Price: We expect the 2023 Toyota GR 86 to start around $28,000.
The whole driving world hasn’t shifted into an SUV, thank goodness! Cars like the 2023 Toyota GR 86 are a reminder that while cargo space and wireless smartphone charging pads are very nice, so are razor-sharp handling and the rapid-fire click of a manual transmission.
While it was all new for 2022, we expect Toyota could have a trick or two up its sleeve for this 2-door sports car’s sophomore year. A special edition model with firmer suspension settings and more exterior aerodynamic aids [i.e., bigger wings and spoilers] could arrive on the 2023 GR 86.
As it stands, this pint-size coupe lives for corners and is perfect for pushing the limits without needing to travel at hypersonic speeds. When the GR 86 starts to lose purchase on the road – preferably during a racetrack lapping scenario, folks – it doesn’t take Formula One levels of driving skill to reign things back in.
Under the petite hood of the GR 86 is a 2.4-liter inline-4 that sends 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. There is a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
While it won’t give Shelby Mustangs or Hellcat Challengers a run for their money in a straight-line fight, it’s in tight corners where the GR 86 comes to life. Driving enthusiasts will likely be drawn to the manual transmission, if only because the shift-for-yourself option is becoming increasingly rare even in the realm of sports cars.
The cabin technically has room for four people, though good luck convincing anyone to get in the claustrophobic second row. If you consider the rear seat an extension of the teeny 6.2 cubic foot trunk, the GR 86 claws back from practicality points.
Granted, the cabin is cozy, but Toyota didn’t skimp on tech features. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it comes standard with satellite radio and 6-speaker stereo.
Then again, in the GR 86, the best sounds are those of the tires squealing as you slide gracefully through another curve in the road.
2023 Toyota 86 Pricing
We expect Toyota to keep the base price of the 2023 GR 86 right around $30,000. That makes this zippy sports coupe affordable for driving enthusiasts who don’t have Porsche-deep pockets.
The range-topping Premium trim adds upgraded leather seating, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a small trunk-mounted spoiler. All told, this version registers in at approximately $32,000.
KBB Vehicle Review and Rating Methodology
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle [typically, around the 2-3 years mark] with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better [or worse] than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? [Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.]
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
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Thrilling performance. Street-ready style.
One dynamic drive decked out with signature touches, GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition reels you in with its energetic Solar Shift exterior color and striking black graphics.
2.4L 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine
With 228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, GR86’s improved torque curve enhances its 0-60 acceleration.
Manual or Automatic Transmission
Choose your thrill. Opt for 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual.
Toyota Gazoo Racing
Earning its GR badge means GR86 comes track-tested with the soul of a true sports car.
Front Fender Air Vents
Aerodynamic front fender air vents cut down air turbulence helping you tightly hug corners.
Track-Tuned Suspension and Rear Differential
GR86 comes track-ready, featuring a multi-link rear suspension and TorsenⓇ limited-slip differential [LSD].
Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel-Drive Layout
Lightweight materials, a strong chassis and optimal weight distribution all add up to nimble handling.
Solar Shift Orange Exterior
GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition reels you in with its energetic Solar Shift exterior color and striking black graphics.
Cat-Back GR Exhaust With Black Chrome Tips
Combining both sound and design, its chrome black cat-back exhaust creates this 10th Anniversary Special Edition’s signature signoff.
Matte-Black 18-In. Forged Alloy Wheels
These available matte-black forged alloy wheels accentuate GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition’s distinct profile.