A Sports Car as Your Daily Driver? Meet the 2024 Toyota GR86
It’s hard to look at the 2024 Toyota GR86 without wanting to slip behind the wheel. There’s something about the aerodynamic curves, the aggressive wider stance, and the promise of 0 to 60 mile-per-hour acceleration in a mere 5.4 seconds that just makes drivers want to give it a try at least once. But for many drivers, the call of the GR86 is stronger. It’s a must-have automobile. And it turns out there are many valid reasons for this desire. Sure, appearance and performance are a big part of it, but many drivers choose the Toyota GR86 because of its overall engineering and design.
From abundant safety features and usable second-row seating to driving modes that are designed to take advantage of the GR86’s premium torque in challenging conditions, this little sports car is far more practical than many of its competitors. Take a look at some of the potentially surprising ways in which the 2024 Toyota GR86 actually makes sense as a daily driver. You might be making your appointment to try out the GR86 sooner than you thought!
Introducing the 2024 Toyota GR86
The GR86 is a newer addition to the Toyota lineup. Introduced in 2022, the GR86 began as a Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) project. As a sports car designed by track racers, it offers not only top-notch speed and acceleration but a stable and precise driving experience. This, in turn, gives drivers more control over their driving experience, from steering and turning to braking. In a world where many sports car manufacturers are ramping up the horsepower to the limit of what’s street legal, the Toyota GR86 gives its drivers the satisfaction of a zippy ride without zapping their fuel economy. Under the hood is a 2.4L engine that has been painstakingly engineered to provide a modest yet powerful 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 version of this engine was EPA-rated for 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway for models with an automatic transmission. While those are lower than what you might expect from a sedan– particularly the economical Camry– they are higher than other vehicles that may be considered more “practical,” such as the Toyota Tundra, which has a combined fuel economy of 19 to 22 MPG. And about that transmission– the GR86 is equipped with a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission and an available 6-speed automatic transmission, allowing drivers to choose how sporty things get in their sports car. There’s also a button to keep Track mode off if you prefer your commute on the more peaceful side.
An Extraordinary Car With an Array of Desirable Features
It seems that automotive manufacturers have gotten the impression that sports cars ought to come with a basic cockpit or that the driver assistance features that sedans and SUVs shouldn’t be enjoyed by sports car drivers. Fortunately, the TGR team doesn’t adhere to these rules. Instead, the GR86 is outfitted with plenty of comfort and convenience for all passengers.
This includes an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with a six or eight-speaker audio system, depending on the trim you choose. Specially bolstered sports seats are upholstered in sport fabric, Ultrasuede, or leather, depending on the grade or edition you choose. The rear seat even includes a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system with lower anchors to accommodate passengers of all ages. One feature that’s a bit out of the ordinary for a daily driver is a complimentary membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA). Following the purchase of a 2024 GR86, new car owners will also enjoy a free year of perks and discounted admission that comes with membership to this exciting group.
All of the Safety Features You’d Expect in a Toyota
All 2024 GR86 models have Toyota’s Star Safety System, including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, and a specially designed Anti-lock Brake System. Furthermore, Toyota’s Active Safety Suite is aboard all GR86 models. For models with an automatic transmission, this includes Pre-Collision Braking with Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Lead Vehicle Start Alert, along with Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.
The features in models with a manual transmission vary just slightly, removing the automatic slowing and braking of Pre-Collision Throttle Management and Adaptive Cruise Control but adding Rear Sonar Warning for assistance with reverse movement– a particular favorite for navigating parking lots or street parking.
Extra Bonus Options for the 2024 Toyota GR86
Toyota has promised two additional ways to enjoy the 2024 GR86: The Trueno Edition and a new Performance Package. While the TRUENO Edition doesn’t necessarily contribute to the overall practicality of the GR86, it does make sure that drivers look very cool wherever they go. Designed as a tribute to the AE86 model that dominated the 1980s, TRUENO models include special black accents, including a hood, side panel graphic, and duckbill spoiler. The interior includes red leather upholstery trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, all-weather mats, and a premium audio system.
The TRUENO Edition also includes all of the features of the new-for-2024 Performance Package. This package includes specially tuned ZF SACHS Dampers and Brembo Brakes. With specs designed specifically for ultimate performance, the dampers are designed to enhance the ride without sacrificing control. The Brembo brakes have been sized and calibrated to provide safe and responsive stopping power to match the acceleration available under the hood.
While the Performance Package may not be what drivers require for a daily commute, speed enthusiasts who enjoy letting their sports cars flex their muscles at the track now and then will appreciate the upgrade in dynamic control and response. Of course, these can also be very useful features when navigating a crowded highway as long as drivers are careful and obey local traffic laws.
The Not-So-Surprisingly Practical 2024 Toyota GR86
At the end of the day, Gazoo Racing influence or not, the GR86 is a Toyota. Like all vehicles worthy of wearing the Toyota logo, it has been designed with driver experience in mind, blending economy and engineering without sacrificing performance. Drivers are drawn to Toyotas because they understand the value of the vehicles in Toyota’s lineup. From economical sedans that drivers can rely on for many miles to solid SUVs that provide superior protection for the whole family, to bold pickup trucks that can get plenty of jobs done, to sports and performance models that know how to leave competitors in the dust. Toyota’s strength is in its diversity, and the GR86 demonstrates this beautifully.
On the surface, the 2024 Toyota GR86 is a sleek and attractive sports car. Under the hood, it possesses great power, but not so much that you’ll need to complete special driving classes. And inside, drivers have all of the comfort and convenience found behind the wheel of a more traditional daily driver, from the touchscreen audio features to the knobs and switches that operate the HVAC system. Perhaps the time has come for you to check out the 2024 Toyota GR86 for yourself. Visit the team at Faith’s Toyota today, and they’ll help you get behind the wheel of this thrilling sports car.
