2023 Toyota GR 86 2.4 MT Review

In today's Malaysian sports car market, rear-wheel-drive manual models with naturally aspirated engines larger than 2.0L are becoming increasingly rare. Many car enthusiasts are looking for a "pure driving experience" that balances daily driving comfort with driving pleasure. The 2023 Toyota GR 86 2.4 MT is targeted at this niche market. It not only upgrades to a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine to address the lack of low-end torque in the previous version but also retains the core fun of a manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive layout. In this test drive, we’ll see if it meets the expectations of driving enthusiasts.

The GR 86 exterior continues the classic proportions of a two-door sports car. Its dimensions – 4265mm in length, 1775mm in width, and 1310mm in height – make the body appear compact and low-profile, while the 2575mm wheelbase strikes a balance between agility and cabin space. The front end features a large trapezoidal lower grille, complemented by sharp LED daytime running lights on both sides, giving it high recognition. The side profile showcases a character line running from the fender through to the rear, with 18-inch alloy wheels and 215/40 R18 tires enhancing its sporty appeal. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a horizontal design, paired with a subtly raised ducktail spoiler and dual-exhaust layout, further emphasizing its sports car identity. The lighting system comes standard with LED headlights and automatic headlight functions, making everyday use convenient.

Sitting inside, the interior of the GR 86 emphasizes practicality without overly flashy design. The dashboard is driver-oriented, and the 8-inch center display screen is positioned within easy sight, offering a clear operation logic and support for Bluetooth connectivity and basic entertainment functions. As for materials, the seats and door panels use a mix of leather and fabric, while the steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, providing a solid grip. Combined with the 6-way adjustable front seats, a comfortable driving position is easily achieved. In terms of features, the 7-inch color TFT instrument panel provides comprehensive information, and the HUD head-up display shows real-time speed and RPM, saving you from frequently glancing down at the gauges. Essentials like automatic front air conditioning, keyless entry, and rain-sensing wipers are all included, so daily usability is not compromised. Regarding space, the headroom and legroom in the front row are ample for passengers under 180cm. While the rear seats are designed for two passengers, they are better suited for short trips. Folding them down expands the storage space, enough to accommodate two carry-on suitcases without issue.

The highlight of this upgrade is the powertrain. The 2.4L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 237PS and a peak torque of 250N·m (Note: Torque figures are based on standard engine specifications as they were not indicated in the original text). The maximum power output is achieved at 7000rpm, while peak torque is available at 3700rpm. Compared to the previous 2.0L engine, the low-end torque has seen a significant improvement. Upon takeoff, a slight push on the accelerator is all it takes to feel the abundant power output, without the need to frequently rev high. The manual gearbox features a moderate shift throw, a clear "click" feel, and an easily manageable clutch bite point, making it easy for beginners to get used to. When switched to sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive. With a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds, it ranks in the mid-to-upper range among sports cars in its price class, providing a noticeable push-back sensation when you downshift to overtake.

In terms of handling, the front MacPherson independent suspension of the GR 86 is tuned on the firmer side, with very high steering precision. The steering wheel has almost no dead zone, body roll is minimal during cornering, providing the driver with ample confidence. The rear-wheel drive layout ensures direct feedback from the rear, allowing for easy execution of slight drifting actions as long as the throttle and steering are well-controlled. The chassis does a decent job of filtering road surfaces, making daily urban driving comfortable without feeling overly bumpy due to the firm suspension. At high speeds, the vehicle’s stability is excellent, with minimal noticeable swaying even in crosswinds. In terms of fuel consumption, it averages around 8.5L/100km under mixed driving conditions, which is quite economical for a 2.4L naturally aspirated sports car.

In terms of driving comfort, the GR 86’s seats offer good support and remain comfortable even during long drives. Noise control performance is adequate, with wind and tire noise at high speeds staying within an acceptable range. The engine noise becomes more pronounced at higher RPMs, but this roar actually enhances the driving pleasure. As for safety features, it is equipped with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, automatic emergency braking, and other functionalities, providing ample safety for daily driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2023 GR 86 2.4 MT lies in its “pure driving joy.” The combination of a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive layout has virtually no direct competitors in the same price range. Compared to the BRZ, it has a more enriched feature set (such as HUD head-up display), and compared to entry-level luxury sports cars, it comes at a lower price point with more affordable maintenance costs. This car is suitable for two types of people: first, true enthusiasts who love driving, manual transmissions, and rear-wheel drive dynamics; second, young individuals looking for a daily driver that can also offer occasional driving excitement. If you are looking for a understated yet pure driving experience in a sports car, the GR 86 2.4 MT is definitely worth considering.