Driver’s Car or Tofu Delivery? The Plug’s 2023 Toyota GR86 Review
Reviewed by The Plug (a.k.a. your friendly neighborhood corner carver and tofu delivery driver)
I have been a longtime 86 fan. I bought a 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS when I was 18. I bought the Scion FRS right when it first came out in 2013. It’s only right that I also bought that GR86 when it got remodeled. Who better to give a review than someone who’s owned all three iterations of this tofu delivery car?
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: if you want to buy a GR86 thinking you could gap Hellcats and Mustangs at the stoplight, you’re looking at the wrong car. But if chasing the perfect apex on a twisty mountain road, carving up canyon corners, chasing lap times, or just drifting in empty parking lots (sanctioned of course) with a stupid grin on your face is your idea of fun, the Toyota GR86 is absolutely that car.
The Vibes: Old-School Fun, New-School Fixes
Toyota listened. All those gripes about the old 86 being a car that looks fast but isn’t fast? Addressed, kind of. The new 2.4L flat-four doesn't exactly rip your face off, but it finally gives the car the punch it was missing. It's “fast enough” in the best way. Quick to respond, eager to rev, and perfectly matched to the car’s personality. You're not breaking necks at red lights, but you're absolutely breaking hearts in the corners.
The Handling: Tossable AF
This thing is a scalpel in a world full of sledgehammers. Tight, responsive steering? Check. Predictable balance and rear-wheel drive playfulness? Absolutely. The chassis is so communicative it might as well be sending you texts. “Hey buddy, that’s a little too much throttle mid-corner, back it off and let’s dance.” It’s got that old-school analog feel, where your inputs actually matter. For folks who know what lift-off oversteer is, this car is your playground.
Ride Quality: Not for Whiners (or Bad Backs)
Yeah, it’s stiff. Don’t expect Lexus refinement and comfort here. But that firmness translates to a car that stays planted and unshakable, even when you're pushing it hard. You feel the road, which is kinda the whole point. If your daily route includes potholes, maybe add a cushion. If it includes hairpins and cambered sweepers, you’ll be too busy smiling to care.
Interior: Function Over Flash
Look, it’s not a luxury car. The cabin is a little noisy at highway speeds. Think more “track-ready” than “library quiet.” But everything’s laid out simply and smartly. The infotainment is easy to use, no overengineered menus, no “please update your software” nonsense. Just plug in and go.
The seats? Chef’s kiss. They hug you like that imaginary girlfriend that is always happy to see you that you wished for. Through every corner, you stay planted and focused. Also, if you're around my size (definitely not built like an F1 driver), you'll still have enough room to be comfortable. It’s a cockpit, not a coffin.
Visibility: Shockingly Good
Modern cars are all about style over sightlines, but the GR86 keeps things old school. Big windows, thin pillars, and a low dashboard make it easy to place the car exactly where you want it. You can see out of this thing like it’s a Honda Civic from 2005, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
The Plug’s Final Take
The 2023 GR86 isn’t about flexing at Cars & Coffee. It’s not about 0-60 times or TikTok clout. It’s about connecting with the road, smiling through the corners, and remembering why you fell in love with driving in the first place. It's raw, honest, and just the right amount of fast.
If you want a car that makes every drive feel like an event, even if it’s just a trip to the grocery store by way of a few extra switchbacks, this little Toyota is calling your name.
