• Home
  • News
  • E-Cars
  • Technology
  • Dealer
  • Guides
  • Editorials
ProCar Digest
SUBSCRIBE
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • E-Cars
  • Technology
  • Dealer
  • Guides
  • Editorials
ProCar Digest
SUBSCRIBE
No Result
View All Result
ProCar Digest
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Test drive: 2023 Toyota GR86 engages with all the feels

by Car Digest
June 29, 2023

The officers accused me of taking it too fast in a turn. I didn’t argue. But the 2023 Toyota GR86 rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with stock Pilot Sport 4 performance tires could’ve gone much, much faster. 

A winter snowstorm had skirted the Chicago area and left in its wake brilliant blue skies and temps flirting with the 50s. In early spring in these parts, that’s a party. The pavement was dry, the roads were clear.

I admitted I may have gotten excited. They asked about the manufacturer plates, I explained my job, then we talked about cars. The officer whose kids had grown up and moved out said it looked like a way more expensive sports car than the $30,000 list price. 

The way the sun sparkled on the steel-colored coat might’ve triggered some March madness. He asked about the 6-speed manual and the 228-hp 2.4-liter inline-4. I praised the limited-slip differential, the pure connection with the road. He was intrigued. Toyota may have a new customer. 

They issued a warning, complimented the car, and I motored off, more responsibly.

They weren’t the only ones to comment on the second-generation Toyota 86. The pros outweighed the cons during my blessed week of unexpectedly balmy temps in Toyota’s endearing affordable sports coupe.

no title

Pro: “That looks way more expensive”

Teenagers and Boomers complimented my car, and my favorite females called it nice without calling it cute. 

Pro and Con: Dinky infotainment

I don’t know if this is a con anymore. The 8.0-inch touchscreen and Toyota’s old interface stays out of the way, and there are climate dials below it. Once your preferences are set in the touchscreen, you can forget about it. In the 86, the less distraction the better. 

no title

Pro: Excellent handling

The MacPherson front strut and double wishbone rear suspension mostly carry over from the predecessor, but the 50% increase in structural rigidity and diagonal bars tying the subframe to the frame, as well as PS 4 tires, keep the coupe planted on all points. It’s longer and leaner than its predecessor, and it’s all-around better. I can’t fault the cops for thinking I was going too fast in a turn; if they drove it, they would have faulted me for not taking it much faster. 

Con: No driver-assist tech

Models with the manual transmission don’t get Toyota’s usual bevy of standard safety features. That’s a significant safety tradeoff, but at least drivers with the manual will be paying more attention to the stick and less attention to their phones. I can’t say that about the other drivers on the road. 

no title

Con: Skip the automatic

Sure, it’s $1,500 more for the 6-speed automatic and its attendant safety features, but this car is meant to be operated and driven. Plus, the automatic bogs down the 0-60 mph time to 6.7 seconds. Get the manual. 

no title

Pro: Stick to the manual

The manual clocks in with a 6.1-second 0-60 mph time, and with the right driver, it’s likely quicker. Maybe more importantly, it’s easy to learn, with a clutch pedal that’s neither too firm nor too soft, and the engagement point feels natural. The small shifter has smooth action, but the middle slot can seem narrow at first. If you’re new to a manual, you can pick it up in a couple of hours. 

Pro: More power

With the second iteration of the 86, Toyota didn’t 86 the power, it increased it from a 205-hp 2.0-liter flat-4 to a 2.4-liter flat-4 making 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque arrives at 3,700 rpm, versus a distant 6,700 rpm in the previous edition, and that helps unlock more speed out of turns. It’s a big difference for a road-hugging car that only weighs 2,811 pounds.  

no title

Con: Compromised storage

Technically a four seater, the 86’s back seats are best folded down to expand the trunk’s paltry 6.3 cubic feet of space. There’s a lone cupholder behind the emergency brake, but the door pockets can hold water bottles too.

Pro: Great steering 

Toyota revised the electronic power steering for this generation, improving on what was already a direct and communicative experience. It’s even better now, good enough to tempt me to test its quickness. 

no title

I love this car. The price, the package, and the feel all offset its impracticality. It earns a TCC Rating of only 5.8 out of 10 because of its everyday limitations, but if you only drive yourself and a lucky passenger, or you have enough money to afford a toy car and don’t need sick and expensive power, it’s an engaging throwback that’s as modern as it needs to be.  

_______________________________________

2023 Toyota GR86 Premium

Base price: $31,595 including $1,095 destination

Price as tested: $34,015

Drivetrain: 228-hp 2.4-liter inline-4 with a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive

EPA fuel economy: 20/27/22 mpg

Pros: Handling, steering, looks, more power

Cons: Tight cabin, no telescoping steering wheel, dinky infotainment

Related Posts

Test drive: 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid goes the extra mpg

Test drive: 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid goes the extra mpg

by Car Digest
July 21, 2023

It turns out three-row crossover SUVs can be efficient, but it seemingly must have a Toyota badge on it. The...

Test drive: 2023 Nissan Leaf EV goes its own way

Test drive: 2023 Nissan Leaf EV goes its own way

by Car Digest
July 20, 2023

The older I get, the more I appreciate things I dismissed when I was younger: grapefruit, dry heat, Fleetwood Mac,...

Test drive: 2023 Honda Pilot returns to form

Test drive: 2023 Honda Pilot returns to form

by Car Digest
July 19, 2023

Boxy and tough-looking is back in style and Honda's here for it. The fourth-generation Honda Pilot has morphed back into...

2024 Mazda CX-50 costs up to $1,400 more, mostly carries over

2024 Mazda CX-50 costs up to $1,400 more, mostly carries over

by Car Digest
July 18, 2023

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 arrives with a higher price and fewer trims, Mazda disclosed Tuesday. In its second year, the...

Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX: Compare SUVs

Acura MDX vs. Lexus RX: Compare SUVs

by Car Digest
July 17, 2023

The mid-size SUV is the default hauler for many American families, even among luxury vehicles. Two- and three-row crossovers offer...

Jeep Wagoneer vs. Chevrolet Tahoe: Compare Luxury SUVs

Jeep Wagoneer vs. Chevrolet Tahoe: Compare Luxury SUVs

by Car Digest
July 16, 2023

Jeep finally entered the land of large people movers when it launched the Wagoneer full-size SUV in 2022. But it'll...

2024 Buick Envista, VW Atlas top this week’s new car reviews

2024 Buick Envista, VW Atlas top this week’s new car reviews

by Car Digest
July 15, 2023

It may feel like mid-year because it is, but new 2024 models debuted this week and should be arriving in...

Load More

Related Post

Used Sales End Strong

Used Sales End Strong

January 26, 2025
Used Sales’ Spring Dip More Pronounced

Used Sales’ Spring Dip More Pronounced

May 19, 2024
KeyTrak, TrueSpot Unlock the Power of Key, Vehicle Management

KeyTrak, TrueSpot Unlock the Power of Key, Vehicle Management

January 23, 2024
Toyota teases future EV, plans three-row electric SUV by 2026

Toyota teases future EV, plans three-row electric SUV by 2026

May 11, 2023
GM Taps Ex-Tesla Exec for EV Business

GM Taps Ex-Tesla Exec for EV Business

February 9, 2024
2023 Audi A6: A Trim Comparison

2023 Audi A6: A Trim Comparison

September 22, 2023
Fisker Halts Production

Fisker Halts Production

March 20, 2024
  • About us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Guides
  • E-Cars
  • Dealer
  • Technology
  • Editorials

© 2022 procardigest.com