In an automotive world that’s rapidly bowing to the reign of crossovers and electric vehicles, the 2024 Toyota GR86 remains an ode to the purists. With rear-wheel-drive layout and a naturally-aspirated engine, it stands out as an increasingly rare breed of affordable sports coupes.
What’s New for 2024?
Hold the drift, fans! Toyota rolls in with a nostalgia-packed punch for 2024—the Trueno Edition. This limited-production model tips its hat to the iconic AE86 Corolla, a legend in drift culture, largely because of its feature in the automotive anime, Initial D. This edition comes equipped with Sachs dampers and high-performing Brembo brakes. Only 860 units are making their way to U.S. shores, so grab yours before they’re all gone.
But don’t fret if you miss out, these performance additions aren’t exclusive to the Trueno Edition. They are also available as dealer-installed options for the entire GR86 lineup, provided your ride rolls on 18-inch wheels. What’s more, manual GR86 models now include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking as standard features.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
| Price Range | Base | Premium | Trueno Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30k | $33k | $38k |
The modest price hike from the base to the Premium is money well spent. The Premium trim gets you heated seats, 18-inch wheels fitted with summer tires, adaptive LED headlights, and an enhanced eight-speaker audio system. The six-speed manual transmission is the go-to option for genuine driving enjoyment.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood lies Subaru’s horizontally opposed 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 228 horsepower. Acceleration has improved over its predecessor, taking just 5.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, thanks to this beefier engine.
| Transmission Type | 0-60 mph Time |
|---|---|
| 6-speed Manual | 5.4s |
| 6-speed Automatic | 6.1s |
During our test drive, the manual version outperformed the automatic by 0.7 seconds in the sprint to 60 mph. On road or track, the car offers an exhilarating driving experience without compromising on daily usability.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
For those still concerned about fuel economy in a sports car, the EPA estimates are 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the automatic, while the manual gets a slightly lower 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The GR86 is no slouch when it comes to technology. The 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard, as does the 7.0-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display. Whether you’re Team Apple or Team Android, both CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Minimal changes in the interior mean that it still closely mirrors that of its Subaru twin. Though the rear seats are more for short trips than long hauls, they’re a useful addition for extra storage or the occasional extra passengers.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Standard automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The GR86 comes with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The cherry on top? Two years of complimentary maintenance, something that competitors like the Subaru BRZ and Mazda MX-5 Miata don’t offer.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Toyota GR86 further cements its reputation as an exhilarating, yet affordable sports coupe. The new Trueno Edition will make you a hero at car meets, while improved performance and standard safety features make it an even more compelling package for the everyday driver. If you have a love for driving in its purest form, the GR86 is a celebration of just that.