The second-generation Toyota GR86 (and its Subaru BRZ twin) has been with us for a couple of years now, and as is the case with most sports cars, sales have tapered off slightly.
Globally, the GR86 is outselling its twin but in Australia, that trend is reversed, with the Subaru-badged version selling 458 units to the end of May 2024, compared with 285 for the Toyota – both are down from 701 and 312 respectively for the same period last year. We are unsure as to why this is, despite the overwhelming similarities of both cars (save for the tS flagship of the Subaru model).
We reviewed the automatic, entry-level GT version of the GR86 back in December of last year, so it was only timely and fitting that we sampled the manual GTS flagship for a long journey up the east coast of NSW, including some serpentine backroads and switchbacks.
2024 Toyota GR86 GTS: Specifications
Engine: 2.4-litre flat four-cylinder
Output: 174kW@7000rpm / 250Nm@3700rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed manual
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive, LSD
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 215/40
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1229kg
Power-to-weight: 7.06:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 9.5L/100km
Our consumption: 8.4L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 50L/98 RONPower efficiency: 18.31kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.35 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.45 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.10 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.54 seconds at 163.8km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.909g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.02m in 3.13 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.573g*
Decibel at idle: 46*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 94*
Starting price: $45,390
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Toyota GR86 GTS: How much does it cost?
Our White Liquid GTS test car is listed at $45,390 (excluding on-roads). Strangely, all colours are metallic except for Spark Red, which is $575 cheaper than the rest of the colour choices.
For $2200 more, the Dynamic Performance Pack (GTS only) adds Brembo four-piston front brake calipers, twin piston rears (both painted red) and a sportier suspension tune. Our test vehicle was not equipped with this.
Compared with the $43,240 GT manual, the GTS adds black 18-inch multi-spoke alloys (up from 17s), alloy pedals, and different seat material.
Being a Toyota, the GR86 enjoys the ‘Toyota Service Advantage’ whereby each service (annually or every 15,000km) is capped at $300 for up to ten years or 150,000km – which keeps total servicing costs very affordable for a sports car.
Officially rated at 9.5L/100km for average fuel consumption, the GR86 requires 98 RON which further impacts the bill. Opting for the automatic lowers the official number to 8.8L/100km (8.7 for the GT auto), at no additional cost over the manual.
2024 Toyota GR86 GTS: Interior & packaging
Open the door to the short-wheelbased (2575mm) coupe and you will see there are four seats, but the tapering roofline and lack of rear legroom means the rear pews are for temporary use at best, but they can accommodate sub six-foot adults at a pinch.
Fitted with optional red-accented suede seats, the interior ambience feels more vibrant than the base GT model. The bolstered seats are set low and do a good job of holding in you place during vigorous cornering, but more on that later.
A lot of the switchgear is familiar from other Subaru models including the 8.0-inch infotainment screen, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as digital radio. Materials are, for the most part, budget and austere but the door pockets are surprisingly capacious. Two USB-A ports and a 12V socket sit ahead of the stubby gear lever. The GR86’s six-speaker stereo is average at best in terms of audio performance.
The digital instrument cluster contains crisp and easy-to-read information, becoming more rev-focused in ‘Track’ Mode.
Measuring 4265mm long, 1775mm wide and 1310mm tall, the GR86 is a petite package, optimised for dynamics, with your backside not too far from the rear axle. Boot space is 237L with the rear seats upright, revealing a wider and flatter-than-expected aperture when they are folded.
How safe is the 2024 Toyota GR86 GTS? It has seven airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver) but the manual version misses out on autonomous emergency braking and lane departure alert, so the car will not be submitted to ANCAP for testing. It’s worth noting that the car’s predecessor managed five stars, indicating passive crash performance is decent. You can find that car’s ANCAP report here.
From our point of view, it is nice to get in a new car without having to switch off all the electronic nannies that can, at times, create distractions and potential safety problems.
2024 Toyota GR86 GTS: Powertrain & handling
While the last-generation model was rightly lauded for its superb steering, dynamics and top-end punch, the ‘FA’ part of the FA20 engine designation might give you an idea of how much low down torque it had…
Now sporting a 2.4-litre flat four with direct and port fuel injection, more amenable numbers of 174kW at 7000rpm and 250Nm from 3700 do much to build on the strengths of the old car while enhancing day-to-day driveability out of sight. An official 0-100km/h time of 6.3 demonstrates a noteworthy improvement. We’ve timed 6.18 seconds in the past, and 6.45 seconds with this example.
As before, steering remains positive and pure from centre, with just 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. It is a tactile pleasure in all situations, but during enthusiastic cornering is a handy ally for negotiating hairpins or working in unison with the engine and mechanical LSD for some tail-out frolicking. The 1229kg coupe’s low centre of gravity, helped by its boxer engine layout and aluminium hood and front guards imbues this car with Porsche-threatening levels of fun and athleticism.
Being a sports car, there are some small but liveable compromises. There is a slight tyre roar from the 215/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and it does not deal with high frequency oscillations and expansion joints on the freeway well, due to short suspension travel But these are not jarring. It must also be said the gearshift is a little bit notchy with a high clutch bite point – again minor complaints at best.
With 3000rpm on board to cruise at 110km/h, there is a faint drone entering the cabin at highway speeds – this is due to the manual’s shorter gearing than the six-speed automatic version. During our time, we achieved a best cruising fuel economy of 6.8L/100km, contributing to a total average of 8.4L/100km.
Despite not being equipped with the stronger brake setup of the Dynamic Performance Package, the performance of the stock stoppers doesn’t disappoint, with a 100-0km/h distance of 38 metres, according to our Vbox.
If you’re looking for a proper sports car in 2024 that hasn’t been diluted by overzealous electronic safety equipment then you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the 2024 GR86.
The manual may be as expensive as the automatic now, it might only have regular rather than adaptive cruise control but the increase in engine displacement and refinements made to the second-generation car shrink the compromises to a microscopic level, meaning more of the good stuff shines through.
2024 Toyota GR86 GTS: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Outstanding dynamics: Low centre-of-gravity, limited-slip differential and brilliant steering make for maximum entertainment for the dollars.
- Affordable to service: Toyota’s Service Advantage means every service is capped at $300 up to 150,000km or ten years – whichever comes first.
- The torque hole has been filled: The extra 400cc of displacement makes driving through city traffic more effortless, with less gear changes required. Peak torque is now available at 3700rpm, instead of 6400rpm in the old model. Yet it still revs to 7500rpm.
- No ADAS: Just you and the car.
2024 Toyota GR86 GTS: Key considerations before you buy
- No ADAS: There are some instances where well-calibrated active safety features might be beneficial to your safety.
- Taste for 98 RON fuel: Although the fuel economy figure is reasonable, it requires no less than the petrol station equivalent of Dom Perignon.
- Jittery ride, tyre noise on freeway: While not obnoxiously intrusive, these are noticeable incursions on a very long trip.
- Baulky gearshift: A hallmark of all Subaru manual drivetrains is the slightly notchy and sticky 1-2 shift.
2024 Toyota GR86 GTS: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
Should you buy one over a Mazda MX-5? We are fans of both cars for different reasons. The GR86 and BRZ have the more focused chassis and a smidgeon more outright reward on a racetrack, but the MX-5 has plenty to recommend it as well, so it would really come down to lifestyle and individual preference.
