2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition: Pure Sports Car
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For several years now, fans of affordable sports cars have been witnessing—often unwillingly—the decline of the genre. Sure, there are still a few options out there, but in order to leave the dealer lot in a financially accessible performance car, enthusiasts often must accept certain compromises.
In the case of the Toyota GR86, those compromises mainly involve interior space, even though the small Japanese coupe was designed to accommodate a full set of extra wheels (inside the cabin) for track days. On the other hand, when it comes to the driving experience, this joint Toyota-Subaru effort proves that engineers haven’t forgotten how to put a smile on the faces of thrill-seeking drivers.
The first generation, initially known as the FR-S when it was sold under the Scion brand, was already a breath of fresh air for the segment. However, this second generation has raised its own standards, and the result is nothing short of a masterpiece on four wheels—ready to make its rear axle dance through hairpin turns.
Hakone
Only 30 units of this special edition, whose name refers to a winding stretch of road southeast of Tokyo, are allocated to Canada. Another 830 were earmarked for the U.S. It’s worth noting that all Canadian-spec Hakone Editions come with a manual gearbox, while an automatic transmission is also available south of the border.
This particular model, designed specifically for purists, is the Toyota equivalent of the Subaru BRZ Murasaki, a limited edition based on the tS variant. Just like the special BRZ dressed in Pearl Galaxy Violet, the Toyota GR86 Hakone is easily recognizable by its Forest Green paint and 18-inch bronze satin-finished wheels. The visual impact is strong—especially paired with the big Brembo four-piston brake calipers finished in red.
What’s more, since this well-equipped edition is based on the Premium model, the ducktail spoiler adds an extra layer of exclusivity over the standard GR86. Inside, the most exclusive GR86 stands out with Ultrasuede sport seats featuring beige leather stitching. The contrast with the green exterior is quite striking. Finally, on the left side of the dashboard (visible when the driver’s door opens), there’s a serialized plaque attesting to the rarity of the Hakone Edition, while a unique shift knob tops off the short-throw six-speed manual shifter.
Everyday Performance
Unless you're buying a Toyota GR86 as a second car, the Japanese coupe is a vehicle that requires compromises. For school drop-offs with the kids, for example, the GR86 isn’t ideal. But guess what? This modern tribute to the legendary AE86 from the 1980s brilliantly makes up for the limited space by forcing the driver to stay focused on the road—and that’s a good thing. It’s not a tough car to handle—not at all—but it’s definitely sharper than a minivan.
Hakone Edition or not, the GR86 isn’t a straight-line rocket, but when the road starts to twist, the lightweight and rigid chassis becomes a major asset. A good driving position is easy to find in seconds, and the bucket seats offer proper support without sacrificing comfort. Some might find the shift knob a bit bulky, but that’s just a detail and can easily be replaced. Meanwhile, the leather-wrapped steering wheel can be a little slippery and is slimmer than those in some competitors.
However, those are really the only gripes in an otherwise tight but well-designed cockpit. The GR86 is a fantastic way to take on the road, no matter where you are. The light, precise steering is reminiscent of the Mazda MX-5’s, while the transmission is fun to operate, even if not quite as intoxicating as the one in Mazda’s roadster.
Elsewhere, the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four engine delivers a respectable 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque—numbers that won’t break any records, but with the GR86 weighing just under 1,300 kg, they’re more than enough.
Remember, this car is about driver engagement above everything. You not only need to keep both hands on the steering wheel for cornering but also maintain the engine at higher revs to tap into its full potential. It’s when the engine screams that the GR86 truly comes alive.
What’s Next?
For now, information about the next-generation GR86 is being kept a secret. Some rumours suggest Toyota might drop Subaru’s engine in favour of one of its own, while others hint at a possible involvement from Mazda—which could spell the end for the Subaru BRZ. Who knows what will happen?
In keeping with the conservative evolution of the “Toyobaru” coupe, version 3.0 is expected to gain a few extra ponies, but it’s critical that the fun-to-drive character remains the top priority. Toyota has made it clear: they intend to keep offering a lineup of sports cars, and the GR86 is part of that plan. Until a successor is revealed, the current GR86 remains, in our opinion, one of the best affordable sports cars available on the market in 2025.
