This week I'm behind the wheel of a fundamentally great sports car: the Toyota GR86. Specifically, the Hakone Edition which returns to the road after five-year hiatus from the lineup, and in a new hue, it's even more enticing than it was then. As you'd expect, it's a limited-edition with only 860 to go around in the U.S.
Exterior
The GR86 Hakone is striking in a new for 2025 Ridge Green hue paired with gorgeous 18-inch matte bronze alloy wheels.
Up front, a black functional matrix front grille features a G-mesh insert and GR badging. It's flanked by LED headlights, daytime running lights and an adaptive front lighting system.
Functional front-fender air vents and front-wheel-arch air vents aid in the GT86's track-ready performance. The tail end sports a color-keyed duckbill rear spoiler, LED combo tail lights, and wow do the chrome-tipped dual exhausts look great.
Hakone exterior exclusives also include badging and puddle lights.
Performance
On paper, the GR86 won't wow you with its power spec numbers - 228-horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from a 2.4-liter flat-four Boxer engine - but don't let those numbers fool you. Intentionally lightweight - acceleration is well-matched. Plus for 2025, engineers revised the throttle response for a quicker response off-the-line. It's also very engaging to drive - its short-throw 6-speed manual is among my favorite manual gearbox's out there (not to mention one of the few still available.)
Driving dynamics are superb in every way thanks to its near 50/50 weight distribution, responsive steering and confident handling. Performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires don't hurt either. This year Toyota says engineers improved dynamics with retuned shocks, electric power steering and more.
All 86s are equipped with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential that enhances traction while cornering. The Hakone is also equipped with extra performance goodies that include large Brembo front and rear brakes both in front and back along with specially-tuned SACHS dampers.
Interior
This is one driver-centric interior to love. Its low- slung driver position tell you this is a sports car that means business. High-quality ultrasuede sport seats with tan leather bolsters keep you snugly in place. They look so great, too.
A 7-inch LCD driver display reinforces its sporty vibe. It gives you performance info including a stopwatch/lap timer and historical G-force friction circle with digital readout. It also displays GR logo and boxer engine animations on start-up.
The Hakone is equipped with a GR Sport leather-trimmed steering wheel. It also features a leather-trimmed manual gear shift boot with tan stitching and matte bronze stripe, a Hakone Edition commemorative plaque and Hakone Edition badged floor and trunk mats.
Turning to the center stack, I will say the 8-inch touchscreen is well beyond showing its age. It also doesn't run Toyota's latest audio system, but is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and has a rearview camera. The Hakone upgrades to an eight speaker audio system.
At the back of the center console, the console bin neatly conceals two cupholders.
Don't expect to use the rear seat for much except your stuff. While seats get the Ultrasuede treatment, it's pretty tight back there and there's not much headroom to speak of. No complaints about the cargo space.
Standard features also include aluminum sport pedals and footrest, 2 USB charging ports, a leather-wrapped hand parking brake and dual-zone climate control.
Safety
The 2025 GR86 lineup is equipped with Toyota's Active Safety Suite. On manual models this includes Pre-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, and Rear Sonar Warning.
Options
Options on my test vehicle include a subwoofer ($799), GR Performance Strut Tie Brace ($640), GR Performance Stabilizer Bars ($1,320) and a GR Air Filter ($75). This brings the total to just over $39K - roughly $2K more than the '80's inspired TRUENO special edition variant I reviewed earlier this year, and roughly $6K more than the Hakone I reviewed in 2020.
Verdict
Designed for driver enthusiasts, the well-engineered Toyota GR86 Hakone is proof you don’t have to spend a fortune to get an awesome sports car that's exciting and fun to drive. Plus, its old-school charm gets me every time.
2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition
- What I Liked Most: Driving dynamics, looks inside and out.
- What I would change: Update the multimedia system.
- MSRP: Base: $35,720; As equipped: $39,239
- Official Color: Ridge Green.
- Fuel Economy: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.
- Odometer when tested: 2,236 miles.
- Curb Weight: 2,833 pounds.
- Spare tire: Tire Repair Kit.
- Length-Width-Height: 167.9" long/69.9" wide/51.6” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons with filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: N/A.
- 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition: A truly great, affordable sports car - and its limited edition packaging makes it even more appealing.
- Warranty: 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty; 60 months/60,000 miles powertrain, 60 months/unlimited miles corrosion perforation.
- Final Assembly Location: Ota, Gunma, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota.
