2023 Toyota GR86: Entry-level misses blind-spot, rear cross-traffic

Entry-level Toyota GR86 buyers will miss out on active safety features offered across the Subaru BRZ range in Australia.

The GR86 GT won’t feature blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert when it touches down, with Toyota instead opting to reserve it for the more expensive GR86 GTS.

Subaru offers blind-spot and rear-cross traffic alert across the BRZ range. The BRZ and GR86 are built at the same factory by Fuji Heavy Industries, and are almost identical mechanically.

Manual versions of the GR86 will miss out on autonomous emergency braking and lane-departure warning, regardless of which specification you choose, as is the case in the BRZ.

Standard equipment in the GR86 GT includes:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Black fabric front seats
• Leather steering wheel and shift knob
• Dual-zone climate control
• Keyless entry and start
• Autonomous emergency braking (auto only)
• Lane-departure warning (auto only)
• Seven airbags
• Tyre-pressure monitoring
• Cruise control

Stepping to the GR86 GTS gets you:

• Matte black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive headlights (turn with steering wheel)
• Ultrasuede interior trim
• Heated front seats
• Aluminium pedals and scuff plates
• Lights for sun visors
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitor

Pricing hasn’t been revealed, but will come in line with the car’s launch in September. The Subaru BRZ kicks off at $40,290 before on-roads and extends to $45,390 before on-roads.

In the previous generation, the BRZ was priced above the equivalent 86 but offered more equipment as standard. Toyota says it’s once again focused on affordability with the GR86, suggesting it could undercut its Subaru twin.

Power in the GR86 comes from a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine.

Although it’s related to the engine in the seven-seat Subaru Ascent sold in the USA, it ditches the turbocharger and picks up the Toyota-developed D4-S port- and direct-injection system debuted in the first-generation model.

Peak power is 174kW (at 7000rpm) and peak torque is 249Nm (at 3700rpm), up 22kW and 37Nm on the old car respectively.

Buyers are able to choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed torque converter automatic. The manual has revised gear ratios, the automatic has been updated to shift faster.

MORE: Everything Toyota GR86 MORE: Toyota GR86 review: First drive