrificing some comfort for better handling. As for fuel consumption, it is about 9-10L per 100 km under urban driving conditions, while highways reduce this to around 7L per 100 km. For a 2.4L sports car, this performance is fairly reasonable.

In terms of driving comfort, the GR 86 performs better than expected. Noise control in the cabin is quite good; at 120km/h on the highway, there is wind and tire noise, but it’s not intrusive and normal conversation is possible. The seat support is excellent, with robust lumbar and leg support that can keep your body stable during spirited driving. In terms of features, it comes equipped with keyless entry/start, automatic air-conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, and more, making it sufficiently convenient for daily use.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2023 GR 86 2.4 AT lies in its "balance"—it offers the linear power output of a naturally aspirated engine, retains the handling fun of a rear-wheel-drive sports car, and provides configuration and practicality that feel more down-to-earth compared to other niche sports cars in the same price range. Compared to peers like the BMW 2 Series Coupe or Audi TT, it is more affordable, has better power parameters, and avoids issues like turbo lag. However, it is slightly inferior in terms of interior luxury and brand premium.

This car is more suitable for two types of users: first, young enthusiasts who love driving and pursue a pure mechanical feel—they need a car that can occasionally hit the track but is also suitable for daily commuting. Second, "performance enthusiasts" within families, who can utilize the rear seats and fold-down function for short-distance passenger or cargo needs, making it more practical compared to pure track-oriented cars.

In summary, the 2023 Toyota GR 86 2.4 AT is an "entry-level sports car with no significant weaknesses"—it solves the power shortage issue of the previous model with the 2.4L engine while retaining Toyota's well-known reliability and practicality. If you’re looking for a sports car that satisfies your driving desires and handles daily commuting needs, this is an excellent choice within the RM300,000 price range.