Looking to buy a GR86 or any vehicle? Go to mattmaranmotoring.com/pages/new-car-quotes to learn invoice pricing and get the BEST PRICE on a vehicle in your local area! (commissions earned)
This is a great car absolutely one of the few great cars being made today actually and something Toyota needs now to do a lot more of given their disasters in Pickup Trucks and SUVs. Subaru makes something similar as well think it's called a "BRZ" amazing vehicle. 😊😊
While I've gotten used to driving my GR86, my girlfriend that is learning says that is really hard to be smooth with it unless you're on the clutch for a lot longer than you need to be. I learned on a 911, and compared to that, it just isn't smooth at all if you drive it like every other manual.
@@TheSlvrGR86 it’s probably because the bite point of the clutch is too high. By the time you hit the gas to rev match, the rpms has already dropped a lot before you hit the bite point.
Thanks for the 2025 update Matt. So the throttle and steering changes are minimal. But that does still leave the base suspension changes to be evaluated. And the suspension changes in the base BRZ's. I'm guessing the Sachs dampers of the performance models/Hakone have not been changed for '25.
Nice review! I agree, I drove this car on track and I couldn’t tell much difference between my 2023 GR86 (which I also drive on track). I absolutely love the Hakone color combo!
+1,000,000 points for a real car that isn't a morbidly obese "utility vehicle" driven by an equally morbidly obese Karen on her way to pick up the kids from soccer practice.
Really glad they brought back the Hakone colorway for the new GR. I remember having an Accord V6 6 MT that I could never get to be fully smooth after years of ownership. Amazing engine, frustrating transmission (at times) for sure. Great review!
@@fortheloveofnoise, they’re extremely similar, the GR86 definitely has more eagerness to rotate but the performance pack’s struts actually made it more comfortable than the BRZ’s non performance pack struts day to day. I need more seat time to fully feel the differences. I will say the STI Short Throw was negligible. Honestly, the shifters feel the same. Brembo brakes was the play minus the more restrictions on what wheel will fit now.
@@topraman2, I’d probably have a small handed friend assist or my wife assist in the install. Some people remove it entirely but the consensus is 50/50.
Here's my take on it. Every single trim is exactly the same besides features. Same performance, same LSD, same transmission, same everything. Besides one thing that could potentially make a big difference. The tires on the base model GR86 are not good tires for this type of car. They're a good all around tire, but they aren't performance tires. The Premium GR86 and the 10th Anniversary / Trueno / Hakone Edition GR86's all come with them as standard. The Premium GR86 comes with suede seats that are heated, headlights that turn with your steering wheel, 2 more speakers, suede in a few areas, the bigger 18" wheels and the better tires, and the duck bill spoiler on the back. If you were to add all of those in separately to the base model, just the wheels and tires, it would be more than the cost of just shelling out the extra ~$2,000 for the Premium. You can however get the premium package on the base GR86 that in addition to the wheels and tires from the Premium, you get better dampers and you get Brembo brakes for just a bit over $2,000. Which again if you were to add it separately after the fact would be nearly twice as much. Maybe even three times as much. I got into an accident with my GR86 and each wheel was over $750 to replace from Toyota. Tires are almost $300. If I were you, I would wait and order either a base model with the Performance Package, or get a Premium. Premium is the best bang-for-your-buck IMO. The base models are better for people that are already going to change out the wheels and do modifications with them.
I think they just switched the GR to the BRZ throttle mapping which is more linear. Now they're both the same. The GR one was too aggressive, making half the pedal useless, but it made people think the GR was faster. The knob is just the optional knob from before.
Lololol everyone was saying the exact opposite of this. Everyone was saying that the GR was the more linear. I drive a BRZ and I’ve always wondered which was the better one, or if they’re different at all. Nobody has been able to give me a definitive answer on this.
It has been reported that the 2025 version will have a regular indicator stalk that can be returned to a central position manually. Operating the previous model's indicators was frustrating because there was no central cancellation position.
I thought the wheels would look more bronze and pop more with this car. The Gold feels a bit too muted, same goes for the point too, though it's not as bad. Still a cool version. Meanwhile in europe you can't buy new GR86 since the summer for safety and environmental reasons...I hate the EU
Bronze wheels depends on the video. This video is a bit dingy looking. I think they do pop more irl. Wish I was a bigger fan of the Ridge Green though. See the new GT3 in green and see what I mean.
According to Japanese car channels and racing drivers, the throttle has been revised to give a sharper response. I recall the pre-2025 version having a slightly lazy throttle response, but still much sharper than the BRZ's throttle. A Japanese racing driver described the 2025 version's throttle as being "healthier". I suspect the throttle will still have a non-linear response, because it is not cable activated.
The car is difficult to drive smoothly when cold. The dampers even take a few minutes to smooth out. I’m in a ‘22 BRZ for the rougher roads in my area. Same with rev matching that it’s a bit tricky at first but once warm I find it super easy to match even on heel-toe. Maybe I got lucky as my clutch bite point is low. The key is smooth deliberate motion with clutch & accelerator. The extra attention is why I prefer manual to automatic. If you want computers to drive for you plenty of other cars. Keep the twins simple !
Reviews of the 2022 and newer have claimed that the steering is worse than the original car ..what do you think. In photos this green is not great...too gray looking. My local dealer to get a Hakone within days they state. (I am still driving a 2015 FRS and it's the best car of my life of 60 or more cars I've owned. Age 78 and it's a stick of course). Do I actually NEED a new one ?
Can you review the auto ? I heard they changed the gearing so that you're able to downshift from 4th to 2nd (50-57mph) like the previous gen. Currently it wont let you downshift to 7000rpm.
That's my issue...I'd buy one if it wasn't a concern.i thought overblown until every UA-camr that bought one , sold it... zygrene,savagegeese, ..everyday driver...
I would have seriously considered this as a replacement for my GT86 (FRS). Sadly the GR86 is no more in UK due to Euro emission rules, and that's after UK left the EU! 😠
This isn't a review of the 2025 GR86 , This is a review of the HAKONE EDITION GR86. The special editions all get added features the Standard and Premium get.
Sport mode is only for the 2025 BRZ. The GR86 has always had much sharper throttle response than the BRZ, which is why Toyota said the GR86 doesn't need a sport mode - it's always sporty, they said.
Not if you want to do anymore than an overnight roadtrip and want to carry more than your toothbrush - The MX5 is a toy and a second car - It can't be your only car - I've been there
@seikoskx Lack of torsional rigidity causes cowelshake/skuttleshake, inferior roll-over protection and also NVH on highway cruises. Also I live in UK where it rains a lot and walking pedestrians can slash the fabric roofs. Not everyone wants a convertible.
@@seikoskx Still creeks & rattles especially as they get older. Also those rear pillars become blindspots. The answer would be Mazda to bring a proper coupe for the ND.
I agree that there was rev hang in the pre-2025 GR86 versions (A, B, and C types). The engine was also slow to rev at low speeds. Based on feedback from racing drivers, Toyota revised the throttle mapping to make rev matching easier. I haven't driven the 2025 version (D type), but I've heard that the throttle feels "healthier". Check out N O Bチャンネル. He is a Japanese racing driver and drove the C type (2024) and D type (2025) back to back.
That issue was really overblown, even the GR86 Cup car has a stock powertrain. I've talked with folks like @revmatchtv that track theirs regularly and he's been fine.
To answer your question. Yes! The issue hasn't been resolved, and there is a lawsuit pending. I expect the oil pan, etc will be modified late 25 or early 2026 versions.
Telling everyone to not support these manufacturers and buy only used? You'll be the ones complaining "WAAAA 😭 wHY aRE tHEre No nEw aFFordABLE spORtScArs aNYmORe"
The engineering has gone into chassis and handling development. Also, rear wheel drive is more expensive than front wheel drive, more fun, and better at putting the power down. I wouldn't say it's underpowered. It's more powerful and faster than many JDM cars from the 90s. It actually has about the same power and speed as a late 80s Porsche 911. Everyone laments the demise of naturally aspirated cars with manual transmissions, but when Subaru/Toyota actually builds one, people say it should have a turbo.
Looks incredible in this configuration. But I’ve never understood why a small light car like the GR86 gets only 20 miles per gallon city. Other cars have low gearing also and get much better mileage. 🫤
Looking to buy a GR86 or any vehicle? Go to mattmaranmotoring.com/pages/new-car-quotes to learn invoice pricing and get the BEST PRICE on a vehicle in your local area! (commissions earned)
This is a great car absolutely one of the few great cars being made today actually and something Toyota needs now to do a lot more of given their disasters in Pickup Trucks and SUVs. Subaru makes something similar as well think it's called a "BRZ" amazing vehicle. 😊😊
Matt, looks like a "Bullitt Jr" car in that color 🙂
I love this green color. They need more green cars!
Nice quick review! Lot's of good info here, and it gives us a good "feel" for the updates. Thanks for keeping us all up to date, Matt!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
Leaning how to drive manual properly is part of the fun. Thanks for the video. Interior looks great.
I really dig this color.
@@hellokyle_ great car and color but I definitely prefer the color of the 2020 Toyota Hakone 86 over this color 👍🏻
5:36 thank god they finally fixed the blinker..
@@randoll86 what a detail to notice thank god. I drove a friends 23' and the first time i used the blinkers i was so incredibly confused
While I've gotten used to driving my GR86, my girlfriend that is learning says that is really hard to be smooth with it unless you're on the clutch for a lot longer than you need to be. I learned on a 911, and compared to that, it just isn't smooth at all if you drive it like every other manual.
@@TheSlvrGR86 it’s probably because the bite point of the clutch is too high. By the time you hit the gas to rev match, the rpms has already dropped a lot before you hit the bite point.
Thanks for the 2025 update Matt. So the throttle and steering changes are minimal. But that does still leave the base suspension changes to be evaluated. And the suspension changes in the base BRZ's. I'm guessing the Sachs dampers of the performance models/Hakone have not been changed for '25.
Nice review! I agree, I drove this car on track and I couldn’t tell much difference between my 2023 GR86 (which I also drive on track). I absolutely love the Hakone color combo!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Eric!
+100 Points for 6 M/T.
+100 Points for a car that isn't gray.
+200 Points for a real car and not a crossover or suv.
+1,000,000 points for a real car that isn't a morbidly obese "utility vehicle" driven by an equally morbidly obese Karen on her way to pick up the kids from soccer practice.
I love your reviews. You’re very positive and honest. ….THANK YOU BROTHER 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Way more elegant than the Trueno edition. Gorgeous Green.
Really glad they brought back the Hakone colorway for the new GR. I remember having an Accord V6 6 MT that I could never get to be fully smooth after years of ownership. Amazing engine, frustrating transmission (at times) for sure. Great review!
It’s a tough car to get smooth day to day. I had a 2023 BRZ and now 2024 GR86. I’ve been contemplating upgrading clutch spring.
What car handled better in the turns and what was the main difference between the cars?
clutch spring wasnt a major upgrade imo, install cost was higher than expected
@@topraman2 It takes like 5-10 minutes to install
@@fortheloveofnoise, they’re extremely similar, the GR86 definitely has more eagerness to rotate but the performance pack’s struts actually made it more comfortable than the BRZ’s non performance pack struts day to day. I need more seat time to fully feel the differences. I will say the STI Short Throw was negligible. Honestly, the shifters feel the same. Brembo brakes was the play minus the more restrictions on what wheel will fit now.
@@topraman2, I’d probably have a small handed friend assist or my wife assist in the install. Some people remove it entirely but the consensus is 50/50.
I just ordered my trueno blue 2025 premium a couple of days ago 🙌
Congrats!
Toyota doesn't do factory orders if you are in Canada or us. They do a dealer allocation system so you might be waiting a long time
Matt looking a little rounder hehe I love the dad bod lowkey
I love the base 86, it’s super fun for 30k brand new but it’s hard to find sometimes they sell out
I bet driving this car takes you back to the days when you were driving the Subaru BRZ.
@@lordmaul3 subaruwrxfan days
@@Barbwire710 You know what I mean dude. I'm quite aware Matt was known as Subaruwrxfan.
Nice review
Cool review! Thanks for sharing! Interesting to see this Hakone Edition, and that acceleration with wheel chirp looked fun! 😃
Thanks for watching!
I kind of wish they kept the original Hakone green pearl
Im looking at a base model, from what i hear its thr best from owners
Here's my take on it. Every single trim is exactly the same besides features. Same performance, same LSD, same transmission, same everything. Besides one thing that could potentially make a big difference. The tires on the base model GR86 are not good tires for this type of car. They're a good all around tire, but they aren't performance tires. The Premium GR86 and the 10th Anniversary / Trueno / Hakone Edition GR86's all come with them as standard. The Premium GR86 comes with suede seats that are heated, headlights that turn with your steering wheel, 2 more speakers, suede in a few areas, the bigger 18" wheels and the better tires, and the duck bill spoiler on the back. If you were to add all of those in separately to the base model, just the wheels and tires, it would be more than the cost of just shelling out the extra ~$2,000 for the Premium. You can however get the premium package on the base GR86 that in addition to the wheels and tires from the Premium, you get better dampers and you get Brembo brakes for just a bit over $2,000. Which again if you were to add it separately after the fact would be nearly twice as much. Maybe even three times as much.
I got into an accident with my GR86 and each wheel was over $750 to replace from Toyota. Tires are almost $300. If I were you, I would wait and order either a base model with the Performance Package, or get a Premium. Premium is the best bang-for-your-buck IMO. The base models are better for people that are already going to change out the wheels and do modifications with them.
@@TheSlvrGR86 750 a wheel from Toyota, Yikes!
great video again not many sports cars out there
I think they just switched the GR to the BRZ throttle mapping which is more linear. Now they're both the same. The GR one was too aggressive, making half the pedal useless, but it made people think the GR was faster. The knob is just the optional knob from before.
Lololol everyone was saying the exact opposite of this.
Everyone was saying that the GR was the more linear. I drive a BRZ and I’ve always wondered which was the better one, or if they’re different at all.
Nobody has been able to give me a definitive answer on this.
@@sshah2545 Nah, 40% pedal down = 95% throttle in the GR, while the BRZ is like 90% pedal down = 95% throttle.
@@dylanbuitran9223 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
5:18 did they fix the annoying turning signal? Does It now stay in the direction you want to turn and it gets off after the turn ?
Does it have locking turn signals?
@@vovik05 front and rear locking turn signal differentials
nope
It has been reported that the 2025 version will have a regular indicator stalk that can be returned to a central position manually. Operating the previous model's indicators was frustrating because there was no central cancellation position.
If you look at 5:35 when he used the stalk, I think you have your answer.
I thought the wheels would look more bronze and pop more with this car. The Gold feels a bit too muted, same goes for the point too, though it's not as bad. Still a cool version. Meanwhile in europe you can't buy new GR86 since the summer for safety and environmental reasons...I hate the EU
Bronze wheels depends on the video. This video is a bit dingy looking. I think they do pop more irl. Wish I was a bigger fan of the Ridge Green though. See the new GT3 in green and see what I mean.
By "remapped the throttle," does that mean it no longer gives you 100% throttle in the first 50% of the pedal throw?
According to Japanese car channels and racing drivers, the throttle has been revised to give a sharper response. I recall the pre-2025 version having a slightly lazy throttle response, but still much sharper than the BRZ's throttle. A Japanese racing driver described the 2025 version's throttle as being "healthier".
I suspect the throttle will still have a non-linear response, because it is not cable activated.
Changing the GLUE WOULD BE A GREAT START ❤❤❤❤❤
i have one GR86 hakone edition incoming in December and hopefully i can also get the oak green metallic GT3 touring then my garage is set!
question is... brz or gr86 for 2025?
is it true they fixed/changed the turn signal stock click?
The car is difficult to drive smoothly when cold. The dampers even take a few minutes to smooth out. I’m in a ‘22 BRZ for the rougher roads in my area. Same with rev matching that it’s a bit tricky at first but once warm I find it super easy to match even on heel-toe. Maybe I got lucky as my clutch bite point is low. The key is smooth deliberate motion with clutch & accelerator. The extra attention is why I prefer manual to automatic. If you want computers to drive for you plenty of other cars. Keep the twins simple !
Does anybody know if they changed the turn signal mechanism? It was weird with the 2024 that I test-drove...
I love this colour ❤
Bring back Green Sports Cars
Does this have the GR Performance Dual Exhaust
Reviews of the 2022 and newer have claimed that the steering is worse than the original car ..what do you think.
In photos this green is not great...too gray looking. My local dealer to get a Hakone within days they state.
(I am still driving a 2015 FRS and it's the best car of my life of 60 or more cars I've owned. Age 78 and it's a stick of course). Do I actually NEED a new one ?
yes:) you deserve it
Can you review the auto ? I heard they changed the gearing so that you're able to downshift from 4th to 2nd (50-57mph) like the previous gen. Currently it wont let you downshift to 7000rpm.
I'll try to get my hands on one, I hadn't heard that so thanks for the info.
You are right, the automatic transmission has been recalibrated to allow downshifts at higher engine speeds.
They didn't change the gearing. They now allow for higher rpms while downshifting the auto.
Absolutely do not want auto rev matching. Car is not targeted towards anyone who would use auto rev matching
you gotta floor the gas on this car to drive it smooth imo love my 2024 still
I’d love to buy one but I’m not a boxer fan, come on Toyota bring out your own engine with a turbo please
They need a yellow one. Its a sports car.
have they fixed the rtv issues
no, but the oil starvation issue at high speed turns is a bigger issue
@@stevenyerry2209 imagine if theres no rtv or oil starvation issue on this car, this car is a solid choice. id rather buy honda si over this.
That's my issue...I'd buy one if it wasn't a concern.i thought overblown until every UA-camr that bought one , sold it... zygrene,savagegeese, ..everyday driver...
I would have seriously considered this as a replacement for my GT86 (FRS). Sadly the GR86 is no more in UK due to Euro emission rules, and that's after UK left the EU! 😠
This isn't a review of the 2025 GR86 , This is a review of the HAKONE EDITION GR86.
The special editions all get added features the Standard and Premium get.
Says the fool who didn't watch the whole video.
No. The Hakone is basically a Premium with Performance Package and a colorway.
Didn’t it get Sport mode too in manual?
I don't recall reading that, and I didn't play around with the drive modes.
Sport mode is only for the 2025 BRZ. The GR86 has always had much sharper throttle response than the BRZ, which is why Toyota said the GR86 doesn't need a sport mode - it's always sporty, they said.
@@carsandscience7463 my AT 2024 gr86 has sport mode
ND MX5 IS THE ANSWER ❤
Not if you want to do anymore than an overnight roadtrip and want to carry more than your toothbrush - The MX5 is a toy and a second car - It can't be your only car - I've been there
@seikoskx Lack of torsional rigidity causes cowelshake/skuttleshake, inferior roll-over protection and also NVH on highway cruises. Also I live in UK where it rains a lot and walking pedestrians can slash the fabric roofs. Not everyone wants a convertible.
@@joetaka7620 RF IS THE ANSWER ND....
@@seikoskx Still creeks & rattles especially as they get older. Also those rear pillars become blindspots. The answer would be Mazda to bring a proper coupe for the ND.
THE " HAWK TUAH" EDITION
It was too small for me. Looking at the 2025 GR Corolla….
Was hoping they'd improve the steering feel, the 2nd gen is a massive downgrade from the first
did they fix the rev hang?
I didn't think the GR86 really had a rev hang issue, but if you don't like the pre-2025 then I don't think this one will feel any better to you.
I agree that there was rev hang in the pre-2025 GR86 versions (A, B, and C types). The engine was also slow to rev at low speeds. Based on feedback from racing drivers, Toyota revised the throttle mapping to make rev matching easier. I haven't driven the 2025 version (D type), but I've heard that the throttle feels "healthier". Check out N O Bチャンネル. He is a Japanese racing driver and drove the C type (2024) and D type (2025) back to back.
Me patiently waiting for a turbo version....
Stop. That'd just cannibalize their supra sales.
Im 6’0 tall is it comfortable?
Once your seated yes. Getting in takes some practice.
Lol they took the metallic out of the green paint. 2020 was much nicer.
Actually it does have a pearl to it when you get in close. Not a huge fan though, a little disappointed.
The original green was dazzling. Almost like an emerald. This new green is so plain it’s painful.
It's about the most sporting Subaru bodystyle available...
is there still oil starvation issues?
will be forever unless you change out the stuff yourself for better parts
@@fortheloveofnoisewhat parts need to be swapped?
That issue was really overblown, even the GR86 Cup car has a stock powertrain. I've talked with folks like @revmatchtv that track theirs regularly and he's been fine.
To answer your question. Yes! The issue hasn't been resolved, and there is a lawsuit pending. I expect the oil pan, etc will be modified late 25 or early 2026 versions.
ha ko ne. ne is pronounced like nneehhh
Ha-ko-nay
50 more hp would make a huge difference
When is enough enough? You would still want more even with 50 more horses
@@theredsalmon612 idk. only a drive would find out
@@sp4604 Can you name a 4 pot NA with 270hp?
@@sp4604You'll still be ungrateful if this 30k car had 820 hp and wanting 50hp more.
@@odin5188 all it needs is a tune and some headers.
It should have more the drivetrain of the GR Corolla and I'd buy one. AWD, more horsepower.
Which would be another $5,000 and 500lbs.
@@Digiphex just get a corolla then? This car isnt for you
@@Digiphex so ruin the weight balance and make it handle like garbage? Great idea big guy.
@@Digiphex lol no, this is a rwd sports car
@@dasmg That is really not a thing. Some of the quintessential sports cars in the world have added AWD like Porsche and BMW.
Toyota did the color Mazda could not.....😅
really pretty. I like the BRZ versions more though. the toyota versions seem to get more focus and models.
Dude is getting a little chunky recently
Matt reviews cars. You review Matt's body. Kind of weird.
I will PASS
PA
Save the money and get a $10k second car.
Telling everyone to not support these manufacturers and buy only used? You'll be the ones complaining "WAAAA 😭 wHY aRE tHEre No nEw aFFordABLE spORtScArs aNYmORe"
At 35k with its lackluster engine and still very low budget
Interoor its just
To much to swallow man. 25k would
Be more
Like it
For
Me
You can barely get a base civic for 25k. This is a performance car with brembos and Torsen lsd… The market has moved on from the 25k mark.
@@caryg4638
Blud thinks we’re still living in 2019
@@CarsOverPeople something… time to awake from the coma. It’s 2024.
I mean a miata is now 40k
It's cheaper than what it was when it (scion frs) first came out if you factor in inflation.
Why is auto rev matching such a popular necessary feature? Get some skills.
Color looks great, but it's so underpowered for the price point.
Bet you'll say the same stupid thing if this car had 400hp and costed 30k
The engineering has gone into chassis and handling development. Also, rear wheel drive is more expensive than front wheel drive, more fun, and better at putting the power down.
I wouldn't say it's underpowered. It's more powerful and faster than many JDM cars from the 90s. It actually has about the same power and speed as a late 80s Porsche 911.
Everyone laments the demise of naturally aspirated cars with manual transmissions, but when Subaru/Toyota actually builds one, people say it should have a turbo.
There is no car that is cheaper and more powerful. RN base GR86 is 29300. Try it.
I am referring to the hakone edition which is around $36-40k. At that range, the elantra n would be a better choice.
@@joetaka7620 you sound like a child.
Looks incredible in this configuration. But I’ve never understood why a small light car like the GR86 gets only 20 miles per gallon city. Other cars have low gearing also and get much better mileage. 🫤
Being 2.4 liter and factory tune for power and torque not for fuel efficiency.
I love the base 86, it’s super fun for 30k brand new but it’s hard to find sometimes they sell out
Yes, it's true. The only ones that sit are the autos and any version that is loaded with needless accessories.