Going Out With a Bang: Here's Why a Reputable Publication Awarded Toyota GR86 2026's Best Sports Car For The Money, Before Its Discontinuation

GR86 gets an esteemed award before its supposed departure, in 2027, when the next generation of the compact sports car is expected to arrive.

Posted: January 27, 2026 - 5:11AM
Author: Dimitar Angelov

Toyota GR86 is one of the most driver-focused cars you can buy today. In a world of ever-increasing safety regulations and tech-heavy vehicles, it is refreshing to have the opportunity to buy a back-to-basics sports car. Moreover, you can do so without breaking the bank. Recently, the reputable publication, US News, published its 2026 Best Cars for the Money Awards, and to no surprise, the GR86 was the winner in its category.

The methodology was simple: evaluate cars based on various criteria like driving dynamics, how well the tech and features work, and comfort. Naturally, these parameters weigh differently depending on the segment, but in the case of a sports car, it is almost exclusively about the driving dynamics. And, we know the GR86 delivers on that front.

Better than a Miata?

While I am not trying to put an end to an epic debate, and I am quite fond of the Miata, there is a good reason why the GR86 is the winner here. Both vehicles start at roughly the same price. The GR86 has a starting MSRP of $30,800, while the MX-5 is expected to start at around $30,500 for the 2026 model year.

Mazda’s iconic roadster effectively perfected the small, lightweight roadster, but the GR86 is more focused when it comes to sports car credentials. Even the base “86” has a limited-slip differential - an important piece of tech for any driver-focused, rear-wheel-drive sports car. If you want your MX-5 to come with an LSD, you need to upgrade to the Club trim, which is expected to start at just under $34,000 for 2026.

US News ranked the Subaru BRZ second (tied with the MX-5). Like its Toyota twin, it offers all the features enthusiast drivers crave. With a starting MSRP of $33,210, the BRZ is $1,410 more expensive than its sibling. It is worth mentioning that the BRZ suspension and steering are set-up for a more neutral handling, compared to the more “tail-happy” GR86.

For all its sports car credentials, the Toyota GR86 is not completely devoid of practicality. It features a small, but usable, 6.3-cubic-feet trunk (Miata has 4.5 to 4.6 cubic feet) and rear seats that are usable enough for short trips, but best used as an additional cargo shelf. The Miata does not have rear seats. As a taller person (6 ft.2 in.),

I struggled to adjust the seat angle in the small roadster in a way that would fit me. Moreover, with the roof on, headroom was near-nonexistent for someone my size. The GR86 provides more room and can fit even larger drivers.

Toyota GR86 specifications

Engine: 2.4-liter, FA24, normally-aspirated, flat-four
Power: 228 horsepower at 7,000 RPM
Torque: 184 pound-feet at 3,700 RPM
Transmission and drivetrain: six-speed manual / six-speed automatic, RWD
Curb weight: 2,799 pounds
0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds
Top speed: 140 mph

The GR86 will not go away, but it will… evolve?

Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition

Toyota reassures us that the GR86 moniker will remain and will retain much of the sports car’s current characteristics - nimble, lightweight, and driver-focused. In Europe, the model was discontinued in 2024, but other markets (US included) will continue to enjoy the compact coupe for at least another year before the next-generation GR86 arrives sometime around 2027.

We know it will not be co-developed with Subaru, but rather, it will be a complete redesign, which, according to some reports, could be on a platform jointly developed with Mazda. This makes sense because the MX-5 is also due for a new generation, and we know it will feature a larger engine.

The GR86 was never about raw power. Rather, it makes up with a dialed-in chassis and sublime handling. The rest, you can acquire through the vast aftermarket support the small coupe benefits from. Sure, I would be tempted to spend a bit more on a much more powerful Nissan Z, but I tend to look at the GR86 as a small portion of a very well-prepared meal, rather than a large quantity of food, for not a lot of money. I think many would share the sentiment.

The GR86 is also a model that made a deep dive into its heritage. Because of this, we have special-edition models like the Yuzu, Hakone, and Trueno editions, each scoring unique styling. At the end of the day, both the GR86 and MX-5 are great sports cars that carry immense JDM heritage. Which camp do you belong to? Feel free to comment below.

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2026 Toyota GR86 prees