Toyota GR86 Review / The Chosen One

The 2023 Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ is a perfect example of playing to an audience. They improved the car where it was falling short, and left alone the stuff that nobody had qualms with. The result is a car that makes a good case against the mazda MX-5 or even the VW GTI, Subaru WRX and Civic SI.
Thank you, Royal South Toyota, for letting me review this GR86!
Royalsouthtoyota.com
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[@Realistick]

2023 PRICING W/ Dest.! Base MT - $28,925 Base AT - $30,425 Premium MT - $31,525 Premium AT - $33,025 I forgot to include my little graphic with this in it.

[@18lucky17]

Have a reserve deposit on the 2023 premium AT 😁 At MSRP, thanks no haggle

[@18lucky17]

I hate big mac sauce btw

[@Realistick]

@@18lucky17 unfortunate, but congrats!

[@18lucky17]

@@Realistick Thank you 😎 Any gr86 > No gr86

[@speedroidking8563]

I want the premium MT but I don't want the duck bill spoiler, can I get it removed at the dealership?

[@genna544]

Just took possession of my 24 GR86. Absolutely love it and it does have adaptive cruise control on this 6sp model. Back roads just make you smile.

[@tycanuck]

Thoughts on uploading shirtless car reviews to OF? Entrepreneurial spirit and all...

[@BPEKSupraInteractive]

What a very well done review. Subbed!

[@Realistick]

Thank you

[@chrish8487]

I appreciate that Toyota and Subaru are offering a RWD coupe with a 6MT and a NA engine. The newer small displacement turbo 4s make better torque and have higher MPG but I prefer NA for reliability.

[@stephen.p905]

Unfortunately there’s recent reports of people finding silicone and rtv in the oil pickup.

[@Realistick]

That sounds bad but also like it could be just a very specific assembly line problem? I'll look into that for my 6 reasons video!

[@pipin447]

Me encanta tus reviews . Podrias hacer un review de la Nissan Quest me gustaria escuhar tu opinión. Eres real y muy profesional.

[@KrisCortez]

Damn that color looks so nice..very mature..

[@thomasturner9188]

I have that car. Inexpensive, quick not fast, outstanding handling, fun little car.

[@honda116969]

That's crazy that the manual transmission GR86 doesn't come with adaptive cruise & the crash avoidance because my 22 Tacoma 6-speed manual has adaptive cruise & crash avoidance, I didn't know that it had it until that shit kicked on & prevented me from rear-ending somebody pretty damn handy 😂 The adaptive cruise control works pretty good you can switch gears & it stays on... The brake pedal felt weird when it was stopping the truck from rear-ending the car in front of me & then me taking over the brakes it was almost like the truck was telling me I got this relax lol

[@wackit6756]

These 'Special Edition' variants that Toyota and Subaru have been bringing out since 2013 equate to just decals and different colors, maybe throwing in some different wheels, just to appease us from wanting a stronger engine. Just give us more power! (Yes I know the new car has a few more H.P.'s) I know the argument is ‘That’s not what this car is about', but if I’m paying this much for it, plus extra for a special edition, just find me 10-30 horsepower. There is no one that buys this car that would refuse more power.

[@Realistick]

Have you driven the new car yet? I'd agree with you if we were talking about the old one. Id never be upset about more power but the cost is the big issue. Maybe they could do a special STI or toyota equivalent version with the turbo down the road. But I'd much rather keep it NA because of the cost and then it makes it an easier car to upkeep 10 or 15 years down the road. Especially as a track car too!

[@graysonfox4159]

That's what a special edition is. If you want a turbo 4cyl get the Supra. That's what the cost differential is. Additonal parts also add complexity and reduce reliability.

[@DustinTavo]

I guessed you were gonna get 7.2. Well obviously don’t get the auto we all know that. You’re in the same stage as the manual 1st gen if you do.

[@Fulty762]

Side driving shots sold me on the grey. Putting in my deposit today!

[@hiyahandsome]

Best car reviewer on KZbin, bar none. You are so smart, articulate and funny - you made me laugh when you got out of the trunk - and you are able to translate your comprehensive knowledge and love of cars for us non gearheads. Terrific review.

[@Realistick]

Thanks, im glad you enjoyed it and that means a lot!

[@vlj1133]

Agreed. I'm a convert. Realistick does the most comprehensive real-world reviews on the internet. He covers the things that matter most to many buyers. Throttle House, and Hagerty Reviews with Jason Cammisa definitely have the most fun, innovative reviews, but they don't cover reliability issues and other practical concerns the way Realistic does. It's the same with Alex on Autos, Redline Reviews, or the Straight Pipes, who never mention things like the benefit of Toyota's D-4S port/direct injection in an automotive world chock full of direct injection-only gunkmobiles. While nearly every other reviewer always pines for a turbo in those vehicles that lack them, Realistick is one of the only holdouts who states the obvious: turbos are not what you want for proper throttle response, never mind long-term reliability. It's the same with ever larger touchscreens that lack physical controls, which are becoming a plague throughout the industry, yet we still have fashion-obsessed soccer moms like Andrea from the Motormouth channel who always bases her preferences on the model with the sillier, flashier infotainment system that never works as well as the simpler, more user-friendly system she routinely rejects for not being whiz-bangy enough. It's truly maddening. The savagegeese channel comes the closest to this channel when it comes to detailing real world concerns, or at least they used to, but they've somewhat gotten away from that aspect ever since Jack came on board full time, at which point it transitioned into a bit more of a performance-based channel. Rarely in recent reviews does Mark rail against the scourge of direct injection, turbo heat/tuning glitches, rev hang, piano black, and touch-capacitive garbage they way he used to, and it's a shame. It's as if the industry has finally beaten him into submission. Realistick is seemingly among the last of a dying breed. He has quickly become the standard bearer for honest, to-the-point, level-headed car reviews on the internet. At this point, Sarah-n-Tuned, savagegeese (on a good day), and Jason Cammisa are just about the only remaining competition for Realistic in this arena. This is rather remarkable, considering how new Realistick is to this medium, compared to an autojournalism legend such as Cammisa, or the long-running internet presence of a savagegeese. Keep it up, man. You're doing great work. If there is a just god in automotive heaven, you will be rewarded with lasting success in this business.

[@hiyahandsome]

@@vlj1133 Hear, hear! You said it all! Cheers!

[@Realistick]

@@vlj1133 thank you, my goal is to make videos that answer the questions that I am most concerned with myself when interested in a car. I'm always blown away by throttle house and Hagerty too. My goal is to keep my current approach, improve my testing and reach that level of production quality (maybe not Hagerty levels of editing though, they have an insane team). I appreciate the feedback and well wishes!

[@Spacemonster2024]

What kind of accelerometer do you use? Great video, keep up the good work. 👍

[@Realistick]

Thank you, Dragy!

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

MX5 is the answer

[@justinh2444]

I want one Manuel so bad with out mark up. Been looking for months

[@Realistick]

At this point, id just track down the biggest dealers in your state, one of them might sell everything at msrp. Call them and see if you can put a deposit down on one and just wait for an allocation, it could still take several months but at least your search will be done.

[@risby1930]

I wouldn't touch one. There is silicone coming from the timing covers, oil pan etc. My local dealer will not comment on warranty coverage of the rtv problem. I was in the auto parts business for many years and subaru has always had terrible quality control. The local shops are finding silicone in oil pickups and not just the BRZ models. Toyota just needs to put a Toyota engine in the thing.

[@Realistick]

I did a ton of research on it, could only find it causing failure in one car which got a ton of publicity (as it should). People used to find rtv in the old car's pan too. It's something I want toyota to fix but it's not really that big of a deal if you do some more digging on it.

[@johnybigarms]

The oil pick up is a basket shaped pick up, it has 5 sides where the old GT 86 had a single flat filter in the oil pick up, it’s nearly impossible to block the GR86 pick up, as usual the internet blows it all out of proportion, without physics being mentioned

[@markolar3161]

I want this car so bad, but I refuse 45k for a car that’s $35k 😟😭

[@Realistick]

Do some digging for the right dealership, you might get surprised!

[@markolar3161]

@@Realistick Let’s hope so. keep up the great work! 👍🏼

[@Realistick]

@@markolar3161 thank you

[@juancho_v98tv8fv]

Yeah most of all the dealership near Chicago Illinois and around are taxing so much they want nothing less than 39-42k. They want to charge too much when you can pay similar price for a faster car than the GR86.

[@bobby3914]

Meh I would rather have Mazda mx5

[@shinatoIV]

I got the exact same car, but in manual and I love and recommend it. Btw, what's your GoPro setup for the pov?

[@dirkvantroyen9170]

Luckily, the extra duckbill spoiler is optional in the Premium trim in Europe. I ordered mine without it!

[@javierrosario6372]

U made a mistake then

[@dirkvantroyen9170]

@@javierrosario6372 Nah, I don't like it. No mistake.

[@Vasquez19781]

@@javierrosario6372 agreed

[@teotwawki00]

Picking up my 2023 premium 6 spd manual TODAY in Trueno Blue. 🎉

[@ksorsomeplace]

Yet...I have a VC-Turbo Altima that makes much better fuel economy and handles well (not the same as the GR86). I'm curious as to why these use so much more gas vs. the Nissan. So I have more power, more torque, more room, more range, and decent handling. Not quite the same look, however, but not too bad for four doors. I'm always surprised by the dashboard design in these. For a drivers care, you'd think it would be more wrapped around the driver, but it's mostly just flat across.

[@Realistick]

Yeah there's definitely still room for improvement on interior aesthetics, that part dates it, but it being a drivers car, they nailed the parts you interact with like the Guage cluster and seats. The usage of big analog controls are also welcome for me as they aren't distracting, so not perfect but they got some big things right. The gas mileage is insane though😂

[@invertedv12powerhouse77]

high rpm on the highway without it being trubo is one reason

[@beexiong2995]

Gearing hurts mpg. Its not geared like a 80s supercar where 1st gear tops out at 60 mph

[@ksorsomeplace]

@@invertedv12powerhouse77 Toyota has done this before on other vehicles. A poor engineering choice in my opinion.

[@invertedv12powerhouse77]

@@ksorsomeplace I mean, the short gearing is because of what the car is meant to be. its not a grocery getter lol its a sports car with tight gearing for well... cornering and found

[@sshah2545]

Bro, keep it up. Great, clean content, excellent photography. Youll hit critical mass and take off

[@mitchcieslak9476]

Dude my ford ranger is faster.

[@Realistick]

Congratulations 🥳🥳

[@BestBoricua]

Great looking car but it's too much money for the little performance it gives out.

[@mrizos]

My fully loaded 2023 is on the boat - got black this time

[@Realistick]

congrats!

[@colt2206]

Wow you even got the package trim level name’s wrong. The care you reviewed was a Limited and you kept calling it a Premium and called the Limited the base model. 😂

[@Realistick]

In the US, the top spec is called Premium for the GR86. I think you confused this with the BR-Z, which is available as Premium or Limited. It sure can be confusing!🥴

[@I_discovered_civilization]

My 3 favorite GR86 colors. Neptune Blue. Track bRed. Pavement.

[@kravdawg]

Very well put together review. Also, kudos to being behind the wheel for 90% of it.

[@stephendavidson5387]

Shame about the engine failures

[@Realistick]

Engine failure*, so far, it's one person to my knowledge, other people are finding rtv in the pickup too but it's not enough to starve the engine of oil. Hopefully they fix it but it's really not as serious as some make it seem.

[@callsignsleepwalker7231]

Picked up a halo AT base today . It’s a fun one

[@Vasquez19781]

CANT WAIT!!! Just traded in my 2015 Blue Scion FR-S automatic for the 2023 Red Premium 86!! Also got at MSRP!! Such a sweet deal!! Comes in 2 weeks 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨. Didn’t even get to test drive one since they’re sold before they even hit the dealership lot! Counting the days! 🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙇🏾‍♀️🙇🏾‍♀️🙇🏾‍♀️🙇🏾‍♀️

[@Realistick]

Congrats!

[@HumorDash]

I liked the thud noise from my recent test drive.

[@ryancruz1074]

I’m impressed you can record this with no A/C running and jump into the trunk even on a 93 degree day!

[@Realistick]

😂 I turned it on after a few minutes, the sweat becomes visibly overwhelming quite quickly. That was the main reason I tried to tell myself I wasn't going to get in the trunk!

[@YupHio]

Great video! I have one on order, but it is still a few month until delivery...

[@Realistick]

Thank you, congrats, you're going to love it!

[@johnreydelosreyes6691]

Nice review. Is this available on the display in U.S at the dealerships? I mean do they have a lot of stocks? Cause last few months i heard it is very hard to find and need to order one.

[@Realistick]

This one was available on a lot but it's a harder car to find for sure, the brz and 86 have been that way for awhile though.

[@graysonfox4159]

Base models and automatics are easier to find but these are still hard to get.

[@Argentinagang2022]

What's your height and inseam?

[@Argentinagang2022]

I heard 6'3", what about inseam?

[@DDobs12]

Been waiting for this review

[@Pwn_Ragnarr]

Which color is that one ? Ice Grey ?

[@Realistick]

Pavement!

[@defender1nation929]

That the pavement grey color?

[@Realistick]

Yes

[@davidtucker3538]

Toyabru 🤣

[@mviper13]

Thanks for the review. It's a great car. Not a fan of dealer markups which Royal South is doing with the GR86. I actually inquired about this car end of July and was informed MSRP was off the table for them. I bought this exact model, same trim, color and transmission today from a different dealer at MSRP. Don't pay markups. Yes the manual is better, good luck finding one. I've been on the wait list for 7 months without an allocation at the largest dealer in my state. Peace.

[@Realistick]

Congrats! Agreed, I love the guys over there but they wouldn't even let me order a Tacoma at msrp, I respect them, but I wouldn't pay it either. I'm glad you finally got ahold of one.

[@bmanz8117]

love mine and it's an automatic. I've owned cars in the past manually, my last Mustang was a manual and manual turns into an annoying dreaded experience. Love my steel color.

[@XBOX924]

My gr86 steel in automatic and man I was really torn between the manual and automatic but I have never driven a manual car so I went with the automatic. I’m looking forward to it!

[@bmanz8117]

@@XBOX924 awesome. The automatic is quick. The .6 seconds difference is not enough to brag on the manual, besides most will never master the shifting to get that 6.1 0 to 60 . The auto has the paddle shifters. The auto has adaptive cruise control which is great where manual not offered.

[@postalpancho]

These cars are still slow by the looks of it but at least it isn’t embarrassingly slow. This could actually keep up with a Camry now. This cars only saving grace is the handling dynamics and that it actually looks really good. Not very practical, useless back seats, poor gas mileage for the size, still slow in a straight line, all plastic interior. I think TheTopher on KZbin said it best. If you can swing it financially then just step up to the 230i and that solves all of the previously mentioned disappointments.

[@mharro88]

Have you driven this? They're enormously fun to drive . A 230i is like $20k aud more .... Kind of a big step up. I don't see the link

[@postalpancho]

@@mharro88 nah dude. Right now go on google and look at the current car market in 2022, used GR 86 easily go for $35k and up some even as much as over $40k. That is well within BMW territory for the same money. Don’t sell yourself short, get yourself the better car if you can afford a few thousand more.

[@mharro88]

@@postalpancho sure once it hits 40 it's near BMW territory that doesn't mean they're more fun to drive especially entry level that lack basic features , and you're ignoring that BMW are selling over sticker as well.. plus warranty is less and servicing is shitloads more.. Personally Im happy I bought a i30n sedan, for the same price fully loaded (Elantra n) with a DCT that nothing matches except pdk and I've tracked it straight from the box. It's a ripper.

[@postalpancho]

@@mharro88 you can easily get a BMW at MSRP because BMW does factory orders unlike Toyota and Hyundai. Even a base model BMW has more features than a top of the line Hyundai or Toyota thanks to BMWs IDrive 8, likely the best infotainment on the market. As far as maintenance the B48 and b58 engines have an amazing track record due to their reliability, tuning potential and performance. Hyundai sounds tempting but they routinely deny warranty claims on unmodified engines, and have poor dealership experience. BMW is considered one of the most reliable brands at the moment, second only to Toyota/Lexus according to consumer reports. Most of that increase in reliability is thanks to the b48 and b58 engines. Sadly you could have easily found yourself in a BMW but you are in a Hyundai. You sold yourself short. A base BMW isn’t the same as a base Hyundai, being a BMW means it has track bred performance already baked in, it’s just miss the flashy marketing. Drive one, do yourself a favor.

[@mharro88]

@@postalpancho nah mate a base bmw has a shitty 1.5l turbo and no where near as fun as a N. Didn't sell myself short at all they're great value. Dealership network and n division techs here in Australia are awesome. Can't speak for the states. Sounds like you guys have issues. A i30 n sedan is track ready from the box, a base level bmw 100% isn't. Unless you go m2 which is double the price and definitely not double the fun. Albert Biermann who designed n also designed the m division at bmw so it's a pretty decent setup. Just missing the luxury features bmw has but I don't miss that shit

[@GuilleSanchez.answers]

I wouldn't mind any other detail, fuel consumption, premium gas, etc. The last car I bought was a 2018 WRX STI, but I'll wait until I can buy one being worst case scenario MSRP + tax. At this moment, the dealers are keeping my wife happy, by preventing me of spending money in this car. The car base version is supposed to be less than $29,000 + tax. The situation gives me mix feelings. On one hand I know that who pays the ridiculous mark-ups are giving the CPI premium fuel and reasons to the FED to pull the hand brake on the economy, but on the other hand I'm happy that Toyota & Subaru had the idea of selling a car that at the intended price, was a car I would buy and enjoy. We'll see what the future brings. I drive the GR86 or the BRZ every day in Gran Turismo 7 for pleasure so far. As soon as pricing mark-ups become a thing from the past, I drive a real one.

[@phenamenol]

Sports car wannabe ?

[@vlj1133]

Condolences on getting stuck with the Special Sauce-less automatic instead of the full-rip manual. Couldn't agree with you more regarding the disappointing fuel mileage of the new Toyaburu. Most of the reviews I've seen report a real-world-observed combined mileage of low- to mid-20s, which is unacceptable for such a small, light, NA four-cylinder car, especially when it also requires premium-grade fuel. Question... I just read elsewhere that the 2023 GR86 Premium comes standard with wireless Apple Car Play, while Android Auto is still wired. Is this true? The 2023 Premium now has wireless Apple Car play?

[@Realistick]

I didn't read that in any of toyota's material so I can't comment on that until I get my hands on a 2023 and have an iPhone handy (I have a Samsung)! I did drive an audi that said the same thing online though that turned out to have wireless Apple carplay AND android auto so I don't doubt it, some of the press and website material doesn't give the full story.

[@tinhinnh]

data showed more buyers opted for the auto with the 86 than the brz, at least on the previous gen

[@boldcitycc]

I have a 2023 gr 86. It does not have wireless apple car play

[@jonasbaine3538]

gr86 automatic with a shorter final drive differential would be fun.

[@andi8489]

thought a long time about the gr86 as a second car but chose the mx-5 finally. both are fast and fun cars

[@seanburkhardt5504]

how u liking that decision now?

[@Mr99Burns]

Croatia?

[@shahrukhbakar3248]

Great car overall but I will not be buying one until they solve the RTV sealant clogging up the oil pickup tube issue. It's not just the oil pan RTV sealant - the excess sealant is coming from timing chain sealant too.

[@Realistick]

I think this is a very limited issue in the manufacturing line as only a few have reported it and I am pretty sure it's already resolved, it's just a matter of making sure each car that was affected gets taken care of. It's a first model year defect.

[@wayward03]

@@Realistick maybe

[@Julianklaus]

Non issue as of now

[@wcrobbinsnest]

Auto 👎👎👎

[@jamesmoros1274]

I had the GTS86 2013 Automatic. Loved it 😍 Fun to drive and reliable did 88k km on it and sold it more than I purchased it (got it 2nd hand with 18k km). Getting the GR86 again? Not sure if it’s different enough to offer an improved driving sensation. Perhaps the next Gen will be different as an electric sports car. 😊🇦🇺

[@nachomandetailingservices1057]

For that price you could get a faster car with awd. Unique an upscale well appointed interior step your game up a buy a 2021 to 2023 mazda 3 turbo. Packing 250hp and 320 TQ. And watch as all others get demolished in your rearview mirror

[@Realistick]

Not the point of the GR86, it's way more fun than the Mazda3. I love both of those cars but that's like comparing a chicken sandwich to ice cream.

[@nachomandetailingservices1057]

@@Realistick so what’s the point of the car? When it’s priced in a range where others can destroy it. With fit and finish, handling and style! Seems to me it’s out classed! If the price was under say 25k sure it be a hell of a deal. But at 33k nope it’s trash in that price range. No one can out do a Mazda 3 turbo in its price range. Hell mazda punch’s well above it’s class!

[@Realistick]

@@nachomandetailingservices1057The base model is $29k, this is a ground up sports car, the extra money is in the development and design. I love the mazda3 but I wouldn't compare the two because that would get absolutely obliterated on a track and will not offer the same experience on a backroad too. Simultaneously, the Mazda3 is FAR more luxurious and practical. They are for two different sets of priorities, each are great cars.

[@nachomandetailingservices1057]

@@Realistick well if it handles like a Miata well I ant impressed! That’s why I bought a 2021 mazda 3 turbo. It beats a Miata in all areas. Sure it don’t have a stick, but the close ratio 6 speed auto is just as fun I can literally take a corner at 80 miles an hour and not skip a beat. And these are sharp turns do that with a GR 86 or Mazda Miata really anything for that matter. At going to go to well. Maybe I’ll go test drive your GR86 just so I can say see I told you so 🤣🤣. It’s all good bro as long as your having fun. Keep up the reviews. And as long as it’s not a EV crap I’ll watch ya.

[@Realistick]

It's all priorities so I don't expect everyone to agree anyways but I'd test drive it for sure if you ever find the chance!