Toyota GR86

How it looks when you see on the street: Gazoo Racing! That’s what the GR stands for in the Toyota GR. Gazoo is a whimsical word, and so it goes with the GR. A nostalgic, no frills affordable sports car that has tons of personality for an affordable price. For 2025 it adds a more premium Hakone edition trim. Our test car had the Premium package.

How it makes you feel when you get in: If you’re lucky enough to drive the last of the manual models, you’ll notice that the GR86 is a total throwback. Much of it’s tech feels as if you’re in a car that’s a decade old. Tech is not the reason to buy GR86 and the 8.0 inch screen might reflect the small size of this car, but we found infotainment a touch wonky. There are safety features worth mentioning including automated emergency braking and lane departure warning.

How it drives: We are all for a fun ride. The GR86 is a light-hearted good time driver. It earns 24 miles per gallon. GR86’s 2.4-liter engine produces 228-horsepower. The GR would be a great track companion. Our daughter enjoyed the gurgling engine noise from her backseat perch.

Space for people and things: Space is not the reason to buy this pocket rocket. There’s slight seating for four. We were able to stash school bags and a big pumpkin in the trunk, so it can work as an everyday driver, too.

What to compare it to: Mazda MX5, Honda Civic Type-R, Hyundai Elantra N, and Volkswagen Golf R.

How much does it cost: Our tester was outfitted with the Premium trim and priced out at $38,809.