Quick Highlights:
- Base GR86 starts at $30,800, so it’s way cheaper than the Subaru BRZ—$5,060 less.
- Yuzu Edition looks wild with bright yellow paint, black 18-inch wheels, and a few performance upgrades.
- Same 2.4L boxer engine as the BRZ, makes 228 hp and 184 lb-ft torque, fun everywhere you go.
- Really light at 2,811 pounds, rear-wheel drive with a Torsen differential, handles corners like a dream.
Pricing and Trim Lineup
Toyota has kept its base GR86 trim alive for 2026, making it a clear value proposition against the Subaru BRZ, which has removed its base Premium trim. Here’s the full 2026 GR86 pricing:
- GR86 Base (Manual): $30,800
- GR86 Base (Automatic): $31,900
- GR86 Premium (Manual): $33,400
- GR86 Premium (Automatic): $34,500
- GR86 Yuzu Edition (Manual): $36,365
- GR86 Yuzu Edition (Automatic): $37,465
By comparison, the 2026 Subaru BRZ now starts at $35,860 for the Limited manual, making the Toyota GR86 $5,060 cheaper at entry-level. Even the top trims—the GR86 Yuzu Edition vs. BRZ Series.Yellow—show the Toyota as nearly $3,000 less expensive.
Driving Experience and Performance
The 2026 Toyota GR86 reminds us of the reason why light sports cars are important. There is just sufficient power in the 2.4-litre flat-four beneath the hood, with 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) to ensure it feels good in each corner. The car has a curb weight of only 2,811 pounds (1,275 kg), which immediately responds to steering input and provides a feeling of control, something heavier and more expensive competitors such as the Porsche 718 cannot.
The rear-wheel-drive train and Torsen limited-slip differential are best around tight turns when you have to turn the car on a dime but still manage to stay calm. It is fun and serious—a balance that is hard to achieve and is therefore a treat in the streets of the city and on the backroads. Precision is rewarded by the manual transmission, which in turn is not at all to be ignored, and the automatic is smooth and eager when you simply want to have a good ride.
Next is the Yuzu Edition, a new limited edition of 860 which immediately catches the eye with its intense yellow paint. However, it doesn’t lack in performance: Sachs dampers are improved, brakes are tighter, and black 18-inch wheels contribute to a more aggressive stance of the vehicle, making it feel more stable when pressed to the limit. Each turn of the wheel, each tap of the throttle tells you that the GR86 is not just a car, but a small, lightweight fun machine that brings the joy of driving back.
Why the GR86 Is a Better Value
The 2026 GR86 really stands out when it comes to value. By keeping the affordable base trim, Toyota gives buyers a fun, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe at a price that still sits well below the national average for new cars, around $50,000.
Subaru’s choice to drop the base BRZ trim has widened the gap, making the GR86 not just cheaper, but also the smarter pick for enthusiasts on a budget. While the BRZ now leans toward a slightly more upscale crowd, the GR86 is for those who want pure driving enjoyment without having to stretch their wallet.
Design and Interior
Enter the 2026 GR86 and one can understand that this is a car that is all about the driver. The cabin remains straightforward and sporting and aims at providing you with what you need without experiencing a luxurious touch. The seats are cosy, the infotainment is easy to use and modernised, and the necessary convenience features are present without making the situation too complicated.
The Yuzu Edition features some special touches, such as black interior accents, limited-edition badging, and slight styling enhancements that make the interior feel special without being too flashy.
The GR86 maintains its traditional, aggressive, and at the same time clean lines on the outside. The vivid paint of the Yuzu Edition, with its bright yellow colour, grabs your eye as soon as you see it, be it on the street or the track, so that this little sports coupe does not pass unmentioned.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Toyota GR86 proves that affordability and driving excitement don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With a full lineup starting well below the BRZ, lightweight performance, and a limited-edition Yuzu trim for enthusiasts, Toyota has delivered one of the best bang-for-the-buck sports cars on the market.
For buyers looking for a fun, rear-wheel-drive coupe that doesn’t compromise on style, performance, or value, the GR86 is the clear choice over its Subaru cousin.
If you’ve been waiting for a sports car that actually makes sense on the road and in your budget, now is the time to see the GR86 for yourself. Take one for a spin at your local dealership and experience why driving can still be fun without spending a fortune.
Source: Toyota
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