2022 Toyota GR86 Premium – Delivers More and Better

The 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium got us excited, mainly because despite the basic architecture of the car remaining the same as its predecessor, it delivers more than just a fresh set of clothes. In fact, you can tell the difference between the old and the new, which is very near night and day! 

The premium trim looks excellent, with a rear wing reminiscent of the Supra. The car’s structure has been reinforced in the back and front. However, the 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium now sports an aluminum roof and fenders to help offset the weight by around 80 lbs., making quite a bit of difference. 

More Power With Beautiful Torque 

Toyota’s D-4S dual injection technology is re-tuned to deliver more aggressive throttle input. This system combines direct fuel injection and port-injection technologies. The direct-injection system provides a cooling effect in the cylinders, which allows the engine to use a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximum power. The port fuel injectors come into play during light- and medium-load conditions to help maximize combustion efficiency.

The intake manifold’s port diameter and length have been optimized to support linear torque and acceleration and the air intake has also been redesigned to maximize airflow. The fuel system has a new pump design and wider transfer tube for a steady fuel flow during cornering. 

Bliss At Last

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) team spent late nights in the garage under flickering fluorescent lights to enhance performance on the new GR 86.

With the move from a 2.0L to 2.4L flat-four engine, the 2022 GR 86 increases its engine bore diameter to 94mm (previously 86mm) for nearly 20% more displacement, bumping up from 1,998cc to 2,387cc. The bigger engine improved zero-to-60 times from 7.0 to 6.1 seconds for the MT and from 8.0 to 6.6 seconds for the AT; manufacturer estimated fuel economy is 19 city/26 highway/21 combined MPG (6-Speed M/T) and 20 city/30 highway/24 combined (6-Speed A/T).

Greatly Improved Cabin 

The 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium sports excellent seats, with a bit thrown over the dash and the accompanying door panels. In front, drivers are greeted by a new digitized gauge cluster, which will morph automatically when in Track mode, and the tachometer switches to a horizontal ribbon-style bar. 

In the center, there is a new 8-inch touch screen that supports both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Fortunately, as you’d expect, all of this is very easy to use. However, our favorite feature has got to be the HVAC controls, with their large tactile dials that make turning the temperature and fan speed to your liking easier. 

Final Word 

The 2022 Toyota GR86 Premium has got to be one of our favorite vehicles of all time. It is an excellent car for the price point, and our manual tester is worthy of the “Premium” badge, making it worth the extra nearly $6k. Our advice is to buy it!