Toyota GR86 Review

In today's sports car market, which increasingly pursues high horsepower turbocharged engines or electrification, rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive naturally aspirated sports cars have become "rare species." Toyota's GR 86 is a representative of this category. After equipping the 2023 model with a 2.4L naturally aspirated engine, it directly addresses the low torque issue of the previous 2.0L model while retaining lightweight design and pure driving pleasure. This time, we tested the 2.4 AT version, with the core purpose of examining whether this automatic transmission can balance the convenience of daily commuting without losing the sporty essence of the GR series.

The exterior of the 2023 GR 86 is more aggressive than the previous model. The overall body dimensions are 4265×1775×1310mm, with a wheelbase of 2575mm, slightly longer than the 2018 model, while the low and wide stance remains. The front features a blacked-out trapezoidal grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The L-shaped daytime running lights are highly recognizable. The hood's contour lines are more pronounced, and the car's side maintains the sleek lines of a two-door coupe. The 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/40 R18 tires look sportier than the 17-inch wheels on the previous model. At the rear, the taillights also adopt LED light sources, mirroring the design of the front headlights. A diffuser is added to the lower part of the rear bumper, further enhancing the sports car attributes.

Opening the door reveals an interior dominated by black, with a simple and practical center console layout. The 8-inch central control screen comes with the Display Audio system, supporting basic multimedia functions with decent operational smoothness. The multifunctional steering wheel allows control of volume and phone on the left side, and switching driving modes and vehicle computer information on the right side. The HUD digital head-up display is clear, providing real-time speed and RPM information for convenient viewing while driving. The seats offer 6-way adjustment for the driver and 4-way adjustment for the passenger, with good support, ensuring comfort even during long drives. The rear seats can fold in a 60:40 split configuration, which is rarely used but can expand trunk space when folded, accommodating occasional long items. In terms of features, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, and more are equipped, meeting everyday usage needs without any issues.

The powertrain is the biggest upgrade in the GR 86. The 2.4L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 237PS, with a peak power output at 7000rpm and maximum torque at 3700rpm. Compared to the older 2.0L engine, the low-end torque output is significantly enhanced, requiring less throttle input during takeoff and offering a more responsive performance. The acceleration process is linear, and when revving beyond 5000rpm, the engine sound becomes richer. While the push-back sensation isn't as intense as turbocharged cars, the smoothness and linear output of the naturally aspirated engine feel very refined. The performance of the 6AT transmission exceeds expectations, with smooth shifting during daily driving and clear upshift and downshift logic. In sport mode, shift speed is noticeably faster, and downshifts even feature rev-matching, providing a more direct power response.

In terms of handling, the GR 86 maintains its exceptional performance. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, offering clear road feedback and allowing for accurate control of the car's direction during turns. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned on the firmer side, providing ample support with minimal body roll during cornering. Although the suspension doesn't fully absorb road bumps, it's not overly stiff and remains acceptable for everyday city driving. As a rear-wheel-drive model, the GR 86's rear dynamics are very agile. Turning off the stability control system allows for oversteer with slight throttle mismanagement, but the car's controllability is strong, making it suitable for drivers with some experience. The braking performance is also commendable, with a linear brake pedal feel and sufficient stopping power, keeping the vehicle stable during emergency braking.

In terms of fuel consumption, we drove about half the distance on urban roads and half on highways, with an average fuel consumption of approximately 8.5L/100km. For a 2.4L sports car, this fuel efficiency can be considered average. Regarding noise control, the cabin is relatively quiet during low-speed driving, but wind noise and tire noise become noticeably louder during high-speed driving, though still within an acceptable range.

Overall, the 2023 GR 86 2.4 AT version is a sports car that balances daily commuting and driving pleasure. Compared to the previous model, it solves the issue of insufficient low-end torque, offering a more balanced power performance. The addition of the 6AT transmission makes it more suitable for daily use, while still retaining a certain level of sporty performance. Compared to similar sports cars in its class, the GR 86 is not expensive; with a price of 305,000 MYR, along with good features and reliable quality, it offers great value for money.

This car is most suitable for those who enjoy driving but also need a vehicle for daily commuting. If you are a beginner just entering the sports car world, or if you want a car that can be used for mountain driving on weekends and for commuting on weekdays, the GR 86 2.4 AT would be a great choice. It doesn't come with complex electronic systems or excessive horsepower, but it delivers pure driving pleasure, which is something many modern sports cars are lacking.