Driven: 2023 Toyota GR86 Proves Miata Isn't Always The Answer

The lack of pretentiousness carries on to the inside of the GR86 with a driver-centric cockpit you would expect from the brand, Toyota's ability to build an inexpensive interior that will still last, and an infotainment system that covers the important things well. There's also a pair of comfortable, supportive seats that keep you in place well when chucking the GR86 around on a back road. Basic features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a digital speedometer, a multi-information display, push-button ignition, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering column. Heated seats are available.

While not a premium interior, it's still a nice place to be. All the basics are in place. The driving position is easy to get just about perfect without the weight of electric motors to adjust the seats added, and the pedals are measured to encourage rev-matching on the downshift.

Just don't expect to fit anyone in the back unless they have legs like ribbons. It's shaped to fit just two back there, and while there's no legroom to speak of, they do make for practical storage space for an everyday carry bag or gym bag - or both. Plus, the GR86's party piece is to fit two wheels with tires in the trunk (6.26 cubic feet) space for a track day.

Infotainment is served up through an eight-inch touchscreen running a simplified version of Subaru's Starlink system, and it's got the essentials like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and connected services. Sound goes through siz speakers on the base model, with the Premium version getting two more speakers.

While the new engine won't set anyone's hair on fire, there's now plenty of torque coming from the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine through the rev range, and it fully rounds out the feel and intention of the GR86. Its 184 lb-ft of torque is delivered at under 4,000 rpm, allowing for pushing quickly uphill and coming on stronger out of corners. The engine's 228 hp doesn't fully arrive until 7,000 rpm, which encourages red-line chasing and just adds to the entertainment. Zero to sixty comes up in 6.1 seconds (a little slower with the automatic transmission), which isn't spectacular by any stretch of the imagination, but power isn't what the GR86 is about. Having said that, the sound is suitably raucous, and the engine is satisfying to rev out while pedal responsiveness is measured perfectly.

You can have your GR86 in the base model with 17-inch rubber or the Premium trim with 18-inch wheels, and neither is a bad choice. However, the GR86 is so much fun when it comes to pushing the rear end out that cheaper 17-inch tires may be the better bet for those that want their fun on a real budget. The 18s with the factory-fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires do provide more grip, though, and that's where you want to be if you like tackling those back roads or spending a day at the track.

Handling-wise, the second generation isn't a massive evolution over the first, but the extra edge in its sharpness is palpable. On a tight road with just a modicum of talent and skill with the new engine, you can embarrass more powerful cars without getting reckless. On top of that, the chassis feeds back to the point you could wonder if Porsche had a hand in its design. People talk about steering feel, but it's the rest of your body that tells you what the car is actually doing and, more importantly, where the edges are.

That's the big question, and we don't have a clear-cut answer other than saying a Miata isn'talwaysthe answer anymore. If you're shopping between the two, it will boil down to if you need a bit of useable cargo space or if you're only driving it at the weekends. We would be more inclined to recommend the GR86 for track day antics and everyday life and the MX-5 for weekend road fun and trips with the top down, but it's not quite that simple.

The only place the GR86 becomes a liability is on longer journeys, particularly with a freeway involved. The ride is a little harsh, and the exhaust starts to drone. On the other hand, it's a sports car designed to perform, not coset, so a harsher ride and more noise come with the territory.

For $28,400 for a base model or $31,000 for the Premium trim, the GR86 has no weak spot. It's a swing and a hit for enthusiasts and the perfect demonstration that driving in a straight line really fast is boring: It's the corners that make life interesting.