Cars like the the 2026 Toyota GR86 GTS don’t need much of an introduction. The compact rear-wheel drive coupe has built its reputation on sharp handling, strong reliability and proper driver engagement.
That’s all wrapped up in a package that remains far more attainable than most modern performance cars. That matters, because genuine performance is getting harder to find under six figures.
The 2026 Toyota GR86 GTS keeps the formula simple: it’s lightweight, runs a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre boxer engine, and has the option of a six-speed manual transmission. Our test car also came with the Dynamic Performance Pack.
It adds red Brembo brakes and SACHS suspension, giving the GR86 a more serious edge without losing its simple, approachable character. The styling is just as straightforward as the driving experience.
Low, compact and purposeful, the GR86 sports LED lighting, a low bonnet, a compact body and a wide stance. Sitting on 18-inch alloys wrapped in 215/40 R18 tyres front and rear, the GR86 GTS delivers 174kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
That may not sound massive on paper, but context matters. It’s just 4265mm long, 1775mm wide and 1310mm tall, making for a properly compact footprint. Dual exhaust tips and a squat rear end makes the car look far more serious than the numbers suggest.
Inside, you get black Ultrasuede and leather-accented front seats. That helps the cabin feel a little more special without pretending to be a luxury car. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
The manually adjustable seats help keep the driving position low and connected to the car. It’s one of the cabin’s best features. You sit deep in the GR86 rather than on top of it’s floor. Everything feels close, simple and easy to reach.
It’s almost like a small fighter jet, where every control is placed around the steerer. An 8-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch digital dash provide enough modern tech, while the software remains familiar, and importantly, driver focused.
The GTS grabs heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, smart entry, push-button start and a more premium seat finish. On the road, it makes the act of driving feel special. It’s not about chasing huge power figures or pretending it’s exotic.
It’s about balance, response and confidence. The engine suits the size and weight of the car perfectly. You need to work it, rev it and stay involved, and that is exactly what makes it enjoyable.
There is no lazy turbo shove. The GR86 rewards you for driving it properly. It feels honest, mechanical and alive in a way a lot of modern performance cars simply don’t. The throttle response, like the steering is sharp, and the car feels eager.
The engine has enough punch to make back roads feel exciting without immediately putting your licence in danger. The manual gearbox is a huge part of the experience. It makes the car feel more connected and gives you something to do.
Point the GR86 into a corner and it reacts quickly, with a level of balance that makes the car feel light on its feet. It does not feel intimidating or overly serious. Instead, it feels playful, predictable and easy to trust.
The Dynamic Performance Pack makes sense too. The Brembo brakes give the car stronger stopping power and more visual attitude, while the SACHS suspension helps it feel more settled when you start leaning on it. It adds seriousness without taking away the fun.
Around town, the GR86 is surprisingly easy to live with. The compact size makes it simple to place in traffic, easy to park and enjoyable, even at normal speeds. Even a quick run through a roundabout or a clean corner on the way home reminds you why people love these things.
Of course, it’s still a small sports car, so there are compromises. The ride is firm, the rear seats are essentially a parcel shelf, and the boot is not going to replace a family SUV anytime soon. But judging the GR86 like a normal car misses the point.
This is not meant to be the practical choice. It is meant to be the fun one. Fuel use sits at between 8.8-litres and 9.5-litres/100km, depending how you drivve it. For a naturally aspirated, rear-wheel drive sports coupe, it feels fair.
Technology and safety are simple but effective. You get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 7-inch digital dash, reversing camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert and auto high beam.
The GTS adds blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. The car itself is not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. Some of the cabin materials are basic, the infotainment is not groundbreaking, and the second row is good for storage and not much else.
None of that really damages the experience, because the GR86 is a car for people who still care about driving; for the person who would rather have a proper seating position than a huge screen, better steering than fake luxury, and a manual gearbox.
The 2026 Toyota GR86 GTS, with the Dynamic Performance Pack, is listed at around $48,290 before on-roads. It’s backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with engine and driveline coverage able to extend further if scheduled servicing is maintained.
You can find out more on the Toyota Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Toyota Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
