Now that the baseline Porsche 718 is no longer available on the German marque’s roster, the American public no longer has access to a more affordable sports car option that also benefits from longstanding reliability. Thankfully, there is a competitively fitted Japanese alternative also featuring a boxer engine, albeit on the other end of the chassis, that acts as a less powerful but more dependable alternative.
- Base Trim Engine
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2.4L H4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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6-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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228 HP @7000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
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184 lb.-ft. @ 3700 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
20/26/22 MPG
- Make
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Toyota
- Model
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GR86
- Segment
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Sports Car
The 2026 Toyota GR86 is a prime option that you can consider if you want an engaging sports car with Porsche-rivaling dynamics, with the added benefit of the Japanese brand’s long-standing bulletproof durability. The GR86 is an example of the brand’s commitment to developing and producing cars that are fun to drive without compromising on reliability and long-term affordability.
Mastering The Art Of Reliability In The Performance Segment
Toyota seems to just get things right when it comes to mastering the Toyota GR86‘s value retention and reliability, making it an ideal option for those wanting a Porsche-rivaling sports car without any of the mechanical responsibilities. iSeeCars issues the model with a 9.5 / 10 retained value score, indicating that you will only lose $7,463 or 24.9 percent of its value after five years and 60,000 miles, which is considerably lower than the rest of the sports car market.
According to Edmunds, a base two-door six-speed manual model will cost you $55,559 to own over five years and 60,000 miles. Key costs include $6,373 on maintenance, $773 on repairs, $10,987 on depreciation, and $18,249 on fuel. As per CarEdge, you can expect to spend $37,642 on the GR86 over five years and 60,000 miles. This includes $8,096 on depreciation, $10,500 on fuel, and $1,571 on maintenance and repairs.
The Boxing Heart Of The GR86
The heart of the Toyota GR86 experience is the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine, built in conjunction with Subaru. This produces 228 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 184 pound-feet at 3,700 RPM to the rear wheels via your choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The result is a 6.1-second 0-to-60 MPH acceleration time and a 140 MPH top speed limit. Subaru designs the FA24D to balance power and longevity via an all-aluminum block and head to cut mass and improve warm-up times. Engineers fit dual overhead cams with four valves per cylinder, and Toyota’s D-4S combines direct and port injection to control combustion and resist knock.
Compression sits at a fairly high 12.5:1, while an oil cooler stabilizes oil temperatures under load. The FA24D features a semi-closed deck block and robust internal components to withstand higher stresses than older boxer generations. Subaru keeps the engine low and compact with a shallow oil pan and short intake to preserve a low center of gravity and reduce chassis loads.
The GR86 resonates with enhanced exhaust sounds and upper-echelon handling precision. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4s creates a go-cart-like turn-in, and now, powering out of the corners is exponentially more satisfying – the limited-slip differential assisting with that.
– Steven Hammes for TopSpeed
Variable valve timing across intake and exhaust optimizes torque delivery for everyday drivability. These design choices reduce thermal and mechanical stress and simplify maintenance, which work together to improve long-term reliability. Owners benefit from proven materials and conservative tuning that favor durability over extreme specific output. Manufacturers also designed the accessory drive and cooling passages for ease of inspection and repair. The FA24D, therefore, delivers usable torque and predictable behavior while remaining service-friendly and durable.
2025 Toyota GR86 Interior And Exterior Picture Gallery
The Toyota GR86 is a sporty, rear-wheel-drive coupe that delivers thrilling performance, agile handling, and a lightweight design.
Impressive Review And Market Reception
A lot of critics view the GR86 in a polarizing light, primarily because of its low power output, but one area where it receives consistent praise is for its driver engagement. J.D. Power issues the model with a 77/100 consumer-verified overall score, including 76/100 for quality and reliability, 71/100 for the driving experience, 84/100 for resale, and 76/100 for the dealership experience.
Edmunds Consumer Reviews highlights some favorability from existing owners, with a 4.3/5 overall score from 19 reviews. Key strengths include the model’s handling and steering feel, visual presence, and the overall driving experience, but it gets some criticism for its compact cabin spacing, lackluster dashboard, and meager sound system.
Optimizing The Cockpit For Focused Driving
The 2026 Toyota GR86 cockpit is a masterclass in functional minimalism that strips the digital clutter to focus entirely on the mechanical connection. The layout centers on a low seating position that places your hips near the car’s center of gravity, enhancing sensory feedback from the chassis. A digital gauge also features a dedicated Track Mode that prioritizes the tachometer and gear position. Tactile engagement is maximized through ideally placed aluminum pedals for heel-and-toe shifting and a short-throw shifter. At its core, the sports coupe interior is straightforward and focused, similar to what Porsche achieves with its sports car interiors.
Toyota GR86 Is Hard To Live With, But Easy To Love
If you’ve ever fallen head over heels for something impractical, then the Toyota GR86 is for you.
Toyota Has Your Back Covered With A Comprehensive Warranty
The Toyota GR86 comes with the standard Toyota new-vehicle warranty that covers defects in materials and assembly. You get a basic limited warranty for 36 months or 36,000 miles, covering most components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Toyota also provides a powertrain warranty for 60 months or 60,000 miles, which protects engine, transmission, and drivetrain components.
Find 2026 Toyota GR86 and more cars for sale on our Marketplace
Corrosion perforation coverage runs 60 months with unlimited mileage. Toyota includes 24-month or 25,000-mile no-cost maintenance under ToyotaCare, plus 24-month roadside assistance with unlimited miles. Emissions warranties vary under federal and California rules. Wear items like brake pads, tires, and clutch aren’t covered by the factory warranty. Extended warranties are available separately if you want coverage past these limits.
Attractive Fuel Consumption Figures Complement Appealing Running Costs
According to the EPA, the 2026 Toyota GR86 with the automatic transmission returns 21/30/24 MPG on the city/highway/combined cycle, resulting in it covering 317 miles from its 13.2-gallon tank. Expect to spend $4,250 more on fuel over five years compared to the average new vehicle in the U.S., $2,450 on fuel every year, and $4.05 to drive 25 miles. Opting for the manual transmission worsens consumption to 20/26/22 MPG and range to 290 miles. Fuel spending increases to $5,250 more over five years, $2,650 on fuel every year, and $4.42 to drive 25 miles. A full tank of gas will set you back by around $51.
Best Performance Mods That Will Make Your Toyota GR86 Better
There are lots of ways to improve the Toyota GR86 new tires, changing the brake pads and fluid, upgrading the suspension, coil covers, and more!
Impressive Pricing For A Compact Sports Car
Pricing for the 2026 Toyota GR86 starts at $30,800. For reference, the Cayman’s starting price before Porsche discontinued it last year was $75,400. Key features include a suite of standard comfort and convenience features that make it usable as a daily driver while staying true to its sports-car focus. Inside, Toyota fits an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wired connectivity, AM/FM stereo, and a six-speaker audio setup, which delivers basic entertainment and smartphone integration without needing extra options.
Comfort comes from supportive sport front seats and keyless ignition that gets you moving quickly, while dual-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin temperature steady for driver and passenger. Fold-down rear seats add a measure of practicality for gear or luggage when needed. Toyota also includes remote keyless power door locks and one-touch power windows as standard, so essential convenience features don’t cost extra, and heated mirrors help in cold or wet conditions.
The instrument panel features a multifunction trip computer and a digital gauge cluster with configurable modes that present vital info clearly and let you tailor readouts to everyday cruising or more spirited driving. Connectivity comes via two USB ports for charging and media, Bluetooth hands-free capability, and Siri Eyes Free or Google voice control through your phone, with Toyota’s Smart Key System with push-button start. The $33,400 Premium model is essentially a comfort package, adding:
- Heating and electrical adjustments for the front seats
- Ultrasuede upholstery
- Illuminated dual sun visors
- Aluminum sports pedals
- An eight-speaker audio system
Upgrading to the flagship Yuzu Edition for $36,365 adds a couple of unique themed exterior and interior trimmings, making the model feel a bit more unique and special.
Sources: Edmunds, iSeeCars, J.D. Power, CarEdge, and the EPA