Toyota’s GR86 is a back-to-basics sports car with no shortage of charm. So much so that the most noteworthy complaints stop at the model being a bit noisy. Critics and fans agree that the diminutive Toyota sports coupe is a thoroughbred driver’s car, nothing more and nothing less. Check out why the 2023 Toyota GR86 is good enough to earn its praise. 

Why do people like the GR86?

The Toyota GR86, like its Subaru sibling, ditches the idea of a lightning-fast dual-clutch sports car in favor of simplistic driver’s car credentials. In fact, critics and evaluators applaud the GR86 for these attributes:

• Sharp handling
• Functional interior
• Deceptively comfortable
• The last word in affordable driver’s cars

Does the GR86 have good handling?

The 2023 Toyota GR86 has excellent handling; the combination of well-weighted steering, a tight, drama-free suspension, and a curb weight of just 2,838 lbs makes for a razor-sharp package. 

Specifically, Car and Driver says the 2023 GR86’s dynamics are “how steering should feel.” Moreover, evaluators said the Toyota sports car handled track work as well as it did twisty roads. Furthermore, although the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are siblings, the Toyota model has firmer, tighter suspension characteristics.     

Does the Toyota GR86 compromise with its interior?

If fans needed an indication of the GR86’s focus-on-the-fundamentals demeanor, they need only slip into its cockpit. While plain, everything in the Toyota sports car model’s interior serves a purpose. The GR86 won’t compete with the interior aesthetics of an Audi TT, but TrueCar applauds its cabin layout more than the previous Toyota 86 coupe.

U.S. News agrees that the Toyota sports car model’s interior is lackluster to the eye. However, evaluators commend the GR86 for its quality fitment and easy-to-use infotainment system. Moreover, the Toyota sports coupe’s seats are as comfortable as they are supportive, a must-have for a daily driver.  

What is a driver’s car?

A driver’s car has engaging dynamics that encourage spirited driving. Still, fun cars don’t have to be expensive. The Toyota GR86’s $29,495 starting point proves that potential owners can induce tail-happy slides and clip apexes without paying BMW M car prices. 

Most importantly, the GR86 packs a manual transmission option; owners can plow through the six gears with a traditional three-pedal setup.

What issues does the 2023 Toyota GR86 have?

Despite the satisfyingly simple, straightforward characteristics of the 2023 Toyota GR86, the model does have a couple of issues. 

• Cramped rear seats
• Noisy inside and out

Like many 2+2 platforms, the Toyota sports car’s rear seats are better suited to overflow storage than toting adult passengers. That said, given the GR86’s 6.3 cubic feet of storage space, you might be glad to have the extra space. Also, the GR86 packs an eager 228-horsepower 2.4L flat four-cylinder engine with a distinct tone. While the boxer motor is rev-happy, its grumbly song accompanies wind and road noise for a cacophonous soundtrack. 

Is the GR86 worth it?

Toyota’s cheapest sports coupe might not be as blisteringly fast as the GR Supra 3.0, but it’s a much-needed means for fans to enjoy an award-winning driver’s car without breaking the bank. 

What do you think of Toyota’s most affordable sports car? Tell us in the comments below!