2022 Toyota GR86 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

After nearly a decade of anticipation, Toyota and Subaru finally delivered on their promise to produce an affordable sports coupe that enthusiasts would adore. The Scion FR-S was designed as lightweight yet powerful - the ultimate combination for immersing drivers in thrilling experiences behind the wheel. Although this model didn't quite make it past production hurdles, its legacy still lives on today within automotive circles.

That has all changed for 2022 with the introduction of the very first generation of the Toyota GR86. It comes with all new, contemporary styling and a more powerful engine for an extra bit of punch. Everything that made the original Scion FR-S so exciting is still there; it has merely been enhanced for buyers everywhere to enjoy.

Under the hood, you still get the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine - it's just that this one comes with improvements to the exhaust and intake as well as a bigger 2.4-liter displacement. Its 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque marks a 23-hp and 28 lb-ft enhancement over the original engine. The steering also feels remarkably different, with a wheel that shows more readiness to move in a more linear fashion. Overall, the effect is a more direct sense of steering for the driver, which is sure to enhance your engagement.

There are a few downsides to buying the 2022 Toyota GR86, although we do not think they are going to deter many serious buyers. The biggest issue is that the cabin gets a lot of wind noise coming in at higher speeds. When you are cruising along on the highway, you'll get a fair amount of intrusion. Also, the back seats are considerably impractical since you can't even really fit kids back there. They are perhaps best relegated for extra storage purposes.

The all-new 2022 Toyota GR86 offers two trim levels to choose from: the Base and Premium. You may think that additional features come with a hefty price tag, but you'd be surprised at how affordable the updated Premium model is! It's packed with advanced amenities not found on its base counterpart - so let's explore every detail this remarkable coupe has in store for drivers everywhere. 

Compare the GR86 Base Trim vs Premium. What is the difference?

As already mentioned above, the Base is the entry-level trim on the 2022 Toyota GR86. Up one rung from that is the Premium. You can only choose between these two trim levels, but as this is the GR86's first model year in its first generation, we will not be surprised to see more trim levels and editions getting added to future model years. But, for 2022, this is what you get to pick from - and the choices aren't too shabby at all.

Let's start at the beginning - a very good place to start indeed - with the Base GR86 and its offerings. Both the Base and the Premium are powered by a 2.4-L 4-cylinder engine that is matched up with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission is available on the Base if you do not want to drive a stick shift, but the automatic is standard on the Premium trim level. With the manual equipped, you get an EPA estimated 22 miles per gallon in combined driving (from 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway). The automatic equipped models will return an EPA estimated 25 mpg combined (from 21 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway).

The GR86 is equipped with a powerful DOHC, 16-valve valvetrain and 12.5:1 compression ratio, promising an exceptional driving experience for those who love racing or joyrides alike. With its 2387 cc displacement and 93 octane fuel rating requirement as well as the standard rear wheel drive, Torsen limited slip differential system , MacPherson strut front suspension combined with 18/15mm stabilizer bar at the back plus special GR Circuit Tuned Coil springs along with power assisted rack-and pinion Electric Power Steering System - you get maximum control to explore all angles of your car's performance!

Drivers looking for a thrilling ride have something to look forward to in the GR86. Its nimble engine and 6-speed manual transmission means it can reach impressive speeds of up to 140 miles per hour, accelerating from 0 - 60 mph within an incredible 6.1 seconds! Those who prefer automatics will still enjoy quick performance with a time of just 6.6 seconds when reaching maximum speed.

The Base and Premium are mostly similar on the outside. They both come with a functional black air outlet vent at the front wheel arch, a dual chrome tipped exhaust, a shark-fin style roof-mounted antenna done in the chosen body color, and LED daytime running lights. The roof itself has a double bubble feature that is keyed to the body color. The Base has auto-leveling projector style LED headlights with integrated LED turn signal indicators, but the Premium upgrades you to automatic high beams and an adaptive front lighting system.

A timer comes with the rear window defogger, and the Premium gains a body-colored duckbill rear spoiler. Both trim levels are outfitted with LED side marker lights, a black rear bumper lower valance, black heated power outside mirrors, and rear "GR86" badges. A functional black Matrix-style front grille is attached and features a G-mesh insert, plus the "GR" badge displayed front and center and some functional air inlet ducts with black accented trim around them. The Base trim rides atop 17-inch machined finish alloy wheels while the Premium gets boosted to 18-inch alloys done in matte black paint. A set variable intermittent front windshield wipers are equipped on both trims.

The Base's interior starts you out with a good foundation. The interior features power windows with one-touch auto up/down on both the driver and front passenger windows, manual dimming on the rearview mirror, a dual zone automatic climate control system with dual LCD toggle displays, a single piece folding rear seatback with fabric upholstery, multi-functional remote keyless entry, and vanity mirrors on the two front sun visors.

Additionally, there are two USB 2.0 charging ports with an auxiliary port, a 7-inch GR digital gauge cluster equipped with a LCD multi-information display, a GR leather-trimmed manual tilting and telescoping three-spoke sport steering wheel with contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped hand-lever parking brake, silver contrast stitching on the leather gearshift boot, and sport front seats with seat insert fabric and a G-embossed design plus black side bolsters.

The driver's seat is adjustable six ways and the front passenger's seat is four-way adjustable. There is also engine start/stop, a 6-MT shift lever and knob wrapped in leather, and covered storage over the fixed center console.

The Premium makes a few upgrades to the Base's interior offerings. First, the vanity mirrors gain illumination. A cupholder gets added to the center console. Two-stage heating is added to the front seats. The folding rear seatback is upgraded to Ultrasuede trim. Up front, there are aluminum sport pedals and a footrest. A button for adaptive cruise control gets added to the steering wheel, and seatback pockets get added behind the front seats.

The Base trim offers an impressive infotainment package with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, 6 speaker sound system and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. Plus, added benefits such as 3 month SiriusXM subscription trial along with other one year subscriptions ensuring peace of mind for owners. Users looking to enhance their entertainment experience can opt for the Premium trim that further upgrades the audio system by adding an additional two speakers plus built-in amplifier giving you all rounder multimedia indulgence on board!

Both trim levels of this line-up boast comprehensive safety and security features, including Vehicle Stability Control with Track Mode Plus, an Anti-Theft System & Engine Immobilizer, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System to keep you driving safely on the road. The Premium edition further elevates your traveling experience by adding Automatic High Beams for improved visibility at night time hours as well as Adaptive Cruise Control plus Active Safety Suite-- Pre-Collision Braking System which detects hazards up ahead in traffic while Pre-Collision Throttle Management ensures smooth acceleration or deceleration when needed. Lead Vehicle Start Assist is also included with cruise control system along with Sway Warning equipped Lane Departure warning providing additional protection against collisions and roadway distractions.

 

Final Thoughts

This year, the 2022 Toyota GR86 is here to shake up the sports coupe scene. It has been eagerly anticipated by buyers - and its arrival promises an invigorating ride with plenty of power under its sleek exterior! Space may be limited in this nimble number, but unless you need passengers in back seats, that won't present a real obstacle. Take it from us: don’t miss out on experiencing the thrill that comes with cruising around town behind the wheel of this exciting new model!

Now, if you are stuck on which trim level to buy, here is our final recommendation: spend just a few grand extra and get the line-topping Premium trim level. This trim level gives you those bigger, 18-inch wheels equipped with sticky summer performance tires, and that makes for a sportier overall ride. Also, the Premium benefits from having that adaptive front lighting system, which causes the lights to swivel as you round through turns, giving you better illumination as you navigate those curves in the dark. The heated front seats are also a pretty big bonus, especially if you live in a cooler climate and just want to feel warm and toasty first thing after you get settled into your car.

With the Premium trim of this vehicle, you'll get a standout eight-speaker sound system that expertly combats highway noise and adds an extra layer of sophistication to your ride. For drivers who prefer sporty performance, we suggest opting for the manual transmission as it gives smoother control over every twist and turn in the road—although if automatic is more your style then rest assured there's still plenty on offer with that option too.

On the whole, the 2022 Toyota GR86 is a sport coupe that begs to be driven. It is one that we recommend you add to your "to-be-test-driven" list. Sure, there are quite a few worthy rivals in this segment, but the new GR86 is definitely living up to all its hype.