The Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

If you’re the kind of driver that wants a vehicle to do as much of the driving for you as possible, well, the Toyota GR86 isn’t for you. However, if you’re an enthusiast who enjoys being totally involved in every aspect of the driving experience, read on.

In an automotive age where autonomous and electric vehicles are all the range in the industry, small, sporty, rear-wheel drive coupes built with driving entertainment as its main priority just seems out of place. But that is just what the GR86 is all about. Back in 2012, Toyota teamed up with Subaru to create a small, affordable 2+2 sports coupe. The result was the Scion (a division of Toyota) FR-S and the Subaru BRZ. Both cars were nearly identical, sharing the same Subaru naturally aspirated boxer flat four-cylinder engine. When the Scion brand was cancelled in 2017, the FR-S was rebranded as the Toyota 86.

2022 saw the second generation 86 appear, and along with it a slight change in name, to the GR86 in reference to Toyota’s Gazoo Racing team. But the simplistic recipe of the 86 remains – a front-engine, rear-wheel drive fun-to-drive coupe.

The GR86 uses a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine up front to power its rear wheels. Displacement is 2.4 liters, and it makes 228 hp and 157 lb-ft of torque. As before, the GR86 can be had with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.

Inside, the GR86 features a simple, no-frills interior, which seems like a total contrast to most cars today. The cabin feels as if it is there to serve a purpose – nothing more, nothing less. The deeply sculpted seats are firm and heavily bolstered yet are quite comfortable. The dash sports all the vital gauges in a simple digital display, and the center stack houses the touchscreen and climate control systems. The GR86 is listed as a 2+2 meaning there is a back seat, but it is more ornamental than functional. I know I wouldn’t want to spend any time back there.

But behind the small steering wheel, it’s a different story. The driving position and the view out over the flared fenders is artfully attractive. Start the car, rev the flat four, put the shifter into gear and you’ll swear the GR86 is as athletic and poised as Josh Allen is in the pocket. The steering is race-car tight, and the body control is spot on. Its tight chassis and low, evenly distributed weight give the car amazing dynamics and superb reflexes. But the excellent steering and tight suspension does come at a small price – the ride is stiff, and road noise is high.

While 228 horses doesn’t sound like a lot of power on paper, it does just fine in a car that weighs in at 2850 pounds. That enables the GR86 to hit 60 mph in just a few ticks under six seconds for the manual-equipped cars. Automatics can do the same sprint in about 6-seconds. And getting to speed is so much fun as the engine is eager to hit its 7500-rpm redline. The sounds emitted through its exhaust are great too, minimizing the need of an audio system.

For 2024, the GR86 receives a new limited-run Trueno Edition trim level. Only Toyota nerds will recall the Trueno name from the mid 1980’s AE86 as a racing version of the Toyota Corolla that inspired today’s GR86. To celebrate 40 years since the launch of the AE86, Toyota is building 860 GR86 Trueno Editions. Simply an appearance package, the Trueno edition is available in either red or white and includes a two-tone black hood, black side panel graphics and unique wheels, along with special badging.

2024 also sees the introduction of the GR86 Performance Package, available on all models and standard on the Trueno Edition. This $1,500 kit adds Brembo brakes and special dampers onto Premium trim levels and throws in larger 18-inch wheels on the Base GR86s.

The GR86 is available in three trim levels. The Base, which starts at $30,395, comes with 17″ wheels, dual-zone climate control and an 8 touchscreen infotainment system. Move up to the Premium and the GR86 is fitted with 18″ wheels (along with performance tires), heated seats, aluminum pedals and a blind spot monitor system. At the top is the Trueno Edition, which is how the tester arrived. It carries with it an MSRP of $37,610.

The GR86 is a plain and simple back-to-basics sport coupe. Since day one it has always been a small, inexpensive, lightweight, fun-to-drive car, and it continues to this day. In a time when manufacturers are focusing on automatically doing this and that, it’s rewarding to be able to find a vehicle that focuses on making the most out of a driving experience. The Toyota GR86 is everything you could ask for in an entry-level sports car.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition

Base Price: $34,720.00
Price as Tested: $37,610.00
Layout: front-engine / rear-wheel drive
Engine: 2.4 liter flat (Boxer) four- cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 228 horsepower
Torque: 185 ft/lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 20 city / 26 highway

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