Toyota GR86 has long been a favorite among driving enthusiasts for its lightweight build, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and manual transmission. For 2025, Toyota introduces the Hakone Edition, a special trim that combines unique aesthetics with minor performance tweaks to keep the GR86 experience fresh. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the 2025 Toyota GR86 stand out.
2025 Toyota GR86 Specs
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L H-4 Boxer, Premium Unleaded |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7,000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3,700 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual or 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 20 MPG City / 26 MPG Highway (Manual) |
| Seating | 4-passenger capacity |
| Dimensions | Length: 167.9 in; Width: 70 in; Height: 51.6 in |
| Curb Weight | ~2,833 lbs |
| Brakes | Brembo Performance Package available |
| Wheels | 18-inch aluminum with P215/40R18 tires |
| Safety Features | Backup Camera, Stability Control, Optional Blind Spot Monitoring |
| MSRP (Starting) | ~$29,950 (Base trim) |
The Hakone Edition: A Visual Delight
One of the most eye-catching aspects of the Hakone Edition is its exclusive Ridge Green paint, a rich, deep shade that exudes elegance and sportiness. Complementing this stunning exterior are gold alloy wheels, which add a luxurious touch while maintaining a sporty vibe. The interior also gets a bespoke treatment with tan leather seat inserts and a unique shift knob, giving it a premium feel.
Priced at approximately $35,000, the Hakone Edition is positioned as a compelling choice for those who want a bit more flair and exclusivity in their GR86. If you’re in the market for a new GR86, this trim is certainly one to consider.
Here is a list of exterior features for the 2025 Toyota GR86:
- Auto-leveling LED headlights
- Aerodynamic design with a low, aggressive stance
- Dual chrome-tipped exhausts
- Heated black power outside mirrors
- Dynamic paint options, including Ridge Green for the Hakone Edition
- 18-inch matte-bronze alloy wheels (Hakone Edition)
- Exclusive rear badging for special editions
What’s New for 2025 Toyota GR86?
Toyota has made several subtle yet significant updates to the 2025 GR86 lineup, addressing feedback from drivers and critics alike.
- Throttle Remapping:
- Toyota has reworked the throttle response to make it easier for drivers to rev-match their downshifts. This update aims to improve drivability, particularly for those who may have struggled with smooth gear changes in previous models.
- Suspension and Steering Tweaks:
- The dampers have been retuned for better ride quality and handling balance.
- Minor adjustments to the electronic power steering system aim to enhance precision, though these changes are subtle and may require back-to-back comparisons with the 2024 model to be noticeable.
- Improved Shifter Design:
- A new shift knob, similar to the one found in the GR Corolla’s Marizo Edition, features a wider top for a different grip feel. Opinions on this change may vary, as some drivers find it less comfortable than the previous design.
2025 Toyota GR86 Exterior Dimensions & Cargo Space
2025 Toyota GR86 is a compact sports coupe with the following exterior dimensions:
- Length: 167.9 inches
- Width: 69.9 inches
- Height: 51.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 101.4 inches
- Ground Clearance: 5.1 inches
Cargo space is modest, with a trunk volume of 6.3 cubic feet, making it more suited for light travel or small items. These dimensions emphasize its agile and sporty design, prioritizing performance over spaciousness.
Performance on the Track and Road
During a brief drive at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s infield circuit, the GR86 showcased its trademark agility and balance. While the updates to the throttle and suspension are not drastic, they contribute to a slightly more refined driving experience. However, the lack of automatic rev-matching remains a sticking point for some enthusiasts, as this feature is available in other Toyota models and could make the GR86 more accessible to novice manual drivers.
That said, the GR86’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine (228 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) continues to deliver a thrilling experience. Paired with its lightweight construction and sharp handling, the car remains a joy to drive, whether on twisty backroads or a racetrack.
2025 Toyota GR86 0-60, 0-100 and Top Speed
2025 Toyota GR86 is expected to continue evolving as a nimble, rear-wheel-drive sports car with enhanced performance compared to its predecessors. Based on past model data and current reports:
- 0-60 MPH: The 2022-2024 GR86 achieves a 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.1 seconds with its 228-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four engine. For 2025, with rumors suggesting a hybrid powertrain featuring a turbocharged engine from the GR Yaris, the 0-60 time could drop significantly, potentially reaching around 5.5 seconds.
- 0-100 MPH: Current-generation GR86 models take about 16 seconds to hit 100 mph. With the anticipated performance enhancements, the 2025 model might reduce this to the low 14-second range.
- Top Speed: The top speed of the existing GR86 models is electronically limited to approximately 140 mph. The new hybridized version might slightly exceed this, possibly reaching the 145-150 mph range due to improved power output (rumored to exceed 290 hp).
2025 Toyota GR86 Fuel Efficiency
2025 Toyota GR86 is expected to maintain fuel efficiency similar to the 2024 model. With the manual transmission, it achieves approximately 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Opting for the automatic transmission increases fuel efficiency, providing around 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Expected Colors
2025 Toyota GR86 will continue to feature a vibrant selection of exterior colors, with a notable highlight being the special edition Hakone Ridge Green, which pays homage to Japan’s famous Hakone Turnpike.
This striking green shade is exclusive to the Hakone Special Edition and emphasizes its sporty and unique character. Other standard colors expected to be available across the GR86 lineup include favorites like Neptune Blue, Steel Grey, and Halo White, among others.
2025 Toyota GR86 Release Date
The 2025 GR86 is expected to arrive in dealerships by early 2024, with pre-orders already open in some regions. Special editions, like the Hakone Edition, may have limited availability due to exclusive production runs.
Pricing
The starting price for the 2025 GR86 in the U.S. is approximately $30,900 for the base model. The Premium trim begins at around $33,500, offering upgrades like larger wheels, enhanced interior materials, and additional tech features. The special Hakone Edition—a standout with its exclusive Ridge Green paint, bronze wheels, and caramel interior accents—is priced higher, starting at $35,000, but only 860 units are expected to be available in the U.S.
The Verdict: Incremental Improvements
The 2025 Toyota GR86 doesn’t reinvent the wheel but makes thoughtful refinements to an already stellar platform. While some drivers may find the updates to throttle response and steering too subtle to be transformative, others will appreciate Toyota’s commitment to continuous improvement.
The Hakone Edition, with its striking looks and unique touches, is a standout offering for those who value aesthetics as much as performance. At $35,000, it strikes a balance between affordability and exclusivity.
Availability
The 2025 GR86 lineup, including the Hakone Edition, is expected to arrive at dealerships by January 2025. Enthusiasts eager to get behind the wheel should keep an eye on local inventory and be prepared to act quickly, as special editions like this often sell out fast.
Competitors of 2025 Toyota GR86
2025 Toyota GR86 faces competition in the affordable sports car market from several key rivals, each offering distinct specifications:
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Engine: 2.0L inline-4, 181 hp, 151 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
- Curb Weight: ~2,341 lbs (lightweight design)
- Price: Starting around $28,000
- Notable Features: Rear-wheel drive, excellent handling dynamics, convertible option.
2. Subaru BRZ
- Engine: Shared 2.4L flat-four with the GR86, 228 hp, 184 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
- Curb Weight: ~2,800 lbs
- Price: Starts at $30,000
- Notable Features: Torsen limited-slip differential, rear-wheel drive, nearly identical to the GR86 with slight tuning variations.
3. Ford Mustang EcoBoost
- Engine: 2.3L turbocharged inline-4, 310 hp, 350 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: ~3,500 lbs
- Price: Starting at $31,500
- Notable Features: More power, optional performance packages, and customizable interiors.
4. Nissan Z (Base Model)
- Engine: 3.0L twin-turbo V6, 400 hp, 350 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: ~3,500 lbs
- Price: Starting at $42,000
- Notable Features: Retro-inspired design, significantly more power, rear-wheel drive.
5. Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, 275 hp, 295 lb-ft torque
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic
- Curb Weight: ~3,300 lbs
- Price: Starting around $31,000
- Notable Features: Track-oriented suspension and braking, rear-wheel drive.
Past Model Performace
The 2025 Toyota GR86 continues the legacy of its predecessors with enhanced design and performance, paying homage to the iconic Hakone Turnpike in Japan. This special edition is notable for its striking Ridge Green exterior and unique features, including Brembo brakes, Sachs suspension dampers, and interior details like bronze accents and Ultrasuede upholstery.
The GR86 stands as a direct evolution of the earlier Toyota 86 model, offering a more powerful 228-hp 2.4-liter boxer engine compared to the original’s 205 hp. This shift was part of Toyota’s push to enhance driving dynamics without relying on turbocharging.
The GR86 was launched in 2021 as a successor to the Toyota 86, bringing fresh engineering improvements, such as its Torsen limited-slip differential and a multi-link rear suspension.
It remains an affordable, fun-to-drive sports car, highlighting the simple pleasure of rear-wheel drive without the frills of higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
Toyota’s updates to the GR86 may not be groundbreaking, but they demonstrate the brand’s dedication to addressing customer feedback. The Hakone Edition adds a touch of exclusivity and style to the lineup, making it an enticing choice for buyers. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to sports cars, the 2025 GR86 continues to deliver a rewarding driving experience.
Are you excited about the 2025 Toyota GR86? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
