U.S.-Spec 2022 Toyota GR86 Debuts with More Power

Finally! The 2022 Toyota GR86 has arrived on North American shores and the primary wish that enthusiasts wanted has been answered. Essentially the mechanical twin of the Subaru BRZ, the GR86 keeps the same front-engine, RWD formula as its predecessor only this time it gets improved aerodynamics and rigidity to go with the power bumps.

How do you distinguish the 2022 Toyota GR86 from its Subaru BRZ sibling? The front fascia. Toyota uses a square grille flanked by simpler-looking side vents, giving it a cleaner, less busy look. You also get a honeycomb pattern instead of horizontal slats on the grille plus a Gazoo Racing badge. The headlights feature an L-shaped LED accent strip instead of the hawk eye-shaped one found in the Subaru that encircles the whole cluster.

Under the GR86’s new look is a heavily updated version of the previous car’s platform. This time, it’s been further stiffened for increased rigidity via front and rear subframe reinforcements. Functional air vents help improve steering stability. Roof and fenders made of aluminum help keep he GR86’s weight in check.

If you were hoping for a turbocharged engine, however, you’d be disappointed because the 2022 Toyota GR86 remains naturally aspirated. This time around, you get a 2.4-liter flat-four with 228hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Toyota says that the GR86 can hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds with the standard six-speed manual or 6.6 seconds when equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. Peak torque now happens at 3,7000 rpm, meaning the powerband should be more useful and easier to access. The engine still screams to 7,000 rpm where it makes peak horsepower.

Like its predecessor, the 2022 Toyota GR86 gets a Torsen limited-slip differential as standard. The Premium grade, which comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, gets Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires. Base models get 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Primacy HP tires. The engine is now mounted lower than the previous iteration further keeping the center of gravity close to the road. Weight has been kept in check, too, allowing the GR86 to stay around 2,800 pounds.

Two grades will the available the base GR86 and the GR86 premium. The latter gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, and NFC pairing capability. Every variant gets a 7.0-inch gauge cluster display, keyless entry/start, and a full suite of driver assistance features if you get a GR86 with an automatic transmission.

The 2022 Toyota GR86 is expected to go on sale later this year with pricing to follow closer to that time. Due to the limited options and Toyota only offering two versions, the GR86 should remain quite affordable and shouldn’t stray too far from the previous car’s starting price of around $28,000. It should top off in the low $30,000 range just like the current model, meaning it’ll likely undercut its chief competitor, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Like before, Toyota will likely introduce special edition models every year to keep the GR86 fresh.

Every customer who buys a 2022 Toyota GR86 gets a complimentary membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). This gives owners discounted admission to NASA events and one free High Performance Driving Event (HPDE).

Source: Toyota