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Toyota has priced its two-strong 2023 GR86 sports-car range up to $11,000 higher than the outgoing model – and dearer than the Subaru BRZ in base form, even though the cheapest Toyota offers fewer features.
0- 2023 Toyota GR86 pricing and specifications
- Range more expensive than Subaru BRZ twin
- Manual and automatic transmissions cost the same, unlike the BRZ
- Priced from $43,240 before on-road costs
The starting price of the new 2023 Toyota GR86 will be $11,000 higher than the car it replaces – and $3000 dearer than the cheapest version of its Subaru BRZ twin – when the first examples arrive in showrooms this month.
The new GR86 range will be priced from $43,240 plus on-road costs, for both manual and automatic versions of Toyota’s new sports car – an increase of $11,060 for the manual, or $8760 for the automatic.
High-grade GTS variants costs $45,390 plus on-road costs for both transmission options – up $8010 and $5710 for the manual and automatic gearboxes respectively.
The higher prices mean the entry-level GR86 costs $2950 more than the base version of its Subaru BRZ twin – despite offering less equipment, missing out on 18-inch wheels, Michelin performance tyres, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Meanwhile, the GR86 GTS manual costs $3800 less than the equivalent BRZ S manual – while the flagship GR86 GTS automatic matches the BRZ S auto.
Historically, the base Toyota 86 has been positioned below the cheapest Subaru BRZ, with fewer features – but also a lower price to compensate, by about $5000 at the end of the previous-generation model’s run.
The only GR86 variant cheaper than a BRZ is the GT automatic, at $43,240 vs $44,090 – but it isn’t as well equipped.
Like the Subaru, manual versions of the Toyota GR86 miss out on key advanced safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert and adaptive cruise control – which are available on automatic models.
But whereas the Subaru charges $3800 less for the manual model to account for the slimmed-down safety suite – and more expensive automatic gearbox – manual and auto variants of Toyota are the same price.
Autonomous emergency braking will become mandatory in Australia for all newly-introduced passenger vehicles from March 2023. The GR86’s launch this month means it will slide in by a matter of six months.
While GR86 buyers pay more than before, they get more for their money, with a suite of updated technology for the cabin, and increased outputs for the naturally-aspirated engine.
The new GR86 – which adds the GR prefix to a car which revitalised Toyota’s performance-car image a decade ago – is said to carry the spirit of the original, with a low-slung aerodynamic design, uncomplicated powertrain, and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
Common to both GT and GTS models is a naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, which sends its 174kW/250Nm outputs to the rear wheels.
Buyers will have a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, no matter which model grade they select.
To commemorate 10 years since the original Toyota 86 hit the local market, Toyota will offer a 10th Anniversary Edition of the GR86 later this year. These special cars are distinguished by orange paint, a black-and-orange interior and specialist 10th Anniversary badging.
As previously reported by Drive, just 1100 examples of the second-generation Toyota GR86 – including 86 examples of the 10th Anniversary Edition – will be made available in Australia over the next year.
More information on pricing for the 10th Anniversary Edition will be revealed closer to the variant’s launch at the beginning of 2023.
The 2023 Toyota GR86 is due in Australian showrooms today.
2023 Toyota GR86 Australian pricing
- GR86 GT manual – $43,240 (up $11,060)
- GR86 GT auto – $43,240 (up $8760)
- GR86 GTS manual – $45,390 (up $8010)
- GR86 GTS auto – $45,390 (up $5710)
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
- 17-inch silver machined-finish alloy wheels
- Torsen limited-slip differential
- LED headlights with auto levelling, hadlight cleaners
- Black fabric sports seats
- Leather three-spoke steering wheel with tilt and reach adjustment
- Leather shift knob and handbrake
- 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Keyless entry and start
- Power windows
- Seven airbags
- Hill-start assist
- Cruise control
- Tyre pressure warning system
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – automatic only
- Low-speed rear AEB – automatic only
- Lane departure alert – automatic only
2023 Toyota GR86 GTS adds (over GT):
- 18-inch matte black alloy wheels
- Ultrasuede heated front seats with leather accents
- Aluminium pedals and footrest
- Scuff plates
- Courtesy lamps and sun visor lights
- Adaptive headlight functionality
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control – automatic only
As part of the Drive content team, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.
He understands that every car buyer is unique and has varying requirements when it comes to buying a new car, but equally, there’s also a loyal subset of Drive audience that loves entertaining enthusiast content.
Tom holds a deep respect for all things automotive no matter the model, priding himself on noticing the subtle things that make each car tick. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t learn something new in an everchanging industry, which is then imparted to the Drive reader base.
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