Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Toyota GR86 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Toyota GR86 Model Years (Ranked)
The Toyota GR86 is the second generation of the lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that began life as the Scion FR-S and Toyota 86, co-developed with Subaru. Arriving for the 2022 model year, the GR86 addressed the single biggest complaint about the original car by swapping the 2.0L boxer for a larger, torquier 2.4L flat-four producing 228 horsepower.
It kept the things enthusiasts loved: a near-perfect balance, a slick six-speed manual, a low curb weight, and an accessible price. This ranking covers the best GR86 model years and variants, their powertrains, known issues, recall history, and where the value lies on the used market today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Toyota GR86 is the 2024-2025 model with the six-speed manual, which refines the formula with a slightly stiffer chassis, standard safety updates, special editions, and the most sorted version of the 2.4L FA24 boxer engine. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2022 GR86 Premium with the manual transmission, an early-build car that delivers the full driving experience at the lowest used price now that depreciation has settled.
The automatic versions are competent commuters but dull the car's character, so manual cars are the ones to seek. Avoid early 2022 examples without documentation of the engine and fuel-pump service campaigns.
1. 2024-2025 GR86 (Manual) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2024-2025 GR86 is the most polished version of the car to date. Toyota added subtle chassis bracing and tuning revisions that sharpen turn-in without ruining ride comfort, and the 2.4L FA24 flat-four (228 hp, 184 lb-ft) is the most mature it has been after a couple of years of running changes.
The six-speed manual remains a highlight, with short throws and a willing rev range.
These later cars also benefit from accumulated running fixes and special trims, including limited editions with upgraded suspension and aero. With the longest remaining factory warranty and the fewest open concerns, a clean 2024-2025 manual GR86 is the one to buy if your budget reaches a recent example.
2. 2022 GR86 Premium (Manual) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2022 GR86 Premium is the value champion. As the launch model year, it introduced the bigger 2.4L engine and the substantially improved interior with a digital gauge cluster, and it delivers the complete driving experience for the lowest current price. The best value is a 2022 Premium with the six-speed manual, which adds heated leather-and-Ultrasuede seats and 18-inch wheels over the base trim.
Depreciation has made these early cars genuinely affordable. Just verify the engine and fuel-pump service campaigns were completed, since early-build 2022 cars were the focus of those actions. A documented manual Premium is a brilliant used sports-car buy.
3. 2023 GR86 (Manual)
The 2023 GR86 carried over the winning second-generation formula with minor running improvements over the launch year. It retains the 2.4L FA24 boxer, the excellent six-speed manual, and the balanced rear-drive chassis, while benefiting from any quiet build refinements made after the 2022 introduction.
For buyers who want a nearly new car without paying for the latest model year, a 2023 manual GR86 hits a sweet spot between price and freshness. It typically carries more remaining factory warranty than a 2022 and costs less than a 2024-2025 example. As with all GR86s, confirm the early service-campaign work and prioritize a clean maintenance record and unmodified mechanicals.
4. 2025 GR86 Special Edition (Manual)
Toyota has released limited special editions of the GR86, including color-and-equipment packages with upgraded dampers, distinctive paint, and unique wheels. These cars take the standard 2.4L manual package and add visual flair plus, in some cases, suspension tuning that improves body control.
A special-edition GR86 commands a price premium and may appreciate or hold value better than a standard car among collectors. The driving hardware is largely shared with the regular model, so buy one of these for the exclusivity, color, and trim rather than a dramatic performance leap.
For a daily-driven enthusiast car, the standard manual delivers nearly the same thrills for less money.
5. 2022-2025 GR86 (Automatic)
The six-speed automatic GR86 makes the car easier to live with in traffic and is the right choice for buyers who cannot or prefer not to drive a manual. It pairs with the same 2.4L FA24 engine, and updated tuning improved its responsiveness over the prior generation's automatic.
The trade-off is character: the automatic blunts the engagement that defines the GR86, and these cars are less sought after by enthusiasts. The upside for value shoppers is that automatic examples often sell for less than equivalent manuals. If you want the looks, balance, and rear-drive handling without rowing your own gears, a clean automatic GR86 is a sensible and slightly cheaper way in.
6. 2013-2016 Scion FR-S (First Generation)
The Scion FR-S is where the lineage began. It used the smaller 2.0L FA20 boxer (200 hp) and the same lightweight rear-drive recipe, sold under Toyota's now-discontinued Scion brand in North America. It is the most affordable way into the platform and shares the GR86's sublime balance and steering feel.
The catch is the 2.0L engine's notorious mid-range torque dip and modest output, which the later 2.4L specifically fixed. Early FR-S cars can also show their age. Buy one as a budget track-day toy or first sports car, inspect for clutch and valve-spring service history, and accept that it is slower and less refined than the GR86.
7. 2017-2018 Toyota 86 (First Generation, Renamed)
When Scion folded, the FR-S became the Toyota 86 for 2017. The mechanical package was largely unchanged with the 2.0L FA20, but a mild update added a few horsepower on manual cars (now around 205 hp), retuned suspension, and freshened styling inside and out.
These cars offer the first-generation experience with Toyota badging and minor refinements, at used prices below the GR86. They share the same lightweight, tail-happy character and the same 2.0L torque limitations. A clean 2017-2018 manual Toyota 86 is a solid budget enthusiast pick.
Watch for a valve-spring recall that affected certain 2013-2016 first-generation cars, and confirm clutch and maintenance history before buying.
8. 2019-2020 Toyota 86 GT / TRD Special Edition
The late first-generation Toyota 86 continued with the 2.0L engine but offered desirable trims, including the 86 TRD Special Edition with Sachs dampers, Brembo brakes, and 18-inch wheels. These upgraded-chassis cars address some of the standard car's braking and body-control limits and are sought after by enthusiasts.
A TRD Special Edition or well-equipped GT is the best of the first generation to drive, even if the 2.0L still lacks mid-range punch. Expect to pay a premium for the TRD's hardware and limited numbers. For buyers who want first-gen pricing with genuine performance upgrades, these late 86s are the smart choice over a base early FR-S.
9. 2022 GR86 Premium (Automatic)
The 2022 GR86 Premium with the automatic combines the launch-year value with everyday convenience. It has the 2.4L engine, the upgraded Premium interior with heated seats and 18-inch wheels, and the easiest-to-drive transmission, making it a comfortable daily that still looks and handles like a sports car.
The downside is the same as any automatic GR86: it dampens the engagement enthusiasts prize, and resale interest lags the manual. As an early-build 2022 car, it also needs the service-campaign work verified. For a buyer who wants the nicer trim and an automatic at a low used price, and who is not chasing maximum driver involvement, this is a reasonable and budget-friendly choice.
10. 2013-2016 Subaru BRZ (Platform Twin)
The Subaru BRZ is the mechanical twin of the FR-S and 86, sharing the 2.0L FA20, the chassis, and nearly everything else, with slightly different suspension tuning and styling. It is worth knowing because a clean first-generation BRZ drives almost identically and can be cheaper or more available than the equivalent Toyota.
The trade-offs are the same 2.0L torque dip and the need to verify the valve-spring recall and maintenance history. If you are cross-shopping the platform and find a well-kept BRZ at a better price, it is effectively the same car. For the genuine GR86 badge and the bigger 2.4L engine, however, stick with a second-generation Toyota.
What to Watch For When Buying
The most important step is to confirm any service campaigns and recalls were completed through the VIN. Early-build 2022 GR86s were the subject of attention around the engine and fuel-pump, and certain 2013-2016 first-generation cars (FR-S/86/BRZ) had a valve-spring recall that could cause stalling or engine damage.
Run the VIN through Toyota's recall lookup and the NHTSA database.
Beyond recalls, strongly favor the 2.4L second-generation GR86 over the 2.0L first-generation cars if you want real mid-range torque. On any example, inspect the clutch (a wear item these cars chew through when driven hard), look for track or autocross use, and check for modifications that may affect reliability or warranty.
Documented maintenance and an unmodified drivetrain matter more than a low price.
How to Choose
Match the car to your priorities. For the best blend of performance, refinement, and warranty, a 2024-2025 manual GR86 is the answer. For the best value with the bigger engine, a documented 2022 or 2023 manual GR86 Premium is hard to beat now that depreciation has settled.
Buyers who want everyday ease can accept the automatic and save money. Collectors should target a special edition or TRD for exclusivity and upgraded hardware. Strict-budget shoppers can drop to a first-generation FR-S, 86, or BRZ, but should accept the weaker 2.0L engine and verify the valve-spring recall.
In every case, choose the manual when you can and prioritize a clean maintenance history.
FAQ
Which Toyota GR86 years should I avoid? There is no truly bad GR86 year, but be cautious with the earliest 2022 builds unless the engine and fuel-pump service campaigns are documented. Among first-generation cars, a base 2013-2016 FR-S without the valve-spring recall completed is the riskiest pick.
What is the difference between the GR86 and the older 86 or FR-S? The GR86 is the second generation and uses a larger 2.4L flat-four with 228 horsepower, fixing the 2.0L first-generation car's mid-range torque dip. It also has a stiffer chassis and an upgraded interior. The FR-S and 86 are the 200-205 hp first-generation versions.
Is the manual or automatic GR86 better? For driving enjoyment and resale, the six-speed manual is clearly better and is what enthusiasts seek. The six-speed automatic makes the car easier in traffic and usually costs less, so choose it only if you genuinely prefer or need a self-shifting transmission.
Is the Toyota GR86 reliable? The 2.4L FA24 GR86 has been generally dependable when maintained and unmodified, though the clutch is a wear item and hard-driven cars should be inspected carefully. Verify recall and service-campaign completion, and favor examples with full maintenance records.
Bottom Line
The Toyota GR86 is one of the best affordable sports cars on the used market, and the second-generation 2.4L cars are the ones to target. The 2024-2025 manual is the best overall pick with the most refinement and warranty, while a documented 2022 Premium manual offers the best value now that prices have settled.
Always choose the manual when you can, verify the early service campaigns and the first-generation valve-spring recall through the VIN, and favor a clean, unmodified example. Buy carefully and the GR86 delivers pure rear-drive fun for the money.
Sources
- Toyota USA official GR86 model history and specifications, toyota.com
- NHTSA recall database including valve-spring and GR86 campaigns, nhtsa.gov
- Wikipedia Toyota GR86 / 86 / Scion FR-S generations and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org
- Edmunds Toyota GR86 reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Car and Driver Toyota GR86 road tests and specifications, caranddriver.com
- Kelley Blue Book Toyota GR86 used values by model year, kbb.com