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I Think Toyota Just Made A Big Mistake With The New Toyota GR86

The next generation of Toyota's entry-level sports car might not be quite what we hoped for. Here's what I found out about the next-generation GR86's new engine.

If you have been following Toyota lately, you would know that the Japanese brand has been up to some interesting stuff. Aside from some Toyota build quality issues from the past few years, the brand continues to have a near-spotless reputation for reliability and quality. Toyota is reviving epic names from its legendary past, starting with the GR86, which will be getting a new iteration for the 2027 model year. We are also getting another iteration of the Toyota Supra and even an entry-level pick-up truck in the form of the new Stout. But let's address the elephant in the room. 

Ever since we got the first rumors for the next-generation Toyota GR86, we have been told it would adopt the GR Yaris’ inline-three turbo engine with hybrid assist. Even back then, I found this to be odd. Wouldn't this make Toyota's entry-level sports car too expensive? While Toyota, reportedly, made a homologation model with the inline-three engine, we are not going to get that.

We know Toyota just brought out two new engines, one of which is a 2.0-liter turbo-four, but unfortunately, we are not getting this one in the GR86 either. And I think we should have. The “86” is a tuner car in the truest sense. The vast majority of people buy these to make them faster and having a turbocharged engine makes it a lot easier (and affordable) to extract extra performance. 

The GR86 will get an all-new 2.0-liter engine 

2027 Toyota GR86 will go back to being a 2.0-liter engine that could be very high-revving

Like me, you will probably be disappointed to find out that the next-generation Toyota GR86 will, once again, feature a 2.0-liter engine. It will be an all-new, normally aspirated inline-four. It is too early to talk about figures as the car will, likely, be unveiled in 2026, as a 2027 model.

Still, given that the GR86's main competitor, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, is shooting for a specific output of over 100 horsepower per liter, we can expect this new Toyota GR86 engine to be a high-revving unit. I am okay with that. Hopefully, this new engine will be similar to what we got in the Honda S2000 engine. 

While not yet confirmed, I expect the engine in the next-generation Toyota GR86 to have a lot in common with the new, G20E turbo-four engine, which will soon replace the 2.4 and 2.5-liter engines, as well as the already-discontinued 2GR-FSE V-6. This will happen in 2026. To save costs, every carmaker is relying on a modular architecture for its engines, so turbocharging the upcoming Toyota GR86 might be easier than you think.

We know the inline-four will have a higher center of gravity than the outgoing flat-four engine, so I am interested to see what other improvements Toyota will make to the GR86 to make it an even better driver's car.

Are you disappointed by these latest reports about the GR86? I wish Toyota would finally turbocharge the GR86. We already saw what could be with the Toyota GR86 Rally Legacy concept, unveiled at the 2024 SEMA, even though it was a GR Corolla drivetrain underneath. Let us know what you think in the comment section below. 

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota 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 XLinked-inInstagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2025 Toyota GR86

Comments

John Goreham    January 20, 2025 - 3:11PM

Very interesting. It seems from your report that Toyota will make the engine (and likely transmissions) and Subaru will not. If that's the case, the car will be a Toyota and perhaps Subaru will still sell it. It won't be a true joint venture anymore.

NMK (not verified)    January 20, 2025 - 10:00PM

In reply to by John Goreham

Toyota already makes most of the car. It has a Subaru engine currently but uses a Toyota (Aisin) transmission, Toyota D4S fuel injection, Toyota rear differential, Toyota ECU, among other components. While its heart is a Subaru and it rolls off their assembly line, there are more major components from Toyota than people realize.

Dimitar Angelov    January 28, 2025 - 2:11AM

In reply to by John Goreham

Yes. The GR86 transmission comes from Aisin, which is, technically, Toyota-owned.
There are no definitive reports about the future of the BRZ next, but it seems they could become two different cars altogether.

Subaru is planning a few EV models for 2026, with varying levels of electrification. I'm curious if a new BRZ is among them. I'll have to do some digging.

Laszlo Makrai (not verified)    January 20, 2025 - 8:31PM

I test drove the 2020 GR86/BRZ and was disappointed by the engine and the car overall.
The much needed upgrade came in 2022 and I bought one of the 1st models available. I chose the BRZ version due to the better rear suspension and no upcharging from Subaru while Toyota wanted to charge an additional $4,500 Covid surcharge.

The car is a huge step from the previous generation. Fit, finish, power delivery, overall look, performance, etc. everything is better. It was still a relatively affordable car. 27,900 was the sticker and it was still during the covid celebrations, so I had to pay sticker.
30k miles later the car did not disappoint. Quick, agile, gets 30mpg on the highway and while not quiet, its civilized.
The few issues are negligible. The Bluetooth is useless as the noise is too loud unless you plug the phone into the outlet
The 0w20 oil is an absolute weird choice, there is no reason for that thin oil. I think a 0w30 is a minimum for these engines.
The interior isn't tough enough for a long term. The cloth on the seats are sensitive to staining and dirt. The front bumper collects leafs like a leaf-catcher and stores it behind the grille. I had to clean it several times.
The engine noise is pretty 4 bangerish, a better exhaust could make the car stand out better. The fuel economy is poor for a car with such small engine. 2.4l and 4 cyl with a manual should get 35-40mpg on the highway, especially considering the size and shape of the car.
The fact that it is a NON-Turbo is an absolute blessing. Nice linear power delivery, smooth shifting, no cracking, no engine fire like the Corolla GR, the 2 best option on the car are the 6 spd manual with a clutch, and the fact that its not turbo.
If the new GT86 will not be boxer (no subaru relation anymore) it will loose some of its appeal but if they keep the Naturally aspirated form, the car will be welcomed.
No need for a tiny small turbo engine coughing its lungs out at 6000rpm to get the 300HP and die before the 100k mile mark. Keep those cars for crazy people, normal people do not need any of that.
A 5k miles oil/filter change and sane driving should keep a n/a engine for 200k+ miles in good condition.
One thing is worrying me, the reports of gasket maker chunks in the oil pan which can clog the oil pickup lines. Local Subi dealer pretended not to hear about this but i hope the nhtsa will force them to do a recall. I asked them to take the pan off, clean the bottom and the oil pickup and seal the pan back. They wanted $450+ and to keep the car for 2 days.
I should not be paying for that under warranty. It is a known issue, both Subi and Toyota should stand behind their products.

Dimitar Angelov    January 28, 2025 - 1:59AM

In reply to by Laszlo Makrai (not verified)

Back when I drove the GT86 (2015), I found it to be the most fun I've ever had behind the wheel. It makes you do stupid things. Not quick by any measurements. It didn't even feel like the 200 hp they claimed,  but it didn't matter.

As for the gasket maker chunks that can clog the lines, I know some engines, reportedly, experienced catastrophic failure because of that. Some dealerships pretend they haven't heard anything about it, I had a similar experience with my local Hyundai dealer (I drive a Genesis Cupe).

$450 seems too much for that, although I understand why they want to charge for something if there isn't a technical service bulletin issued. I'll have to look into it more as I feel this deserves to be wide-spread knowledge. Feel free to give more details.

Avery (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 12:58AM

I own a 2023. I don't want to turbocharge it. Most of the people crying for more power, haven't driven one or haven't owned it. It doesn't need more power, and I don't think turbocharging it is the right way to add it.

Bo (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 11:09AM

Glad the GR86 will remain NA. Sport car purists generally prefer NA over turbos for the throttle response, higher reving, heat management, simplicity, and reliability qualities.