Is the 2024 Toyota GR86 Performance Pack the BEST new sports car to BUY?

[@RaitisRides]

Does the GR86 not deserve a serious look because it doesn't have 500HP or a 0-60 time in 2.0 secs?

[@EdWoodson.45]

@@RaitisRides In my opinion, I'd rather have fun in a track car over a drag strip car any day. Super speed in a straight line is overrated to me. That ain't real racing. 🫡Joe!!

[@SlamTF2]

People heavily over-rate power and 0-60 times today; the GR86 is a fantastic sports car and embodies the original vision that many Japanese auto manufacturers had for the "perfect sports car".

[@RaitisRides]

@@EdWoodson.45I’m right there with you brother!

[@RaitisRides]

@@SlamTF2very well said!

[@Puntun0]

​@@RaitisRides I'm 6'8 and 270 lbs. Will I fit in an 86 or Miata?

[@mickeybrumfield764]

228 horsepower with a 6-speed manual is plenty to have fun in a car of that size. My kind of sports car it's like an economical Porsche.

[@hpickettz34]

Not really

[@m4rc0_p0l0]

@@mickeybrumfield764 people who think that is enough power to have fun don’t really know how to have fun

[@DKarGarage]

​@hpickettz34 it is it has a same styling as 944 968 , long hood with those beautiful fenders , I mean u can't beat this styling

[@jldp24]

This is not an economical Porsche.. this is an economical gr corolla with half the fun

[@ruturaj47]

​​​@@m4rc0_p0l0do let me know what would be more fun. The MSRP on the twins is less than my monthly income, and I have blast on track days. I don't need (track) insurance, I don't worry about anything breaking (it can break ortotal but it won't dent my pocket), I don't do much of prep, consumables are peanuts etc. What am I missing?

[@BakalovGaming]

A Manual transmission, RWD, 2 door coupe, sports car for under 40k in 2024... there are very few options that all fall within the criteria anymore. This is a perfect daily that is a combination of fun, sporty and affordable.

[@m4rc0_p0l0]

@@BakalovGaming the Elantra N offers probly a better driving experience for under 40k other than being able to drift.

[@gahaha8565]

Wish it had 300ish hp, would be perfect then, its too underpowered to be fun

[@Wintermackeral]

@@m4rc0_p0l0definitely peppier than the GR, but I still really enjoy a manual gearbox

[@Andrew-mk7rm]

Except it's just too small for me, was disappointed when I finally got to sit in one... a little too small for a 6'4" 225 lb American

[@ChrisSoignier]

@@gahaha8565 I sure had a blast when I took a friend's GR86 for a few lacks around a track!

[@19hundoc47]

I’ve owned multiple sports cars with double or triple the power of this car, and the GR86 is still one of the most fun cars I’ve ever owned. Love driving it.

[@s.daniel9224]

Same for me. I’m a car guy. I’ve got experience owning a few different sports cars. I got one of these for my son a few years ago. Wow! I made up reasons to take his car out. So much fun.

[@shakethedrummer2351]

Im curious to the list of sports cars youve owned and comparing this to

[@szn1580]

How is it on gas and costs?

[@s.daniel9224]

@@shakethedrummer2351 2013 & 2023 vette, 2018 bmw 650, 2020 Camaro Zl1.

[@s.daniel9224]

@@szn1580 fantastic. I think I was getting mid to high 30’s on fuel. Never had a mechanical problem.

[@Woogzzzie]

I agree with you completely. Unfortunately, we now live in a world where tik tok and instagram have made everyone believe that anything under 500/600 HP is "slow". Being a true car enthusiast isn't just about having the fastest 0-60 time or highest HP number, it's about enjoying the car that you're driving without caring about what others think and this GR86 does exactly that. We need to move past this mentality that social media has engrained into our brains that everything is slow. It ruins the car community.

[@jldp24]

This car is mundane..boring and underpowered..grow up

[@Woogzzzie]

@@jldp24 awe did I hurt your feelings?You must be one of the tik tok racer boys I was talking about. Clown looking ass🤡

[@kevinsbiscuitsnjelly8193]

​@@jldp24😂 Bro. Not every car can be 400+hp. For ICE applications, u NEED vehicles in the 165-300hp range for decent fuel economy when needed. Different engines for different activities. The GR86 is trying to give u a balance with some fun 😊 👍🏽 **You are not this stoopid! So please grow tf up and stop trolling ok.

[@jldp24]

@@kevinsbiscuitsnjelly8193 hey dummy..I didnt mean 400hp and over..its still a crappy car that underwhelms ..you so stuck on 400/500/600hp..it still is a lame car

[@oemj7147]

@@jldp24 Horsepower is not what makes a car fun. Look at a Tesla for example. There is a reason why people pay a huge premium for an e30 BMW M3, because the driving experience is stellar. Guess what, driving experience is what the GR86 is all about.

[@goyo69]

This is the exact car I would get. Color ✅️, manual ✅️, options ✅️. YEP! This is my car of cars! As always great job Joe!

[@bobbyjones2112]

It sounded really good when you came back and downshifted. It sounded like somebody cool has arrived!😂🚗

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks brother! It did sound good for sure!

[@lewisgravis1268]

I purchased this car six weeks ago and couldn’t be more pleased!

[@rickjames6867]

I can imagine opening her up through the canyon roads at sundown. Blissful. A car that you can use all of its horsepower and it won't break your bank. I really like this one. 🌄✌️👍

[@AccentShmaccent]

Props to Toyota for not "giving up." Nicely done, this looks like affordable FUN!

[@phungyy97]

Have a '23 in the exact same colour and it is so much fun! Hoping to get some Brembos fitted in the near future!

[@charliewilliams1474]

I own a 2020 BRZ 6 speed. Some Mods 225 rear wheel horsepower. Most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. Love these cars!!!

[@1Solace]

Preach

[@szn1580]

How is it on gas and maintenance? It’s my dream car

[@charliewilliams1474]

@@szn1580 I get 29 mpg on the highway. When I'm really playing 22 mpg. Only oil changes until 60k

[@szn1580]

@@charliewilliams1474how much you spend on car a month? It looks so fun

[@fightnight14]

Love this car especially with manual! It's the very definition of FUN. Awesome car thank you Toyota!

[@tedunguent156]

The most amazing thing about this car seems to be how fast the scenery changes even though you were driving the speed limit. Especially in the corners. This car, and the Subaru, has long been one of my favorite cars on the market.

[@allenmiddendorf3337]

I have this car. I promise you he was not doing the speed limit.

[@tedunguent156]

@@allenmiddendorf3337 Really? Did you really think it was "necessary" to go there? SMH

[@teotwawki00]

We have a 2023 GR86 Premium with the 6 spd that we purchased new. Partially because of your review, Joe. It is as magnificent a car as can be had. It is so incredible quick that it's almost scary, and the handling is top of the line at any price point. It's just an incredible car. Thanks.

[@kavalere]

Always love Joe's vids. This guy is a class act for sure.

[@gabehill9817]

I picked mine up a couple months ago with the performance package and it's been absolutely spectacular. So much fun to drive.

[@LongTim-]

I have a 23 and it's my favorite car ever. It's incredible you can drive a car that handles and looks like it for 30k range. Unreal value. Plus this package is everything that was lacking the brakes being the biggest

[@topranked5465]

How does it drive in the snow?😊😊

[@jeffreyblackwell5500]

You’re funny Joe. When you said that the car engine sounds like a racing video game from the 80s keep up the good work Joe👍🏾😀

[@brandonlee2892]

"to the door panel" scare the hech out of me this time LOL...

[@stevenbaggett6549]

It makes sense because it isn't electric Joe. Love your channel my man

[@theJayyTrain]

I got my GR86 about a month and a half ago, and I absolutely LOVE IT--but not a SINGLE DEALER in the Bay Area was able to get me the Pavement Gray color I wanted with the performance package. There's even a Toyota press release that says the perf package can be installed at a dealer after the fact, but again, none of my local dealers in the know anything about it. Love my car to death still, but hopefully some of y'all have a better experience lol

[@Pamsophydee]

Maybe my next car. Thanks for the review

[@abrahamnutrition]

Joe, I loved this review. I appreciate the GR86 so much more now! The engine bay is clean and tidy. Where you had me were your lunchboxes in the back. You are an absolute riot! Thanks for the review and the laughs as always.

[@S44BBOI]

probably the most simple car you can buy, today

[@gilmendoza8092]

I'm glad they went with a manual hand brake... perfect for drifting..

[@bryy2053]

Those body braces under the hood to the firewall look like they were pulled off my swingset from 1990. The fact they make a difference is awesome. I LOVE the simplicity of it. Amazing!

[@azstratus1]

Ha “bombs away” when you opened the center armrest! Love your reviews… entertaining and education all in one! I am willing to get one of these for sure! What a perfect package and price point-performance!

[@kixmobile]

I have one...love it! It's Half a Porsche at half the price!!

[@suzanneflowers2230]

I'm glad cars like this are still being made! Sure makes me smile. I love the styling, and especially the screen placement. It doesn't stick up like a movie screen. I still prefer the sound of my Camaro, though.

[@beninformato9040]

Joe! Excellent Review. It's interesting how the internet moves on in one month. Hahah.. Hopefully someone will read my comment. Anyway. This 2024 GR86 is amazing. There are so many great styling cues from great sports cars. The size reminds me of the classic 240ZX size - Just prefect. The duck bill spoiler reminds me of a subdued 1980's Porsche 911 with it's larger duck bill spoiler. The shape has a classic coke bottle type shape with swooping lines and front fender risers, and a husky (but not overdone) rear haunches. Simple rear end tail lights. Nice pointed front end like sports car should have. Just overall it's a classy, timeless style, that's sporty but not overdone. The interior is again, amazing. They got the screen integration right. It's not some gaudy tablet poking out from the dashboard - It's integrated into the center console like it should be. All the buttons are placed symmetrically. Tilt AND telescoping wheel for maximum comfort. And the car is quick! Overall, I think this car is a notch above the MX-5. The performance package upgrade is a bargain because if you had to pay for that aftermarket it would be twice the price. Great value. Great car.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the compliment and for sharing your thoughts!

[@eddiegarcia1560]

Nice looking car. You know when they add power, it will also add huge $$ to price tag.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

It's a toyota, it would still be less than $600 a month and only 1k in fee's on day of purchase.

[@jeremyx-tein87]

I think people have become so accustomed to massive amounts of horsepower from sports cars that 200 to 300 seems slow, when in fact it's a decent amount of horsepower.

[@eugenux]

cars have also become heavier and heavier, one of the reasons for the manufacturers putting more power in cars.

[@310chris18]

I have a 2008 civic si and i have a 2024 gr86 both really fun cars. I switch them both off every fewr days...lol monday through wednsday si thursday through sunday gr86. Best daily drivers.

[@MariusRosu-e4b]

I agree with the back seats. Love your constructive criticism. For a person that works out a lot and have a physical job. I wear a dress shirt athletic cut slim waist bigger upper body design. Your platform are in my top 5, along with a couples perspective.

[@RaitisRides]

That is great to know! Thank you for letting me share it with you!

[@Gr8fulBee]

I get mine in two weeks, I honestly can’t wait

[@wingwmn217]

I seriously might just learn manual just to drive this car. It might just be my first sports car but it seems to match with me so much. I really really appreciate how Toyota is honoring what cars should be: cars. And feeling real. And with some personality =) Thank you, Joe!

[@Bodangers]

You will learn in a week. It's very easy to drive and you just keep getting better with time.

[@WhirlingMusic]

Took me a few months to get the real hang of it. Be sure to turn on hill assist first thing. It prevents you from moving down a hill when letting off the brake. I almost hit someone behind me because I struggled with taking off on a hill.

[@J_S209]

It’s about the easiest manual box and clutch ever to drive.

[@wingwmn217]

@@J_S209 Sweet! Good to know :)

[@wingwmn217]

@@WhirlingMusic Thanks for the tip!

[@Poitierj93]

That’s a proper sports car

[@Madman6505]

I test drive one and would have bought it, but New England winters. Yes, you can do it with winter tires, but I was more worried about the ground clearance. I'd be scraping the bottom in my own driveway during the first snowstorm.

[@Operationhodl]

Picked up a manual white Trueno. Love this little car.

[@therevanchist1123]

If I went with one it would have to be the TRUENO Edition in that Halo finish, little cars like these are so much fun taking out and just enjoying the experience.

[@Bmontepeque11]

I am so glad that you are spreading the word Joe, too much power isn't required to have fun. That is a lie created by people on the internet who have never really driven cars in real life. And for that, this GR 86 is one of the very best options. I love this car, I think even if I was a millionaire with a Lamborghini Revuelto I would still keep a GR 86 for when I want that pure driving experience :')

[@suzanneflowers2230]

The red Brembos are critical, Joe. While the paint is beautiful, the car has no color pop without that splash of red.

[@craig8638]

I live near very twisty backroads in Sonoma and Marin counties. I bought the BRZ because I wanted something fun on those roads. If you want to go fast in a straight line this probably isn’t the car for you. But if you want a car that you can fit up to a 6’ 6” surfboard inside and have fun ripping through corners on the way to the beach this will put a smile on your face.

[@AeoreFinal]

I’ve been looking to get myself into my first “for me” vehicle and have been eyeing the Toyota 86. I think I’m sold after watching the video! Would love to get behind the wheel of one of these.

[@SmallBrickWall]

Great review as always! Did you find that the performance package affected ride quality/comfort at all? Thanks.

[@bearclaw5115]

The best ride quality is with the base BRZ. The GR86 gets jostled around a bit more. I believe the performance pack GR86 is tolerable and the firmest riding of all is the BRZ tS. But none of them are particularly harsh. The BRZ rides much nicer than my Mazda 3 GT.

[@OneReferralAway]

There is a panel on the right side you pull it off and behind the glove box you pull the plug out and it turns off the fake sound.

[@scarabmango]

Put the down payment on my '22 yesterday! She's magnetic grey and has air suspension. Gonna be a blast!

[@Coolmaninmotion]

I own a DE5 ITS (same as the FL5 CTR) and the GR86. I can add a few points on the difference. - The GR86 feels much lighter than the ITS/CTR. - The GR86 is easier to toss and control. - The ITS/CTR has a higher gear peak. The ITS/CTR is much easier to change gears but the GR86 is more fun as it needs you to be more in tune with the heel/toe. I prefer the feel of upshift and downshift in the GR86. -The ITS specifically is more daily drivable. (Better suspension). -The GR86 is a cleaner, simpler design outside, inside, and engine bay is easier to work on. - At high speeds I prefer to be in the ITS on the highway or street, but if on the track, i prefer the GR86 at its max limit. - Driving back to back you will definitely feel the difference in power but will also feel the turbo lag in the ITS/CTR. - Seats are better in the GR86 (better than the ITS only) for short, fun drives including track days. For long drives I prefer the ITS seats. - Sound system is much better in the ITS. (Obviously as this is more of an entry level luxury car). - Interior road noise is lower in the ITS. - Engine sound... lol. I think they both kinda suck in stock form. My GR86 came with the TRD exhaust but still not the greatest engine note. I do like the pops and crackles form the ITS exhaust but other than that they both need a better sounding engine. Brakes are much better in the ITS but I have aftermarket brakes in the GR86 so they both feel good. Once I add the supercharger to the GR86 I will compare again. They are both dropped a few inches with light weight weels and other simple bolt ons.

[@lordflyquad4721]

I love that these exist..small, rwd, NA, manual. Now combine all of that, make it smaller and lighter, and add a drop top for thrilling open-air motoring. Miata Is Always The Answer.

[@ΚωνσταντίνοςΞίπας]

The concept was amazing from the begining. The second generation that was renamed to GR86 from GT86, just fixed those minor things that needed to be fixed and now we have the best affordable driver's car! I fuckin' love it and hope to be able to get one in the future❤

[@SME5724]

Such a Fun car to connect with … my buddy wouldn’t let his FRS go for anything 😂

[@DarkClosetOfTheMind]

It's definitely a beautifully designed car. Excellent review as always Raiti! :)

[@Xueqs]

Raitis commitment to youtube is top tier

[@gryphon123456]

Car like this would let you beat the snot out of a track day and have you going home feeling amazing. They allow for such good speed in a corner and exit speed that there's BMW M cars that will have a hard time keeping up when things get technical. A pure drivers car!

[@EdWoodson.45]

Joe!! Rati's is the #☝️review channel. 😎🚘💯

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Ed for having my back!

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

The GR86 is a fun vehicle! My favorite JDM car is a ‘99 Mitsubishi 3000GT, and this one’s a nice car also.

[@RaitisRides]

Man I love the 3000GT

[@TheSpeedDemon64]

@@RaitisRidesMe too

[@level10boy]

How did you launch the car then? I'm still struggling to get a good consistent launch in my 86...

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@anthonyroberts6839]

Nice price compared to a lot of other sports cars.

[@RaitisRides]

Especially in today’s market

[@DarkClosetOfTheMind]

How's the rear visibility? The first BRZ I was in it felt like I was looking out a tank slit.

[@vindevhunta4905]

Toyota,2door❤ RWD❤ MANUAL ❤ I.C.E ❤

[@RealSerie26]

10:39 Joe, I can't believe you didn't zonk that arm rest. Cup holders nearly behind the back; hard to imagine what they were thinking. Also, because the USB is inside the armrest instead of, you know, close to the radio by the AC controls, the armrest is useless when the USB is plugged in.

[@mybroolstory1015]

The engine sounds so good!

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that you approve!

[@thetruthspeaker5101]

Hey Raiti do a video on the difference between the rear suspension set up on the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86. There is a huge difference on how Subaru mounted the rear suspension set up onto the body than what Toyota did with the GR 86. It gives the cars a different feel in handling. It would be an interesting video for you to do 👍🏻

[@JackFox-n1o]

It’s fun to drive a sports car that you can actually shift and watch the tach sweep up or worry about going sideways into the ditch.

[@RaitisRides]

That is very fascinating.

[@jaredstreeper5564]

Thinking about getting one of these!! Been a fan of them since the 86 came out.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan]

Yes of course & I think I should buy this car.

[@EclipticKitten]

hey. can you do 2024 mazda miata manual next please?

[@RaitisRides]

Oh I have a good one coming soon for you!

[@danutza671]

GR86 performance pack or BRZ ts?😄

[@Allan_IA]

That was a honest review, for a honest driver's car.

[@KrisHTX]

The fact that the GR Performance Exhaust is omitted from the "Performance Pack" is kind of weird

[@ruturaj47]

I think it's good, performance package do actually increase handling and braking performance, exhaust doesn't change anything but noise. Exhaust IIRC is 1.8k, PP on premium is 1.5k.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

If they make a hatchback out of this platform, it will sell so much.

[@AlexP-tv4vr]

To get rid of the fake engine noise you just unplug something in the passenger side by the glove box. Takes 2 minutes and no rattle or anything! - 20,000 mile owner, 19,000 miles with no fake engine noise

[@AlexP-tv4vr]

I definitely recommend doing it with after market exhaust or it will be pretty silent lol

[@mfshaughnessy]

Where can we find the "deep dives" that you mentioned Joe? Love your reviews.

[@enekoprins]

The pumped in sound is easily removed, disconnecting a simple plug or by reprogramming. Then strap on a catback exhaust and you are good to go 😅

[@Libra67jtc]

Great driver's car. What simple sports cars are all about....DRIVEABLE FUN.

[@furretthefuzzynoodle3896]

Simple and fun with decent mpg what more could you want?

[@RaitisRides]

You are so right about that!

[@MrSpeedyGonzalez]

These are so much fun to drive! I think the key fob is a zonk. They could easy have created their own style for it instead of borrowing the exact one from Subaru. But o well. Great review as always!

[@efraingarcia5596]

I like how it has Brembo calipers on all four corners, I know some brands *cough bmw m4* that have rear floating brake calipers.

[@elih9588]

Thanks, entertaining video!

[@CharmCityRado]

Skip the performance package. Buy a base, Spend the money on lowering it. Take care of 2 things. Get rid of the wheel gap and get your own performance package.

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan]

Amazing review Joe.

[@berniemadoff7837]

Which handles better? This or the Subaru TS?

[@ronaldholland2913]

Great review. And you are right; sports cars like this can be so much fun. In the early 70s I had a sports car with which I would have a great time carving up a favorite stretch of road that had all sorts of curves and elevations. It was fun and a challenge. Then I bought a Corvette with 2 1/2 times the horsepower and attacked that stretch of road. Boring. The car was too capable. Maybe if I tripled the speed it would have been a challenge - and also dangerous. The little sports car was more entertaining.

[@WhhodeyDMH]

I used to come to this channel all the time. Ever since a bunch of cars got discontinued I don’t come here as much. Forcing everyone to drive electric or get a bulky ass , soccer mom ass SUV/Crossover . Bring back reg cars lol

[@brooklynbandit6788]

Nice design & perfect color

[@HolyCao5]

I own a 2014 Scion FRS Monogram. Definitely a fun car. 1st gen have nasty torque dip but with my recent problems, this is the only flat four I’ll own. Unreliable

[@jjmunz7718]

We real car enthusiasts love our turbocharged car's supercharged car's as well as naturally aspirated car's 👍

[@crazymonkey60123]

Gr86 or mustang GT? What do you guys think

[@ThomasCHP1]

The colour is called Gunmetal Grey outside of the USA. sounds a bit nicer then pavement lol

[@scollins4436]

I don't like the low tire designs because they have a tendency to pop on pot holes. Not sure that would be good on a winding road in the mountains in winter. For racing it looks like a dream come true.

[@JohnArnis]

Def a sports car! The straight line performance alone matches or even surpasses some old muscle cars from back in the day! This GR8 can go straight onto the race track too unlike those pavement melting old muscle cars relinquished to strictly drag racing and stoplight racing! And to top it off, it gets more than decent double digit, not single digit gas mileage!

[@SalvatoreP-d9r]

Having fun Joe.?

[@RaitisRides]

You better believe it!

[@SalvatoreP-d9r]

❤❤👍👍

[@Digiphex]

It needs the GR Corolla AWD and turbo. It needs a higher end version with leather rather that the plastic fabric which causes static in winter and sweat smell in summer from absorbing sweat in the summer.

[@michaelhooks3919]

Yeah Joe!!! Who the hell wants an automatic.👍🏽

[@DarthVader-1701]

The BRZ platform is Subaru's version of the FD3S RX-7 but with a NA boxer.

[@RaitisRides]

I guess I can sort of see it

[@SL1PPY_SH4RK_]

This is the exact car I want… color and all… I just wish they were not the real life equivalent of shiny Pokémon hunting

[@ivanshmivan1848]

If you want speed on the road, superbikes is where it's at, not cars.. That being said, you can't overlook this car when it comes to smiles per mile as an incredibly fun daily driver.

[@RaitisRides]

Great thoughts!

[@CZESAR99]

It looks the brow lost some weight.. great reviews like always ! 👍🏻👍🏻🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Artofspeedd]

228 horsepower with a 6-speed manual is plenty to have fun