The 2022 GR86 has quickly become a sought-after sports car for enthusiasts, promising a pure driving experience in a stylish package. After a year of daily driving a GR86 Premium manual in track bRed on Michigan roads, enduring all seasons, it’s time for an honest review. This isn’t just a honeymoon phase assessment; it’s a deep dive into the realities of living with the GR86 as your everyday vehicle. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and even the ugly aspects of owning this much-praised machine.
The Good: Where the GR86 2022 Shines
The GR86 immediately captivates with its fantastic looks. The proportions are spot-on, boasting beautiful curves and a size that feels perfectly balanced on the road. It’s a car that turns heads without being ostentatious. Beyond aesthetics, the GR86’s lightweight construction is a game-changer. It doesn’t just feel light and nimble; it is light, translating to incredibly responsive handling.
Speaking of handling, this is arguably the best part of the car. The GR86 exhibits superb balance and poise in corners, making every twisty road an absolute joy. The fun-to-price ratio is off the charts. You’d be hard-pressed to find another new car on the market that delivers this level of driving engagement for the money. Practicality is also a plus. Maintenance is straightforward, and finding parts, like winter tires, is significantly easier compared to more niche sports cars like a Camaro or BMW M2.
Image of 2022 GR86 wheel and tire, highlighting the car’s sporty stance and road presence.
The manual transmission is a highlight, offering satisfyingly short throws and a direct feel, although some might find Honda’s manuals slightly more refined. The seats are comfortable and supportive, perfect for both daily commutes and spirited drives. The driving position is excellent, placing all essential controls within easy reach. The GR86 thankfully prioritizes physical buttons for most functions, a welcome departure from the touchscreen-heavy interfaces in many modern cars.
This car is truly driver-oriented. It’s ready to go whenever you are, stripping away unnecessary complexities and focusing on the pure act of driving. The rarity factor is also appealing; you won’t see GR86s on every corner, adding to its specialness. For those wanting to hone their skills, the GR86 is an excellent teacher. It encourages and rewards techniques like rev-matching and heel-toe shifting, making you a more engaged and proficient driver. Finally, the GR86’s aftermarket support is vast. While it’s great in stock form, there’s a huge modding potential to personalize and enhance the car to your exact preferences.
The Bad: Imperfections in the GR86 2022 Experience
Coming from higher horsepower cars, the power might feel lacking, especially at higher speeds. While adequate, it’s not going to win any drag races. The infotainment screen and overall tech are not class-leading for 2022 standards. Apple CarPlay is a welcome inclusion, but the system itself can feel a bit basic compared to competitors. Minor infotainment bugs can be occasionally annoying, such as the audio source reverting to FM after phone calls instead of staying on Bluetooth.
Image showcasing the GR86’s silhouette against the sky, illustrating its sporty design but subtly referencing its tech limitations in the background.
Phone storage is poorly designed, requiring aftermarket solutions like magnetic mounts to address. Cupholder placement is awkward, positioned too far back to be truly convenient. The fixed dampers mean you get a set stiffness level, which might be too firm for some, although it’s generally acceptable for a sports car. Rear seats are very small, realistically only suitable for small children in front-facing seats, or extra storage.
To truly enjoy the GR86’s strengths, you need canyon roads or twisty routes. In areas lacking such roads, a significant portion of the car’s potential remains untapped. The seatbelt chime is excessively loud, although thankfully, online hacks provide a solution. The audio system is underwhelming, and road and tire noise is considerable, especially at highway speeds, impacting long-distance comfort. The engine sound at lower RPMs can be described as tractor-like, lacking refinement in its lower registers.
Image highlighting the GR86’s wheel and tire, subtly drawing attention to potential road noise associated with performance tires.
Interior materials include some cheap plastics, but considering the price point, it’s not overly offensive. Aftermarket solutions like sticker overlays can mitigate potential scratching. The car doesn’t auto-lock when driving, requiring manual locking each time. Moving the front seats forward results in a loss of their original position, a minor inconvenience. The stock exhaust is very quiet, even the active sound control is barely noticeable. An aftermarket exhaust is almost a necessity for those desiring a more pronounced engine note. Finally, the clutch feel can be a bit unusual, making smooth 1-2 shifts occasionally challenging to master initially.
The Ugly: GR86 2022 Drawbacks and Concerns
The biggest “ugly” truth about the 2022 GR86 is its extreme scarcity and difficulty in acquiring at MSRP. Market markups and limited availability remain significant hurdles for prospective buyers. For the average driver, the GR86’s compromises in road noise, interior space, and ease of entry/exit might also fall into the “ugly” category. However, for driving enthusiasts, these are often accepted trade-offs for the engaging driving experience.
Close-up image of the GR86’s grille and tire, subtly hinting at potential issues with availability and market demand.
A more concerning “ugly” aspect that has emerged is the RTV sealant issue. This involves excess sealant from engine assembly potentially clogging the oil pickup tube, leading to engine oil starvation. This is a well-documented issue with numerous online resources detailing the problem and its potential consequences, warranting thorough research for any prospective or current owner.
Overall Conclusion: Is the 2022 GR86 Right for You?
Despite its imperfections, the 2022 GR86 is a genuinely fantastic car that delivers on its promise of driving enjoyment. It’s a car I would buy again without hesitation. However, it’s crucial to understand what the GR86 is and isn’t. If straight-line speed or outright power is your priority, this car is not for you. Many minivans will out-accelerate it. Similarly, if you prioritize luxury, a plush interior, or a quiet cabin, look elsewhere. And if you can’t live without an automatic transmission, the manual-focused GR86 won’t satisfy.
Image of the GR86’s interior and gear shift, emphasizing the manual transmission and driver-focused cockpit.
Buy the Gr86 2022 if you crave an engaging driving experience and want to become a better driver. It’s perfect as a daily driver that injects fun into every journey, especially on twisty roads. Driving the GR86 to work feels less like a commute and more like playing a video game, rewarding smooth rev-matches and heel-toe downshifts. Toyota and Subaru have successfully created a car that prioritizes cornering prowess over brute force. If handling and agility are what you find fun, then the GR86 is a must-consider. And finally, it’s a car that evokes pride of ownership – you’ll likely find yourself looking back every time you park, appreciating its stunning design.
Image of the GR86’s wheel and sky, capturing the car’s sporty essence and the joy of open-road driving.
Image of the GR86’s tire and wheel against the sky, reinforcing the car’s connection to driving pleasure and freedom.
