Toyota took its time getting into the sports car market compared to other automakers. However, the Japanese automaker’s venture into the performance car space was worth the wait; the GR Supra, GR Corolla, and GR86 embody much of what makes a driver’s car fun and worthwhile. Moreover, Toyota’s cheapest sports car deserves all of its praise. Enter the 2022 and 2023 Toyota GR86, a manual-equipped good time machine with tail-happy handling. 

What is the sportiest Toyota?

While the GR Supra 3.0 is the fastest Toyota production sports car, the GR86 is arguably the sportiest. The short-wheelbase coupe packs a standard six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD) in one of the best driver’s cars on the market. 

In addition to fun driving characteristics, the 2023 Toyota GR86 is also the cheapest sports model in the automaker’s lineup. TrueCar says the Toyota model starts at around $29,495, around $15,640 less than the entry-level GR Supra 2.0.  

Is the GR86 turbocharged?

Toyota didn’t turbocharge the 2022 or 2023 GR86; instead, the little Toyota sports car coupe uses a naturally aspirated 2.4L four-cylinder boxer engine. As a result, the GR86 produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from its mill. 

While 228 horsepower doesn’t sound like much in the era of Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros with well over 400 ponies, the Toyota sports car uses every bit of its power reserves for fun, manageable driving. It responds well to input and inspires confidence in its operator. According to Car and Driver, the little sports coupe’s “razor-sharp handling provided thrills both on the road and on the Monticello Motor Club race track.”

What is the real-world mpg for a GR86?

In testing, the manual-equipped 2023 Toyota GR86 got about 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. That’s a bit behind the automatic model’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg at highway speeds. 

Is the Toyota GR86 worth buying?

The Toyota GR86’s sub-$30,000 starting price makes it one of the best driver’s cars for the money. As a result, it is worth buying over competitors in the segment. Moreover, Car and Driver says the Toyota sports car’s ride is compliant with daily driver duties, despite its taut handling and track-ready credentials. 

Moreover, the back seat, albeit tight, is helpful for overflow storage or a couple of small passengers in a pinch. Of course, the manual model’s 5.4-second sprint to 60 mph isn’t exactly blistering, but that’s hardly the point. The GR sports coupe focuses on smiles over sprints. 

What other Toyota sports cars are there? 

In addition to the brilliant little GR86, Toyota produces a GR Supra with world-class sports car credentials. The Supra is the fastest model in the lineup, with the 3.0L model hitting 60 mph in under 4.0 seconds. Moreover, fans who want a different badge can opt for the Subaru BRZ, a close sibling to the GR86 that the automakers produced in collaboration.