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The Toyota GR86 and its mechanical companion, the Subaru BRZ, are staples in the driver’s car landscape with a fervent attachment to a joyous manual transmission. However, the engaging Toyota sports car might give up its analog, naturally aspirated platform sooner than you think. That’s right; the 2025 Toyota GR86 might be a turbo hybrid rather than the rev-happy N/A four-cylinder coupe fans love. 

Does the GR86 have a turbo?

An orange 2023 Toyota GR86 shows off its non-hybrid platform and fascia.
2023 Toyota GR86 | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota GR86 doesn’t use forced induction like a turbo or supercharger. Instead, the sports coupe packs a 228-horsepower 2.4L flat four-cylinder “boxer” engine. The result is a rev-happy and responsive mill with a distinctive soundtrack. 

The GR86 isn’t the only one, either; it shares the H4 engine with its mechanical sibling, the Subaru BRZ. Both models produce 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque without the assistance of a turbo. Moreover, the H4-powered duo offers traditional manual transmissions, a feature that competitors like the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost won’t have. 

Will the next Toyota GR86 be a hybrid?

The 2025 Toyota GR86 might be a turbocharged hybrid, ditching the Subaru flat four-cylinder engine. According to MotorTrend, the Japanese marque might rethink the GR86, including an all-new platform. 

It’s surprising news given the latest GR86’s short tenure. Specifically, the 2022 Toyota GR86 took over from the 86 Coupe after a year-long hiatus in 2022. As a result, the 2024 GR86 is just the third model year of the “GAZOO Racing” (GR) model, still sporting the much-needed aesthetic and mechanical upgrades from the 2022 model. Moreover, Toyota’s commitment to fun driver’s cars under the GR lineup should allow the current N/A platform to survive beyond 2025.  

What generation of Toyota GR86 are we in now?

An orange 2023 Toyota GR86, unlike the rumored 2025 model, wears the second-gen facelift.
2023 Toyota GR86 | Toyota

The Toyota GR86 is in its second generation after the new platform took over in 2022. Of course, the first-generation sports coupe didn’t carry the “GR” prefix.

Second-gen GR862022-Present
First-gen 86 (Post-facelift)2019, 2020
First-gen 86 2017, 2018

Unlike the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger, Toyota hasn’t allowed the 86’s looks to become too familiar. The first update arrived after just two model years, and the marque closed the books on the post-facelift, first-gen model after another two years. 

Will the next Subaru BRZ be a hybrid, too?

A silver 2022 Subaru BRZ drives on a coastal road.
Subaru BRZ | Subaru

The latest buzz surrounding the 2025 Toyota GR86 suggests that the next model will not be a collaboration with the Subaru BRZ. As a result, the BRZ may continue to be a boxer-engine sports coupe devoid of hybridization. 

What do you think of the prospect of a hybridized GR86? Is it an exciting idea or an unnecessary change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).