After owning many sports car I’ve come to a conclusion that light weight > hp 0-60 gets boring after several months.

0-60 (or 100kph) is the MOST OVERRATED driving stat. Every GR86, BRZ, Miata, base Boxster/Cayman are far, far, far better driving cars than “faster” alternatives.

Ive had my gr86 for almost 3 months. I love it, there is no way I'd take an automatic ecoboost mustang over my gr86.

This is a very fair and accurate review. I'm at one year with my BRZ, and some of the things you identify gave me some buyer's remorse. I've autocrossed in both the Mustang and the BRZ and the nimbleness of the BRZ keeps me in the fold. The $29,000 out the door price was a factor, last year and would likely be more so now. The SI's are marked up locally and would be over $30k.

The Mustang is not a rival for the BRZ / GR 86....different type of cars. For me either the GR86 / BRZ hit the sweet spot for a performance car: Not expensive Enough Power to have fun Good equipment Great Design light weight Manual RWD You cannot got wrong with this car.

This is a great second car, while simultaneously being decent as someone's only car.

My first car was spiritually similar to this car (sport biased coupe, similar power output and acceleration, very fun but a bit rough over bumps) and for teenage me, it was absolutely the perfect car for me. Now that I’m nearly 40 and commute a lot of miles every day on the freeway, this wouldn’t be a daily driver for me. I’d totally take one for a weekend toy, but not as a daily driver. Noise, ride quality and fuel economy are more important for a daily driver now, and for a weekend toy, this is too expensive for me. I’d rather buy something used a cheap, then spend the extra money wrenching on it and upgrading it myself. While I understand that the automatic transmission is a concession to the alarmingly large proportion of people who don’t know how to drive a manual transmission, this is the type of car that really should be manual only. The automatic transmission is so completely in opposition to the purpose of this car. It’s meant for driving engagement and fun. Nothing about an automatic transmission is fun or engaging.

Never ever ever would I get a 2.3 mustang over a GR86

I’ll take the small agile sports car thanks. I can live with the compromises.

I'm going with the BRZ. Interestingly, the Subaru has different front and rear anti-roll bars and mounts the rear bar differently than Toyota. As a result, the Subaru has a more compliant ride and the Toyota is easier to drift. Different strokes, but I put an order down for the Subaru. Now if only they would start up production again...

I tried ordering a new BRZ, and when my order was canceled by Subaru I ended up with a 6speed ecoboost mustang. I couldn’t be happier! It’s not as fun as an 86, but for daily use it’s so much easier to live with.

Love my 2022 BRZ, it’s all about engagement and Fun, and Manual only!!!

Dude, you picked the best place to stand at the conclusion (up into the 20:00 range). I'm just about due to get something like this, and thanks for the insight.

Mustang is a great grand tourer, but if a sports car is what you're looking for, this or the MX5 are the cars to get.

Thanks for mentioning the mustang as it's compton! As for me I picked the mustang as it's just more car for the money espaly with the $9K discount I got. But you did make a good argument for the BRZ.

The ability to get the GR86 in a manual is the easy game changer for me, if comparing it to the mustang. I would not buy the GR86 in the auto transmission....but I would easily pick the manual GR86 over a host of other cars in its price range and several that are more expensive.

People, if you are doubting yourselves whether a GR86 or a Brz is the right fit for you, don't get one. Pull out your deposit or don't put one in the first place. There are tens of thousands of people who are 100% certain about a GR86 or Brz who are not being able to get one in the present day market.

I respect your opinion and honesty. I can definitely see a case for the Mustang Ecoboost over this. I really did not care for the Mustang (especially the 2.3T engine) but it is more of a relaxing car if you aren’t all about handling, dynamics, and fun. The 2.3T Mustang is faster. I don’t know if it actually is more roomy inside compared to the GR86. I would go GR86 personally because I love its oversteer nature and fun driving. I also don’t care as much about 0 to 60 times as the only priority in a sports car. I am very concerned over all the RTV sealant issues with the GR86/BRZ engine especially if you track the car which I will. I am waiting for them to come up with a fix for this, hopefully use an actual gasket and not RTV, before I buy one. Great car though

I've had my FRS for 8 years now, 110k on it. I'm 6ft2, and I stuff the car with photo equipment like lightstands and all that quite often. I had a 2.5L Mazda 3 manual hatch before, and this is BARELY a compromise to me. Granted I have also dailied Miatas in the past so... I'm a glutton for punishment I guess. That spot for the spare in the back is funny. I know a LOT of the 1st gen parts fit on the 2nd gen, I bet that stamping is exactly the same as mine.

Toyota made this car more track ready. According to every review and test drives I have taken, the changes to the front and rear anti-roll bars and the change in the mounting of the rear bar makes the Subaru handle not quite as well but ride quite a bit better. While Subaru went for living with the car, Toyota went for the maximum fun on the road but less livability. If I were to buy one of these cars to address Alex's concerns, I would get the BRZ instead. My coworker bought this car (the Toyota) but he does go to the track a lot with upgraded brakes, and he does really well with the otherwise standard car.

I would get this over a Mustang with the V8 so yea the 4 pooper stands no chance. Mustang combines the worst aspects of a sports coupe (impracticality, lack of refinement) with a luxury car (huge size and curb weight). Every time I drive one I like it less. Meanwhile the previous 86 is one of the best cars I've ever driven, including 911s and Ferraris. So this one is a no brainer.

Great review as always. I ended up getting the other of the twins, love it. I also have Kia stinger and planning to get pilot in few years.

If you want a new RWD manual transmission car for 31K that has a back seat which can fold down for decent cargo space, what else is there?

My thoughts are that everyone and their mother has a mustang, and most mustang drivers will look down on you if it's not the V8. So why bother, this looks really good and on the track this car beats out a lot of others and the after market is going to crazy

I like the format prioritizing what people are here for.

Generally negative vibe to this review; just one example is the trunk. Because it has a pass through, it’s much more usable and spacious than any other roadster I’ve tried.

I get it (I wouldn't buy it as a primary commuter vehicle) - but would you buy it as a weekend fun car? Maybe?

I love mine, I currently own 3 (yes all running lol). One is for sale, I have one on order and I will have a 4th. Why 4? #1). Gen 1 that is converted into a GT, turbo power (340whp) leather, powerful well tuned stereo, leather wrap, nice cosmetic upgrades, lots of sound deadening, improved ride with coil overs with electronic dampers, upgraded brakes, switched the rear differential to a Lexus LS300 3.73 LSD rear (drops those RPMs at higher cruising speeds a bit) and more (definitely more money the brains club) , #2). Gen 1 is going to an LS3 swap trailer queen over the top show car #3). Gen 2 will be a stock weekend racer and #4). Gen 2 will be a lifted rally build. I LOVE THIS PLATFORM!!! EASY TO WORK ON! (puts a Jeep to shame with how easy it is modify. EASY TO MODIFY (It was designed with modifications in mind and you can really tell with how easy it is to take apart and assemble) THOUSANDS OF AFTERMARKET PARTS TO CHOOSE FROM! (I can think of over 2 dozen tail lights right now) The community of owners is very nice and supportive. Others are not lol much less troll ratio here then other vehicles. My advise, just do it! Worst case you sell it, they have good resale value if you sell them privately.

Waiting to see what happens now that Toyota is testing the 3cyl turbo from the GR Yaris/Corolla in a GR86. I don't deal with boxers.

I was really tempted to get this and test drove the automatic. My concerns are: 1. It takes premium fuel, mpg is bad for a small car. 2. It’s loud inside. 3. It has small dimensions 4. It’s relatively slow I’m leaning toward BMW 230i coupe. It’s only a few grand more and no mark up. ZF transmission is something else.

Light weight ✅️ Manual transmission ✅️ Affordable ✅️ RWD✅️ Fun Factor on a Budget✅️✅️ Only other cars in this range would be a civic Si or elantra N Or the outgoing Veloster. But All FWD. So you're pretty limited to either GR86/BRZ or the Miata in this price range.

Auto Buyers Guide - Alex has a detailed video on this car but left out info about Toyota's D-4S injection system.He didn't mention it is both direct port and port injection. Also this engine's torque is found in lower RPM's and not higher like the previous FA20 engine .

Alex, On the tittle you have it as 2022 Toyota GR86. But this is 2023 correct?

great video and great scenery to review here

The less expensive, base model of the GR86 makes more sense to me, than the one shown. I own a 2015 Scion FRS. (man trans). Best vehicle I've ever owned and I've owned over 60 vehicles in my lifetime. This car simply fits like a glove. Zero issues in 71,000 miles, as it's Made in Japan. (You ain't gonna find this level of quality control in a Mustang.) 5 times, round trip, Ca to NY and I find it very comfortable as a road trip car. Very stable at it's top speed as well. Also great in a strong wind. The ride quality varies considerably depending on what Brand, model, and size of tires are used on this vehicle. Just one size larger (225 vs 215) can cause a firmer ride. Softer sidewalls as in the Pilot Sport 3+ can ruin the sharp steering feel. Recently I watched a CR review of the new ones, and they state they don't have as great a feel in steering. So, do I wanna trade for a new one with a little more power ? Maybe ? My Maverick with HiBirds is quieter on the road, but it's simply an appliance, so who cares about noise levels. I'll choose the sports car first.

i want to get this car for my first car. Although I don’t know how to drive a manual. I want to learn but do you think this car would be a good beginner manual car to learn on ?

I'd like to see a comparison with the Mustang 2.3L performance package.

I actually ordered a BRZ when it was first announced, but gave it up for a Z4 instead. Can't really say I regret that decision, to be honest. I think I have been spoilt by all the luxuries that come in the BMW, and the BRZ looks positively primitive. I do own another Subaru, and sometimes the infotainment system is so unresponsive that it drives me mad. That alone I think is a dealbreaker for the 86/BRZ since they share the same system.

Only the Toyota and Subaru mavens know the Who and Why of GR86/BRZ owners but here is my 2 cents…. 1. Young motor sports enthusiast’s primary car .. maybe single or married with no kids. Occasional tracking. 2. A second ‘fun’ car for people who want that driving purity - stick shift, light weight, RWD. Kids are probably out of the house. And don’t want to spend Porsche money. I fit in the second category and did not want something as heavy as a Mustang or Camaro or even the new BMWs which are approaching 3800 lbs. Just to note - BRZ manual is a little softer and more comfortable - hope you can test that.

Could only watch 60 secs of this. Miata as a daily? Mustang? What is your point? Miata has no room for anything. My 2018 brz and 2022 gr86 have tons of room. Also why all the crap about 0-60, 0-100?? DON’T CARE. What was the 0-60 in a 240z…forever. But was it fun to drive, hell yes. Is a cow of a mustang??? No. Apples to apples please. If I want fast, I’ll jump in the gt3. If I want daily fun to drive, great gas mileage a one of the top car builders toy/sub in the world, 86 or brz all day.

I think it’s a perfect secondary vehicle. I definitely wouldn’t recommend a young person to buy it over something like a Civic Si. This is for the people that want a Porsche and could never bring themselves to buy a Porsche.

Im trying to buy one and im 6'5" would i fit comfortably

As someone who has had a mx5 and now a gr86, saying that the mx5 is a better daily then the GR86 is crazy

Alex, How dare they send you the automatic!! Outrageous !!!

If you're a Car enthusiasts you'll pick it regardless, but only on your preferences on the chassis for drifting and car modifications.

GR 86 reliability, it will hold it values for years to come than a mustang

For buyer like me, acceptable compromise would be B+/B+ Ride/Handling for this segment. This GR86 seems just as noisy, and roomier than the 124 Spider Lusso, and I have my heart set on Spider.

What would you choose GR86 or the Hyundai Veloster N? Which is more fun?

I am having the same struggle! I am between that and the new stangs!

as a previous Mark VIII owner, I lean towards daily comfort and "touring" than the nimbleness of this, but I can still appreciate it. Tough choice!

I got a brz because it's not very common to see on the streets. Boy it was a pain even trying to buy a gr86 or brz at msrp or in stock. Too many camaros and mustangs and dodges in my area. People who said it would be fun to drive were sooo right.

Just got gr86 love it in my eyes best car ever brought had plenty of cars

Sure, you can get a bigger car (Mustang) for the same money. You could also get an SUV, or a minivan. If that's what you want, you're not the target market for a BRZ or GR86. Small cars are for people who don't want larger cars.

only two in this class is a Miata and a G86/BRZ. G86/BRZ will be the practical version of "Miata" and better suited for one vehicle year around commuting on a budget but still entertaining to drive.

Help me choose wat doesnt get me looked down as that is the most important factor in life!

I vote for Chevrolet Camaro for the money. What did you find in Ford Mustang just legend badge but it is not enough these days! Even 2022 Subaru WRX is much better sporty choice.

The Old Honda 2000 is a better car

Nah man I want a lightweight car that I can slide around for fun without killing myself in. Getting a turbo mustang or something that is more ponderous and heavy is gonna take away all the handling just for some speed that I don't even care abt.

The horrid cabin noise would kill it for me.

The back seat is great for a contortionist.

The silicone in the oil pan is a massive negative with this car I had the TRD for two years and I loved it 3rd best I have owned after my mustang GT and honda type R but I would not buy the GR86 because some people have already had a new engine in there's due to the silicone problem go back to proper gaskets and I would buy one

Mustang too

"No manual unfortunately, but it blah blah"... Bro.... You lost it right there....

I’d own this in manual over my 22 wrx if I didn’t have 2 kids. Just not practical obviously.

I ask you how does a consumer trust a reviewer…when a new model comes out only then does the reviewer provide the real disadvantages of the previous model. Case in point the power dip of the previous model’s engine.

This boxer engine is screaming for a supercharger.

2:04 Hey Alex doesn’t GR86 produces FAKE engine sound ?

Car & Driver got 5.4 seconds from it, making it a 10 Best car last year

Thanks for the review. Still curious if this car is capable of crusing at 80mph on the highway, I know the last gen stayed around 3-4k’s that high up. Not sure if overtime that would damage the engine.

None of these are available at MSRP. 👎

I gonna choose the mustang over this car.

I can't decide between this and a GR Corolla 😔 I want both

Yeah but buying a base model Mustang would make you feel inferior to the V8s. At least there is no higher grade GR86/BRZ.

It’s hilarious to me when I hear guys on reviews like this talk about the price of the GR86. 33k for this car is very reasonable but not the reality. 33k is what you might pay if you are lucky for a base USED GR86 certainly not this premium one in this review. That’s gonna cost about 40k or over in the real world which is complete lunacy.

I like the automatic transmission

A WRX motor away from greatness. Give the people what they want Subaru!

Can't get a mustang with a manual. END OF STORY.

Ecoboost mustang absolutely blows in comparison to this.

350 with overhaul and tune has entered the chat. That's nice . How is that wallet Toyota fans

I wouldn't even consider the Mustang. Ford garbage quality + dead steering = crappy car. If you live somewhere flat like Texas with no fun roads, the Stang makes a case for itself. Somewhere like SoCal with thousands of miles of fun, curvy mountain roads, the smaller, lighter car is just going to be better.

Would also suggest the GR Corolla - which was not mentioned - as an in-showroom (theoretically) competitor to this...

Should have put a removable Targa top. Then it would have the best of everything.

This or a new Mustang? Has to be the base 'Stang however because of the price tag. I think I'd go Ford...

"Before you graduate to a Mustang GT" 🤦‍♂ The Mustang GT is closer to a a sports car than many previous Mustangs, but it's still very different to a GR86. It's like a cross between a sports car and a muscle car. The GR86 is a sports car.

I just really hate the Mustangs. They are so big

Quicker acceleration ? Buy a Tesla and you're done. I did lol

Toyota built this s]to be a drivers car not a fast straight line car

Weird review and ultimately misses the point. Might as well complain it's not a mini van and compare it to a Sienna. Driving enthusiasts care about lightweight manual rwd fun that can carve up a mountain. Alex is thinking about heavy auto dragsters.

stop comparing this to a mustang. that's for people who only go on a straight line and want attention. dumb comparison

I’m really surprised you didn’t mention the fact that folding rear seats are designed to accommodate an extra set of wheels/tires for track days. It’s a hugely important feature considering the mission of this vehicle. Also, as much as you enjoyed the automatic (thank heavens it’s not a CVT), I’m sure you would’ve had exponentially more fun in a manual version, particularly since manuals are so rare. With all of the electrification in the auto industry, we really can’t take for granted a manual transmission, normally aspirated combustion engine. It will soon be somewhat of a unicorn. I just think it’s worth mentioning ad observing a little extra appreciation. Cool video though, Alex.

MX5 over the twins…

I can’t bring myself to shell out $30k+ for a garbage engine that breaks during auto cross and Toyota tries to avoid warranty replacement.

The GR86 should be your weekend/2nd car Only someone well under 30 would use this as a daily

No to the Mustang. Just no, in comparison to looks, handling and overall appeal.

there is almost no weakness to the GR86. Except the engine, which is just a piece of crap. The only thing GR 86 can evolve into is the GR86 Corolla. It shall have a lift back, usable rear seats, the engine from the GR corolla.

If fast is what you want, buy something else. If you want balanced and great handling, a roof over your head, and backing by Toyota, this is what you want. A Miata is going to suck in the rain. The Dynamics and steering is what this car was and is about. It is a toy and assumptive you have a daily driver for real. Up the brake pads, go to more aggressive rubber and have fun already and screw the Pony cars and more expensive iron. This and the Miata are about just having fun, and bankrupt you.

The 1st Gen BRZ/86 was "misunderstood" largely by straight line enthusiasts....2nd Gen cars most buyers understand its purpose....unlike you. This review gets a "C"

It's just too slow. Can't call it a sports car when it has almost the same 0-60 as a Cadillac Escalade. I would take the Mustang every single time. It's great as a commuter car for someone without kids, that's about it.

Literally Golf gti makes similar power and nobody calls that slow

This car is absolute garbage for the price, reliability and performance. Stupid kids buy for the "86" tag from Initial-D. So look else where.