2025 Toyota GR86 GTS Review

The 2025 Toyota GR86 GTS stays true to the heart of what driving enthusiasts crave light, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, naturally aspirated power, and a tactile six-speed manual gearbox. Designed with purity and performance in mind, the latest update brings subtle but meaningful improvements that enhance both on-road excitement and everyday usability.

Backed by Toyota’s motorsport division, GAZOO Racing, the GR86 is a driver-first coupe that channels the spirit of classic Japanese sports cars. For 2025, Australian buyers are treated to sharper throttle response, revised steering calibration, and new performance options like the Dynamic Performance Pack which adds Brembo brakes and Sachs suspension tuning for serious grip and control.

It’s not just about fun either. The GR86 GTS also happens to be one of the few compact sports cars on sale today to earn a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, making it as confidence-inspiring as it is thrilling. It’s a rare blend of old-school mechanical connection and modern driver assistance, wrapped in a package that still turns heads without breaking the bank.

Price and Trims

The 2025 Toyota GR86 is offered in three flavours for Australian buyers: the entry-level GT, the more refined and feature-packed GTS, and the exclusive Limited Edition. All three come with the same performance-focused drivetrain, but vary in comfort, styling, and available extras.

The GT kicks off the range at $48,769 drive-away and is far from stripped down. You get the same 174kW 2.4L boxer engine, rear-wheel drive, and a choice between a 6-speed manual or automatic with paddle shifters. Outside, it rides on 17-inch alloys and keeps things clean and simple inside with cloth seats and a 6-speaker sound system. It’s pure, focused, and all about driving enjoyment.

Stepping up to the GTS priced from $51,003 drive-away brings a sharper look and more premium features:

• 18-inch black alloy wheels
• Ultrasuede and leather-accented heated seats
• Adaptive LED headlights with cornering function
• Aluminium sport pedals
• Rear parking sensors and reverse AEB

It’s also the only trim with access to the optional Dynamic Performance Pack, which adds Brembo brakes with red calipers and Sachs performance suspension ideal for buyers who plan to hit the track.

The Limited Edition builds on the GTS with bespoke styling inside and out, including:

• Forest Shadow exterior paint
• Bronze-finished 18-inch wheels
• Tan-accented Ultrasuede interior with unique stitching

Toyota hasn’t released a confirmed drive-away price for the Limited Edition yet, but numbers will be limited and availability will vary by dealer.

Whether you’re chasing affordable thrills or a head-turning collector’s piece, the GR86 lineup offers a version for every type of enthusiast.

Engine and Performance

Under the bonnet of every 2025 Toyota GR86 is a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four ‘boxer’ engine, tuned for responsiveness and driving purity. Co-developed with Subaru, this engine helps maintain a low centre of gravity, enhancing the coupe’s sharp balance and control.

On the road, the GR86 feels quick and agile. Power delivery is smooth and linear, with a satisfying build-up through the rev range all the way to a high-revving 7500rpm redline. It’s a far more flexible unit than its predecessor, and a significant reason why this car continues to resonate so strongly with enthusiasts.

Toyota has also tweaked the throttle mapping for 2025, making it easier to rev match and more intuitive to control especially when paired with the manual transmission.

Engine Specs:

• Power: 174kW @ 7000rpm
• Torque: 250Nm @ 3700rpm
• Redline: ~7500rpm
• 0–100km/h: approx. 6.3 seconds (manual)
• Top speed: 226km/h (manual)
• Fuel type: Premium Unleaded
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive

Transmission:

• 6-speed manual (standard):
  • Engaging, mechanical feel
  • Revised throttle tuning for better rev matching
• 6-speed automatic (optional):
  • Paddle shifters
  • Drive modes: Normal, Sport, Snow, Track
  • Slightly slower 0–100km/h time

Regardless of which transmission you opt for, the GR86 retains its reputation for driver engagement. Paired with its naturally aspirated engine and RWD setup, it offers an experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s performance market.

Handling and Ride Quality

The 2025 GR86 delivers the kind of handling precision that feels purpose-built for backroads and track days alike. Built on a stiff, lightweight chassis, the car responds immediately to steering input, offering sharp turn-in and balance through corners that’s hard to find at this price point. Whether you’re carving through the hills or simply enjoying a weekend cruise, the GR86 feels planted and alive beneath you.

The suspension setup is familiar MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone rear but in GTS and Limited Edition trims, Toyota ups the ante with Sachs dampers included as part of the optional Dynamic Performance Pack. These provide a more composed ride over rougher surfaces while keeping the car taut and confident when pushed hard. Grip levels are high, and thanks to the standard Limited Slip Differential, you can get on the throttle early out of corners without drama.

The electric power steering has also been recalibrated for 2025, resulting in one of the most communicative setups you’ll find in a new car today. There’s a genuine sense of connection through the wheel, with weighting that feels natural and feedback that encourages more spirited driving.

Braking, meanwhile, is exceptional especially with the optional Brembo four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. Paired with larger ventilated discs, the GR86 offers short stopping distances and pedal feel that inspires confidence lap after lap. Even the standard setup without the performance pack provides firm, progressive bite that suits the car’s sporty nature.

You will feel the road in the GR86 that’s part of the appeal. It’s not a softly sprung cruiser, but it also doesn’t punish you. The ride is firm without being harsh, and the trade-off is a level of control and agility few other cars in this segment can match.

Exterior Design

The 2025 Toyota GR86 continues to turn heads with a silhouette that blends classic proportions with aggressive detailing. It’s a compact, low-slung coupe that proudly wears its rear-wheel-drive layout in the design long bonnet, short rear deck, and a planted, wide stance that screams driving intent even when parked.

Up front, the signature GR grille sits low and wide, flanked by sharp, angular LED headlights that come standard across the range. Step up to the GTS or Limited Edition and you’ll get adaptive lighting with cornering functionality and automatic high-beam assist, a thoughtful addition for those who enjoy spirited drives after dark.

Functional front air curtains help reduce drag and improve stability at higher speeds, while the GR badge front and centre gives it that motorsport-derived seal of approval. Toyota has kept things clean here no fake vents, just purposeful design choices that add both style and substance.

Around the side, the coupe profile is sleek and tightly drawn. The GT model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, while the GTS and Limited Edition upgrade to bold 18-inch alloys matte black on the GTS, bronze-finished on the Limited Edition for that retro flair. Functional front fender vents add cooling and visual drama, while black mirror caps and window surrounds complete the look.

At the rear, the GR86 keeps things tidy but aggressive. LED taillights flow into the rear arches, while the body-coloured spoiler on GTS and Limited Edition variants subtly enhances downforce. Lower down, dual exhaust tips sit wide and low, framed by a contrasting rear diffuser a detail that not only looks good but reminds you this car was built for more than just posing.

Available in a range of paint finishes, the standout for 2025 is “Halo”, a premium white finish that accentuates every curve and contour. For those seeking something more exclusive, the Limited Edition’s Forest Shadow green finish is paired with unique colour accents inside and out.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the 2025 GR86 and it’s clear this isn’t a sports car built for flash it’s built for focus. The cabin layout is clean, driver-centric, and refreshingly analogue in all the right places. Everything is placed exactly where it should be, from the stubby gear shifter to the leather-accented steering wheel, with nothing included purely for show.

The GT trim features sport seats finished in durable fabric, while the GTS and Limited Edition step things up with a combination of Ultrasuede and leather accents, offering both grip during cornering and a more premium feel. Heated front seats are also standard on these higher trims, and the sculpted bolstering offers genuine support during spirited driving without sacrificing comfort on longer trips.

Even the rear seats while tight on space fold flat to increase cargo flexibility, proving that Toyota hasn’t completely abandoned practicality. Access to the rear is made easier by a clever seat-tilt mechanism in the front.

Up front, the driver’s seat position is low and purposeful, with excellent pedal alignment for those who enjoy heel-toe shifting. Visibility is surprisingly good for a coupe, thanks to large side windows and a well-designed rear quarter, unlike some rivals that feel more bunker-like behind the wheel.

A 7-inch digital instrument cluster displays key performance metrics, including a configurable Track Mode layout that mimics race-spec gauges complete with gear position, revs, G-forces, and lap timers. The design is sharp and responsive, and it genuinely adds to the performance character of the car.

Other thoughtful touches include:

• Aluminium footrest and pedals (manual only adds aluminium clutch)
• Soft-touch suede panels on the door trims and above the instrument cluster
• Dual-zone climate control standard across the range

Toyota has focused on function over flash here no ambient lighting, no massive screens but everything feels well considered. It’s a place designed for drivers, not distractions.

Technology

The 2025 GR86 keeps things simple but effective when it comes to tech. Every variant comes with an 8-inch colour touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard. The system is responsive, easy to navigate, and paired with either a 6-speaker setup in the GT or an upgraded 8-speaker system in the GTS and Limited Edition.

A 7-inch digital instrument cluster sits in front of the driver, displaying key vehicle info with a special Track Mode layout that prioritises revs, gear position, and G-forces ideal for more spirited sessions.

You also get Bluetooth, USB and AUX inputs, and a standard rear-view camera with guide lines to assist when parking. It’s not overloaded with gadgets, but everything you need is here and nothing distracts from the drive.

Practicality

As a compact sports coupe, the GR86 isn’t built for big hauls but it still offers just enough flexibility for everyday use. Boot space comes in at 226 litres, enough for a couple of overnight bags or a set of track tyres. Folding rear seats expand that space if needed.

Storage up front is minimal but usable, with cup holders, a small centre console, and door bins for the essentials. While the rear seats are tight, they’ll suit small passengers or extra gear in a pinch.

It’s not a hatchback, but for a car this focused, the GR86 manages daily duties surprisingly well.

Safety

For a car designed with purists in mind, the 2025 GR86 doesn’t skimp on safety. Toyota has ensured this rear-wheel-drive coupe meets modern expectations, combining advanced safety tech with strong crash performance. As a result, the GR86 has earned a 5-star ANCAP safety rating a standout achievement in the sports car category.

Even the base GT trim includes a solid suite of driver aids to support everyday usability and on-road confidence:

• 7 airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for forward collision avoidance
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management to reduce low-speed accident severity
• Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning for highway safety
• Adaptive Cruise Control for smoother long-distance driving
• Rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Step up to the GTS or Limited Edition and you’ll also benefit from:

• Reverse Automatic Braking rare in this segment
• Rear Parking Sensors for better low-speed visibility
• Adaptive LED headlights that turn with the steering wheel

In short, the GR86 might be built for fun, but it’s also engineered to protect a balance few rivals get this right.

Verdict

The 2025 Toyota GR86 GTS is everything a modern sports car should be lightweight, engaging, rear-wheel drive, and unfiltered in all the best ways. It brings back the kind of tactile, driver-first experience that’s quickly vanishing in a world of oversized SUVs and soulless EVs.

Toyota hasn’t just stuck to nostalgia either. With its reworked throttle tuning, optional performance upgrades, and impressive safety tech, the GR86 feels modern without losing its edge. The six-speed manual is a joy to row through, the handling is razor-sharp, and the design inside and out strikes a perfect balance between clean and aggressive.

It’s not the most practical car out there, and yes, the interior plastics may fall short of more expensive coupes, but those trade-offs pale in comparison to what this car gets right.

If you’re a driving enthusiast who values connection over convenience, the GR86 GTS offers some of the purest fun you can have behind the wheel at a price that’s still accessible.

The bottom line: The GR86 isn’t just a great Toyota it’s one of the last great affordable sports cars, full stop.

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