February Spotlight: 2023 Toyota GR86

It may have taken Toyota a 2nd chance to redeem themselves with this car, but this version definitely deserves the ‘Most Improved Sports Car of the Year’ award. The 2023 Toyota GR86 was introduced to fix the problem of the original model (Toyota 86) – a weak engine. This version is powered by a 228-horsepower flat-four engine and comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission although a six-speed automatic transmission is available. 

A flat-four engine (also known as a horizontally-opposed 4 engine), is exactly what it sounds like – a flat engine with 4 cylinders arranged horizontally in two banks on each side of the crankcase. The pistons are normally mounted on the crankshaft so opposing pistons can move back and forth in opposite directions at the same time. Think of it as boxing competitors punching their gloves together before a fight – the inspiration behind the name this engine is also referred to as a boxer engine. Currently, only Porsche, Subaru, and Toyota are the only manufacturers that offer the box engine.

For only $29,495 you could own a 2023 Toyota GR86 and this is another benefit to this car. It was named Toyota’s Affordable Sports Car and again, when compared to the original model, this one is better. It is smaller, both in terms of engine size and vehicle size, however, smaller is actually a benefit. It takes this version 6.1 seconds to go from 0-60mph, compared to the 2022 Toyota 86, which went from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds.

The GR86 2+2 coupe was built mainly for playtime but can be used as an everyday car as well. Its sharp steering, great balance, a rev-happy engine, and plenty of cornering grip, make the GR86 fun to drive. A downside to this car though is that it suffers from road noise, mainly heard when on the highway. 

What’s New for 2023?

Well for starters, a Special Edition GR86 was released for 2023. The Special Edition version combines GR86 Premium equipment with exclusive Solar Shift orange paint, a performance exhaust with black chrome tips, and a set of matte-black 18-inch wheels. Only 860 units will be produced…coincidence?  

Did You Know: Subaru provided a naturally aspired horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine to the 2023 GR86

Fuel Economy and Real World MPG

The EPA estimates the GR86 makes 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission. The GR86s equipped with the manual transmission see slightly lower numbers – 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Infotainment and Connectivity

In the 2023 GR86, a couple of features come standard: 

• An 8 inch infotainment touchscreen (replacing the last generation car’s smaller 7 inch display)
• A 7 inch digital guage display that is reconfigurable with Normal, Sport, and Track modes 
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability 

All models come with SiriusXM satellite radio with a free three month trial. 

The base model comes with a six-speaker stereo, but the upgraded Premium trim comes with an eight-speaker setup.  

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2023 Toyota GR86 (when equipped with automatic transmission), provides a suite of safety technologies. Key safety features are likely to include: 

• Automated emergency braking 
• Lane departure warning 
• Adaptive cruise control 

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The GR86’s standard warranty package consists of 3 year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper coverage and powertrain coverage that extends to 5 years. Toyota also offers a 2 year complimentary maintenance policy. All buyers also receive a free 1 year membership to the National Auto Sport Association and free admission to one of that organizations High Performance Driving Events.