2022 Toyota GR86 Premium in Track bRED (color option $425)
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium
Class: Sports / performance car
Driving miles: 406
Fuel used: 17.2 gallons
Real-world fuel economy: 23.6 mpg
| Corporate governance report card | |
|---|---|
| Rooms and Facilities | C + |
| Power and performance | B + |
| Fit and perfect | REMOVE |
| Energy saving | B + |
| Value | ONE- |
| The score of the report card is derived from the consensus of the test-driver assessments. All classes are compared with other vehicles in the same class. The value tier is for the specific trim level being evaluated and may not reflect Consumer Guide impressions of the entire product line. | |
| Comfortable Big & Tall | |
| Big boy | OLD |
| Tall guy | OLD |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. The “Large” rating is based on a male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, the “High” rating is based on a 6’6″ tall male tester. | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine Specifications | 228 hp 2.4L |
| Engine type | 4 cylinders |
| Transmission process | 6 speed manual |
| Driving wheel | Rear |
Combined driving: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/27/22 (mpg city/highway/combined)
Fuel Type: Recommend premium gas
Base price: $30,300 (excluding $1025 destination fee)
Options on the test vehicle: Special Paint ($425), GR Shift Knob ($149), GR Air Filter ($75), Priority Accessory Pack #2 ($364), auto-dimming mirror ($230), rear bumper trim ($69), door edge guards ($89), floor mats and cargo ($249)
Wish I had checked: $32,975
More information on price and availability of GR86
Quick hits
Wonderful thing: Inherent sportiness makes for a rewarding driving experience
Good: Spacious for its size, relatively easy on gas
Not so good: Noisy cabins and rough rides affect comfort on long rides
Tom Appel
Where do I send thank you cards? Seriously, it’s time for dozens of compact, sporty, manual transmission coupes and hatchbacks to make their American public debut. Where are those days now? Like, it seems, interested in cars like this. A shame.
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium
The GR86 is redesigned for 2022, using a slightly larger and more powerful engine. While the extra welcome is welcome, I don’t believe it makes the 86 a better car. What’s important here is the visceral experience, which this delightfully raw little Toyota delivers in waves.
The new engine is a bit rough, the steering feels solid and the steering is strong and direct enough to back up a bit during sharp cornering, and I couldn’t be more pleased. This driver found the clutch to be a bit tricky to maneuver, but wondered if the test car hadn’t been abused at some point.
Showroom Test Drive: 2022 Toyota Camry TRD
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium
Our test car was a top-of-the-range model, $2600 more expensive than the base car, 18-inch alloy wheels instead of 17-inches, upgraded front seats, premium audio and among other things, blind spot detection. We will spring for Premium; There’s a lot of value in upgrading.
Although I’m past the age of shoving myself into a car like the GR86 on a daily basis, I’m glad it’s still for younger and more versatile enthusiasts. So where do I send that card?
Test drive: 2022 Subaru WRX Premium
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium
John Biel
You won’t get everything in a performance car that starts around $30,000, but the Toyota GR86 might make you think you don’t need what you can’t get.
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium
In keeping with its history (going back to its Scion ancestor, the FR-S), it rides and lifts a racket on the road. But this is a low-altitude missile with precise control and handling that leaves you looking forward to the next corner rather than regretting the final crash. Partner Subaru’s “boxer” engine, pumped up to 2.4 liters and producing 228 hp for the ’22, is a strong point; combining it with the 6-speed manual makes the GR86 a hit. (The clutch is solid but not heavy and the shifter is just a little light to get where you want it to be in no time.) Plus, I couldn’t verify with 23.6 mpg, which is well above the EPA’s synthetic estimate. although my driving is close to 70% city.
The latest driver-assistance features (emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, etc.) are extras available only for the available automatic transmission, but still include blind-spot detection and rear cross sectional media in each GR86. Same goes for Apple CarPlay / Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The sound system looks and works like you would think a radio, not like a mystical portal to a realm beyond human comprehension. Climate setting is done by a convenient dial for temperature and fan speed.
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium
Some people may find the sports seats a bit narrow or stiff, but the driving position is good. The low roof intrudes somewhat on the driver’s vision forward and to the sides, but the rear view is extremely spacious for a vehicle of this type. The rear seat is completely uninhabitable for adults – probably most children – but the flat-folding backrest makes it possible to carry a wider variety of items than you might expect.
You can’t — as the song says — always get what you want, but with the GR86, those craving the thrill of driving without breaking the bank can get what they need.
First look: Toyota GR Corolla 2023
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium
Listen to the Consumer Guide Car Content Podcast
High-end showroom Toyota GR86 2022
(Click below to see enlarged image)
