Test-Driving The 2023 Toyota GR 86 Premium

When I tested my first two GR 86s at the track in Monticello in 2021, I loved the manual but felt the automatic was a snore. Toyota has addressed this snore and now the car is a delight lookswise, performance-wise and, still, pricewise – it starts at under 30K, although my Premium trim topped out at $33,459. And I didn’t miss the manual in a recent week’s test.

Much.

In my Premium, I had a 228-hp flat-four engine pushing my 2,838-pound self around, delivering plenty of force, especially in the mid-range. You bang around corners as quick as you please while holding the road like much more expensive rides and there’s nothing “cheap” about it.

I also found the vehicle particularly balanced, allowing the driver to at least think of themselves as a daredevil, and a nice engine note. You’ll do 0-60 in a not-awful 6 (or so) seconds. Black lug nuts and wheel locks are a smart-looking option, though they’ll cost you another $295.00.

It also delivers a lot of cockpit noise, which isn’t necessarily a capital offense in a low-priced sports car. That’s pretty much my only complaint aside from the rear “seat” being big enough to hold a gallon of milk and a hand puppet. I got plenty of love from people in parking lots and so will you. It’s a great-looking car. Everyone seems to know that, but I’m pointing it out anyway.

The list of standard equipment in the Premium is on-point. Toyota delivers chic 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires, heated seats, adaptive LED headlights, and an eight-speaker audio system. Stated mileage is an oddly widespread 21 MPG in city driving, 31 highway, according to the press release. One assumes the right foot is a lot heavier at speed, so this is understandable.

Connectivity/Infotainment

Connecting to the system with my Droid was a happy, snappy experience, and the sound is more-than-decent for what you’re paying. An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard for 2023, replacing the outgoing 7.0-inch display. You can configure your drive with the modes Normal, Sport, and Track, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with. All trims models arrive with SiriusXM satellite radio along with a free three-month trial. The base model comes with a six-speaker sound system, the Premium with an eight-speaker setup.

Safety

The standard list of safety features are all here including available automated emergency braking, available lane-departure warning and available adaptive cruise control. For more information, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Warranty/Maintenance

Toyota provides a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper plan and powertrain coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. The company also provides a two-year complimentary maintenance policy, and customers get a free one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association as well as free admission to one of that organization’s High Performance Driving Events.

Toyota does have, this year, a GR86 Special Edition, combining GR86 Premium equipment with (exclusive) Solar Shift orange paint, exhaust with black chrome tips and growly-looking matte-black 18-inch wheels. Get yours today, though – they’re only making 860 of them.