I just returned a 2024 Toyota GR86 Premium to sender this morning, after a week of being both charmed and occasionally annoyed by Toyota's small, speedy sportster.
The once-Scion sports car, which is also a twin to the Subaru BRZ, has evolved over the years but remains the basic shape and size it started with a decade or so ago. It also retains the same mission — be fun to drive, especially in terms of handling, while also being affordable.
Affordable here means a car that starts a tick under 30 grand, with the Premium trim I tested starting at $31,900. The only options were the Track bRED (I know, I know) paint and a Performance Package that included dampers and Brembo brakes with red-painted calipers.
Standard features included dual-zone A/C, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, LED lighting, adaptive front lighting, duckbill spoiler, Bluetooth, satellite radio, USB port, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Underhood is a 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed “boxer” four-cylinder making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is available, though my tester had a shift-it-yourself six-speed manual. There's a MacPherson suspension up front and multilink setup in the rear, with a Torsen limited-slip differential for this rear-drive coupe.
Fuel economy for the manual is 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined.
Let's get to the pros and cons.
Pros
- It handles the way it looks like it should handle. Turn-in is sharp and crisp and you can have a lot of fun in a corner.
- The steering is weighted well, though a tad overboosted.
- Back when this car was a Scion, the biggest critique involved its power, or lack thereof. While the numbers are not eye-popping, there's enough grunt to get moving off the line with urgency, and peak torque is summoned at a relatively low 3,700 RPM.
- The clutch is well-tuned, and the shifter is generally a joy to row, if not occasionally notchy.
- Trunk space is decent, despite a narrow opening.
- This car checks the “fun” box and remains relatively affordable, as well.
- As per usual, the Brembos were stout and smooth, even during spirited driving.
Cons
- The interior badly needs an update. Especially the infotainment system, which looks ancient when CarPlay isn't in use and is not very user-friendly. And the screen is tiny.
- Speaking of CarPlay, it's wired here. Not a huge deal normally, but with no great place to set a phone it can make things disorganized.
- Unsurprisingly, the ride is stiff.
- Also unsurprisingly, the backseat is useless for adults or children over early elementary school age.
- Outside noise, including engine noise, isn't too bad, but you do hear the exhaust note a bit and it's not particularly pleasant.
- Despite being taller and rockin' a dad bod, I fit fine in the front seat. Entry and egress was not fun, however, even when I had enough space to open the long doors to their fullest.
The 2024 Toyota GR86 is one of a dying breed. No, I don't mean affordable sports coupe, though there aren't that many left on the market. What I mean is that this is a car that is very much “what you see is what you get”. There are few surprises, good or bad. Just looking at it, you expect it will handle well, ride stiffly, and have decent if not prodigious power. And that's exactly how it is.
The good news here is that the GR86 and its twin are more robust in terms of thrust, and outside of the ancient interior and vestigial rear seat, you don't sacrifice a ton. Even the stiff ride is relatively livable.
If you're seeking an affordable weekend toy — or a commuter that means you won't be called upon to carpool — you could do a lot worse. For those who prioritize fun to drive over other factors, you'll be quite happy.
[Images © 2024 Tim Healey/TTAC.com, Toyota]
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