2025 Toyota GR 86 Review

The secret to a good sports car is to keep moving forward technologically year after year. Adhering closely to that tradition, Toyota made the 2025 GR86 in Phoenix even more fun to drive.

Engineers have refined the handling with changes to the electric power steering and retuned shocks. They have updated the car throttle mapping. This allows for quicker off-the-line response. It also improves the up-down shift blipping.  Engine torque control creates a more direct throttle response. Further re-tuning of the electric power steering helps the driver feel in direct contact with the road.

A New Ridge Green exterior color is a bold addition to the color palette. Matched with 18-inch satin bronze-finished wheels, this color dresses the 2025 Hakone Special Edition. Other fun elements include black accents and a color-keyed duck-tail spoiler.

A performance package, available on other models, is standard on the Hakone. This adds SACHS dampers filled with nitrogen and oil. Brembo brakes include 12.8-in front rotors, 12.4-inch rear rotors and 11.6-in front brake pads. There’s an extra splash of color with the red-painted Brembo brake calipers.

Only 860 units will be produced for the US market. So if you are interested in the GR86 Special Edition in Phoenix, you’ll want to act fast.  Contact us.

With this Toyota sports car, you can stick close to tradition with a six-speed manual transmission.  For the new model year, the manual downshift mode has increased by a maximum 1600 RPM to allow for a higher speed downshift. 

It’s also offered with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with a high-capacity torque converter. This system allows Toyota to include its Radar Control Adaptive Cruise Control and pre collision throttle management.

The engine is a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder boxer. Output is 228 horsepower from this naturally aspirated unit. GR86 Phoenix drivers will appreciate the delivery of 184 lb ft of torque at 3700 RPM. The 0-60 mph time is 6.6 seconds for the automatic and 6.1 seconds for the 6-speed manual. 

To handle cornering, these cars have a Torsen® limited-slip rear differential.  The driver can have more fun with the push of a button. This can engage Track mode. You can also turn off Vehicle Stability Control when circumstances permit it.

The car’s lightweight build contributes to the success of the engine. It allows for a low weight per horsepower ratio.  Manual editions are rated at 2,811 pounds while automatic editions are rated at 2,851 pounds.  

To achieve this, the weight of every component is considered during the engineering process. An aluminum hood, alloy wheels, and an aluminum roof help keep the weight down.  Extra structural adhesives ensure strength and control. A concerted effort was made to optimize the car’s center of gravity.

Whether you choose the manual or automatic transmission, the engine sends the power to the back wheels.  This rear wheel drive bias adds to the fun of driving a sports car. If you are interested in taking charge of the road in the 2025 GR86 in Phoenix, check out the latest financing offers.

Cabins are packed with everything a modern driver needs and expects.  An 8-inch touchscreen puts information and entertainment in easy reach. The cockpit has a digital instrument panel and push button start. Piano key switches and LED dials add to the cockpit’s contemporary style. 

The leather-clad steering wheel has duplicate controls for several systems. With the automatic, it also has paddle shifters.

Premium front seats are covered in Ultrasuede and leather with black stitching accents. Rear seats feature soft ultrasuede trim. The Base trim level has G-embossed black fabric with sport fabric side bolsters. Dual-level heating adds more comfort to the front seats during the winter.

The 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Special Edition wears Ultrasuede and tan leather trim on its comfortable sport seats. Bronze accents add more color to the dashboard of this limited edition.

The 2025 GR86 is built for fun, but it’s also equipped for your safety. The active safety suite includes a forward watch with collision avoidance braking and pedestrian detection. It also has lane departure warning, sway warning, and lead vehicle start alert.  Other features include automatic high beams, Hill Start Assist, and rear sonar warnings. 

One-year trials to Safety Connect and Remote Connect add to your ownership experience. Among the benefits, it enables an emergency assistance button in the car. A Toyota app can be used as a remote starter.

Plus every Toyota comes with ToyotaCare. This includes two years (25,000 miles) of complimentary maintenance. This helps keep the GR86 in tip-top condition for your driving pleasure.

Car and Driver gives the 2025 GR86 a rare 10 out of 10. These critics say that this car is one of the “purest and most affordable driving experiences available.” They like its “smile-inducing persona.”

Edmunds praises its “thrilling driving experience”.  They write that it’s fun “whether you're a novice driver or a seasoned pro”. Motor Trend calls it “fun to drive” and likes its “excellent handling”. 

In its recent article, Top Gear named the GR86 one of its Top 20 Sports Cars that are available today.  They write that it is “just plain fun to drive.” Their critics point out that it satisfies a wide spectrum of drivers. It can be a starter car for those learning to drive sports cars or an authentic driving experience for pros who hate too much digital hand-holding. 

With a new GR86 lease or loan, the new owner gets a one-year complimentary membership in NASA, the National Auto Sport Association. This includes discounted admission to certain events and one free High Performance Driving Event.

If you have been seeking a gorgeous sports car with the horsepower to match its good looks, you’ll want to dive deeper into the GR 86. It’s available now from your Earnhardt Toyota dealer.

We can guarantee fun when you take a test drive of the 2025 Toyota GR 86 in Phoenix.  Schedule now.