2022 Toyota GR 86 Premium - Review by Mark Fulmer +VIDEO

Increased Power, Balance, and Badge

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
The Auto Channel

Most sports cars continue to attract drivers by building new models with increases in both power and handling, and so it should come as no surprise that Toyota's 2022 86 has done just that.

The engine is now a 2.4-liter flat-four Boxer putting out 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque. The combined fuel economy hovers around 25 mpg. The enhanced balance is due to MacPherson front struts and a rear double-wishbone suspension. Between those and an awesome weight balance (53 front / 47 rear) the handling is superb. If your environment contains twisty, curved roads, then you are in for some ear-to-ear smiles.

If you haven't guessed already GR in GR86 stands for Gazoo Racing, Toyota's track nom de plume. Our test vehicle is a 6 speed automatic with a high-capacity torque converter to moderate the extra thrust.

Inside, you'll find a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated controls for the audio system, hands-free calling, voice-recognition system, display meters, and cruise control.

The digital dash gauge morphs into a track oriented tach for those romps around your friendly neighborhood track.

The back seats, which are alright for little kids or a few bags but unlike most cars of this ilk have hinged backs.

And so flattening those puppies creates a medium amount of useful cargo space.

Safety being paramount in lightweight low-slung speedsters, the 86 includes:
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
- Sway Warning
- High Beam Assist

The GR86 with its good looks and killer suspension begs the question if there's a hybrid version in its future.