The Toyota GR86 has always carried a special aura in the automotive world. It’s not about raw horsepower or luxurious features; instead, it represents the joy of driving in its purest form. The 2025 Toyota GR86 builds upon its successful foundation, offering Australian drivers a rear-wheel-drive coupe that balances affordability, performance, and driver engagement.
In a market dominated by SUVs and electric cars, the GR86 proudly stands as an old-school yet modernised driving machine. For enthusiasts who crave connection between man, machine, and the road, the GR86 remains an unrivalled proposition under $50,000 in Australia.
Evolution of the GR86
The story of the GR86 begins with Toyota’s collaboration with Subaru, producing the original 86 and BRZ twins in 2012. These cars brought affordable, lightweight, rear-drive sports coupes back to the masses. The first generation earned a cult following thanks to its sharp handling and engaging personality, even if its modest 147kW engine drew criticism.
In 2021, Toyota introduced the second-generation GR86, evolving the formula with a bigger 2.4-litre engine, sharper looks, and improved handling dynamics. The 2025 model carries this torch forward, with subtle refinements to technology, safety, and features, while retaining its driver-first philosophy.
Exterior Design – Modern Classic
The 2025 Toyota GR86 doesn’t scream for attention, but it doesn’t need to. Its proportions and stance immediately communicate purpose. Long bonnet, short rear deck, and wide arches give it the timeless sports car silhouette.
The GR86 sports a low-slung, aggressive front fascia with a functional grille that aids aerodynamics. Slim LED headlights sharpen its expression, while the sculpted side profile hints at agility. At the rear, dual exhaust outlets, a ducktail-inspired lip spoiler, and LED taillights complete the look.
While other sports cars chase extravagance, the GR86 embraces a clean, purposeful design that resonates with purists. It’s a car that looks fast standing still, yet elegant enough for everyday use.
Interior – Driver-Centric but Practical
Step inside, and you’re greeted by an interior that prioritises the driver. The seating position is low and sporty, with well-bolstered seats that hug you during spirited cornering. Toyota uses a mix of soft-touch materials and functional plastics, ensuring durability without unnecessary luxury pretence.
A 7-inch digital instrument cluster offers configurable displays, including a race-inspired layout that shows vital performance data. The 8-inch infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring modern connectivity without distraction.
Practicality remains decent for a sports coupe. While the rear seats are more symbolic than functional, they can fold down to expand boot space – enough to fit a set of tyres for track days or weekend luggage.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 2025 Toyota GR86 is a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four engine developed with Subaru. It produces around 174kW and 250Nm – a significant improvement over the old 2.0-litre unit.
What makes this engine special is its character. Power delivery is linear, with a satisfying mid-range punch that makes overtaking easy. It revs eagerly towards its redline, giving drivers the visceral joy missing in many turbocharged engines today.
Buyers can choose between a slick 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Purists will gravitate to the manual, where every gear change feels like an extension of the driver’s input. The automatic, however, has been refined for quicker shifts, making it a suitable option for daily drivers.
Handling and Driving Experience
If there’s one reason the GR86 exists, it’s handling. The lightweight chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and near 50:50 weight distribution make it one of the most engaging cars in its class.
The steering is direct and communicative, allowing drivers to place the car with confidence. Suspension tuning strikes a fine balance: compliant enough for daily driving, yet firm enough to inspire cornering thrills. On winding Australian backroads, the GR86 feels alive, eager to dance from apex to apex.
For those who enjoy track days, Toyota offers a stability control system with multiple settings – from full intervention to Track Mode, where the car gives you more freedom to slide and explore its limits. This tunability makes the GR86 equally welcoming for beginners and rewarding for experienced enthusiasts.
Technology and Features
The 2025 GR86 isn’t overloaded with tech, but that’s intentional. Its feature set complements the driving experience without overshadowing it.
Key highlights include:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with smartphone integration
- 7-inch digital driver display
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone climate control
- Premium sound system option
- Rear-view camera with parking sensors
Unlike some rivals, Toyota avoids gimmicky tech here. Everything included serves a purpose – to enhance convenience or safety, not to distract from driving.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
In Australia, safety is an important consideration, even for sports car buyers. The 2025 GR86 comes with an upgraded Toyota Safety Sense suite, particularly for automatic models. Features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
The manual variant has fewer driver aids, preserving its pure driving feel. However, structural integrity and passive safety features ensure peace of mind. ANCAP ratings remain competitive for the class.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Being a naturally aspirated petrol sports car, efficiency isn’t its strongest suit, but it’s still reasonable. The GR86 consumes around 8.7L/100km on combined cycles, depending on driving style and transmission choice.
For Australian buyers, running costs remain manageable. Toyota’s capped-price servicing program keeps maintenance predictable, and the car’s relatively simple engine ensures reliability. Insurance premiums may be higher due to its sports car status, but overall ownership costs remain lower than turbocharged hot hatches or premium coupes.
GR86 vs Rivals in Australia
The 2025 GR86 competes in a shrinking but passionate segment. Its direct rival is the Subaru BRZ, which shares its platform and engine. Subaru offers a slightly different suspension tune and styling, but performance remains near identical.
Other alternatives include:
- Mazda MX-5 – Lighter, open-top fun, but less practical.
- Hyundai i30 N / Honda Civic Type R – Hot hatches with more power, but front-wheel drive.
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost – Bigger, heavier, but more powerful turbo engine.
Where the GR86 shines is its balance: affordable pricing, rear-wheel-drive purity, usable practicality, and everyday livability.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Toyota GR86?
The GR86 isn’t for everyone. If you’re seeking a luxury interior, high-tech gadgets, or massive horsepower, this isn’t your car. But if you’re someone who values driving feel, engagement, and affordability, the GR86 is unmatched.
It’s perfect for:
- Driving enthusiasts who want a weekend toy without breaking the bank.
- Young buyers seeking their first sports car.
- Older enthusiasts wanting a simple, fun car for backroad thrills.
- Track-day drivers looking for an affordable platform to modify.
The Future of Sports Coupes
The GR86 represents more than just a car – it’s a statement. In an era moving rapidly towards electrification, autonomous tech, and SUVs, Toyota continues to invest in lightweight, affordable sports cars.
While rumours suggest future generations may adopt hybridisation, the 2025 GR86 proudly carries the analogue sports car torch. For Australians who want one of the last naturally aspirated, rear-drive coupes under $50,000, the time is now.
Verdict – The Affordable Sports Car for Purists
The 2025 Toyota GR86 proves that fun doesn’t have to come with a six-figure price tag. With its engaging handling, improved engine, modern features, and everyday usability, it remains a rare gem in today’s automotive landscape.
For Australian buyers seeking a sports car that prioritises connection over numbers, the GR86 is the definitive choice. It isn’t the fastest or flashiest car on the market, but behind the wheel, it delivers something priceless: joy.
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