2027 Toyota GR86 First Look | 86 Day VLOG

We're back out in California for 86 Day! I crammed in as much into these few days as I could. We installed an UEL header onto Kyle's VB WRX with the stock catback, went to an 86 meet hosted by / anothergr86   and  / thatredgr866  , hosted our own meet with @spamsubie at @BattleAero , then we set up our booth over at Alpharex for their 86 Day meet with GR Movement which was a huge success! I probably saw more 86s there than I've seen in 3 years in Iowa! Thank you to everyone who came by to say hi! After that, we spent the next morning ripping some canyon roads with Tim and Adriel's GR86s!

The 2027 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ arrive with the same basic formula that made the second-generation platform a favorite in the first place: a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter FA24 boxer engine, rear-wheel drive, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and a choice between a six-speed manual and automatic transmission on most trims.

This is not a redesign, and neither car receives more horsepower. Instead, Toyota and Subaru focused on the smaller details that shape how these cars feel and function every day. The 2027 GR86 receives revised throttle calibration, a physical shifter update, new interior treatments, and expanded camera-based driver assistance. The 2027 BRZ gets Subaru's latest EyeSight hardware, while the tS adds rear parking sensors.

That makes 2027 an evolution of the 2022–2026 car rather than a new chapter. For a new-car buyer, the updates make the platform more polished. For someone shopping used, they do not suddenly make the earlier cars obsolete.

The Short Answer

• The powertrain is unchanged: Both cars still produce 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from the naturally aspirated FA24.
• The GR86 gets the larger driving update: Toyota revised accelerator-to-torque calibration and physically altered the manual shifter interlock for smoother control.
• The BRZ gets the larger safety update: Every trim receives the latest EyeSight system with a new wide-angle mono camera.
• There is no 2027 limited edition yet: Toyota lists the GR86 and GR86 Premium, while Subaru lists the BRZ Limited and BRZ tS.
• The GR86 remains the lower-cost entry point: Toyota lists a $31,500 base MSRP, while the least expensive 2027 BRZ is the better-equipped Limited at $36,140 before destination.
• Earlier cars are still highly relevant: A 2024–2026 car already has many of the safety, brake, damper, and tuning improvements that separate later cars from the original 2022 model.

What Is New on the 2027 Toyota GR86?

Smoother, more linear throttle response

Toyota revised the relationship between accelerator input and engine torque delivery. The goal is not to create more peak power; it is to make the existing output easier to meter. Toyota says the new calibration delivers a smoother, more linear response, especially when feeding in power at corner exit or driving on a low-grip surface.

This builds on the GR86 tuning work introduced for 2025. That model year brought retuned shock absorbers, revised throttle mapping and torque control, and updated electric power steering. The 2027 calibration is another step in Toyota's year-over-year refinement rather than a reversal of the earlier setup.

A small but real manual-shifter change

Toyota widened the chamfer of the shifter interlock between fourth and fifth gear by approximately 0.02 inches. That sounds almost comically small on paper, but it is a physical change—not just marketing language or an ECU update. Toyota specifically calls out smoother fifth-to-fourth downshift feel.

Owners of 2022–2026 cars should not expect the 2027 transmission to feel completely different. The gearbox, ratios, clutch arrangement, and overall shift mechanism remain familiar. This is the kind of detail that may stand out during a back-to-back drive but would not justify replacing an otherwise well-sorted earlier car by itself.

Expanded camera recognition and intersection awareness

The stereo camera's recognition range is nearly doubled for better detection of a preceding vehicle while cruise control is in use. Toyota also added a monocular camera to help detect nearby objects at intersections. The full Active Safety Suite remains standard on manual and automatic cars and includes Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning, and Automatic High Beams.

Rear Sonar Warning is standard on the GR86 Premium. This is an important distinction from 2022–2023 manual cars, which predate the complete camera-based active-safety system becoming standard across the lineup in 2024.

Thunder paint and a Cockpit Red interior

Thunder is the new exterior color for 2027. Toyota describes it as a solid gray that changes character with the light, emphasizing the GR86's body lines without relying on a limited-edition graphics package.

The bigger interior story is the available Cockpit Red treatment for Premium models. It combines black Ultrasuede with red leather side bolsters, red door accents, and red floor mats. Buyers can also choose a new all-black Premium interior with black leather trim, black Ultrasuede, and black stitching. Premium models receive a cast iron black finish on the switches, knobs, and shifter, replacing some of the brighter trim with a more cohesive low-glare treatment.

The Performance Package returns on both trims

The optional Performance Package remains available on both the base GR86 and GR86 Premium. It includes red Brembo four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, larger rotors, and SACHS dampers. This is not new for 2027—the package first became available for the 2024 model year—but its availability on the lower-cost base grade continues to make the GR86 one of the most flexible ways to order the platform.

A base GR86 with the Performance Package can prioritize the important braking and damping hardware without forcing the buyer into every Premium-grade appearance and comfort feature. The GR86 Premium remains the better all-around street trim with 18-inch matte-black wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, a duckbill spoiler, heated Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed seating, and the eight-speaker audio system.

2027 Toyota GR86 Trims and Pricing

Pricing shown is Toyota's published U.S. base MSRP before destination, options, taxes, and dealer charges. Toyota lists both grades with a manual or automatic transmission; automatic-transmission pricing and option-package pricing can change the final total.

What Is New on the 2027 Subaru BRZ?

The latest EyeSight system is standard on every BRZ

The 2027 BRZ receives Subaru's latest EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including a new wide-angle mono camera with a larger field of view. Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lead Vehicle Start Alert, Blind-Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert continue to be standard.

The important context is that EyeSight on a manual-transmission BRZ is not new for 2027. Subaru made EyeSight standard across the BRZ lineup—including the manual—in 2024. The 2027 change is the upgraded camera hardware and expanded field of view.

The tS gains rear parking sensors

Rear parking sensors are now standard on the BRZ tS. That is a modest convenience upgrade, but a useful one on a car with a low seating position and limited rearward visibility. The tS otherwise continues with the hardware that has defined it since 2024: STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers, gold Brembo four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, 18-inch wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

The tS remains manual-only. Its blue interior accents, STI-branded start button, trim-specific gauge graphics, black mirror caps, and tS exterior badging distinguish it from the Limited without changing the engine output.

The streamlined two-trim lineup carries over

Subaru discontinued the lower-cost BRZ Premium for 2026 after it represented fewer than one in ten BRZ sales during 2025. That leaves the Limited as the entry point and the tS as the factory performance model for 2027.

The BRZ Limited is not directly equivalent to the Toyota's base GR86. It already includes 18-inch matte gray wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires, Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed heated seats, LED steering-responsive headlights, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and the eight-speaker audio system. Its closest Toyota comparison is the GR86 Premium.

2027 Subaru BRZ Trims and Pricing

Subaru's published U.S. MSRP excludes its $1,245 destination and delivery charge, which can vary by state. Taxes, registration, accessories, and dealer charges are also additional.

2027 GR86 vs. 2027 BRZ: Which Trim Makes the Most Sense?

The suspension tuning still gives each badge a slightly different personality, but the equipment decision is more important than the logo. A GR86 Premium with the Performance Package and a BRZ tS occupy similar territory. The Toyota offers more configuration flexibility; the Subaru presents its upgraded brakes and STI-tuned dampers as a single, clearly defined trim.

GR86 and BRZ Model-Year Changes: 2022–2026

2022: The second-generation reset

The 2022 model year introduced the current platform. The larger 2.4-liter FA24 replaced the first-generation 2.0-liter engine, output increased to 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft, and peak torque arrived much earlier at 3,700 rpm. Both cars gained a stiffer, lighter structure, aluminum body panels, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen, and the more mature exterior and interior design still used today.

Toyota offered GR86 and GR86 Premium grades; Subaru offered BRZ Premium and BRZ Limited. The original U.S. starting MSRPs were $27,700 for the GR86 and $27,995 for the BRZ before destination. Camera-based driver assistance was tied primarily to automatic-transmission cars, making the 2022 manual the simplest and least electronically assisted version of the second-generation platform.

2023: Mostly carryover, plus Toyota's orange anniversary car

The regular 2023 GR86 and BRZ lineups were largely unchanged. Toyota added the 10th Anniversary Special Edition, limited to 860 units for North America. It combined Solar Shift orange paint with forged matte-black 18-inch wheels, black exterior accents, special graphics, and a GR cat-back exhaust.

Subaru retained the Premium and Limited trims without a comparable U.S. special edition. For used-car shoppers, a standard 2023 generally belongs in the same category as a 2022 unless production date, mileage, condition, service history, or color makes one more appealing.

2024: The biggest equipment turning point

The 2024 model year brought two changes that still matter today. First, camera-based active safety became standard on manual-transmission cars: Toyota added its Active Safety Suite to manual GR86 models, while Subaru made EyeSight standard across the BRZ line.

Second, factory brake-and-damper upgrades became easier to buy. Toyota introduced the GR86 Performance Package with Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers. It was standard on the 860-unit TRUENO Edition and optional on standard grades. Subaru introduced the BRZ tS with Brembo brakes, STI-tuned Hitachi dampers, trim-specific styling, and a manual-only configuration.

The TRUENO Edition paired Halo white or Track bRED paint with contrasting black graphics, black metallic 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and the standard Performance Package. Unlike many appearance-only special editions, it added the same core hardware that continues to define performance-oriented factory builds.

2025: More polish and two distinct special editions

Toyota retuned the GR86 shock absorbers and electric power steering, revised throttle mapping, and adjusted engine torque control to improve response and rev-matching behavior. The limited Hakone Edition added Ridge Green paint, satin-bronze 18-inch wheels, a tan Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed interior, and standard Brembo/SACHS Performance Package hardware. Toyota again limited North American production to 860 units.

Subaru added a dedicated Sport mode to manual-transmission BRZ models for sharper throttle response and revised the Limited's Ultrasuede and leather upholstery. The 500-unit Series.Purple added Galaxy Purple Pearl paint, satin-silver 18-inch wheels, black badging, an STI short-throw shifter, and a Flexible V-Bar. The tS remained the dedicated brake-and-damper trim.

2026: Collector colors and a simplified BRZ lineup

The 2026 GR86 carried forward the 2025 dynamic updates and added the Yuzu Edition. Limited to 860 North American cars, it paired Yuzu Yellow paint with matte-black 18-inch wheels, yellow interior stitching and perforation accents, and the Brembo/SACHS Performance Package as standard. It was available with either transmission.

Subaru discontinued the BRZ Premium, leaving the Limited as the new entry point. It also launched the manual-only Series.Yellow, limited to 350 units. Based on the tS, it combined Sunrise Yellow paint and matte-black wheels with the tS's Brembo brakes and STI-tuned Hitachi dampers, then added yellow stitching throughout the black interior.

Second-Generation Special Edition Guide

Production counts are manufacturer-announced allocations. A special color does not automatically make one car dynamically superior: the 2023 anniversary car and 2025 Series.Purple focus more heavily on appearance and trim, while the TRUENO, Hakone, Yuzu, and Series.Yellow include upgraded factory brake-and-damper hardware.

Which GR86 or BRZ Model Year Should You Buy?

Choose a 2022 or 2023 for the best used value

The original second-generation cars deliver the same 228-hp engine, basic chassis, transmission choices, and aftermarket potential. If you prefer a manual car without the later camera hardware—or simply want to leave more budget for tires, suspension, brakes, and track time—an early car can be the smartest buy. Condition and maintenance history matter more than the difference between these two model years.

Choose a 2024 if you want the major equipment upgrade

For many buyers, 2024 is the sweet spot. Manual cars gained the complete active-safety suite, the GR86 Performance Package became available, and the BRZ tS arrived. It is the first year that can combine a manual transmission, factory driver assistance, and serious factory brake-and-damper hardware.

Choose a 2025 or 2026 for refined tuning or a special color

The 2025–2026 cars package the platform's later calibration work with the widest range of special editions. These years make the most sense if you value Toyota's retuned steering, damping, and throttle behavior, Subaru's manual Sport mode, or one of the limited colors. A discounted 2026 BRZ tS may also be compelling because its core performance hardware is effectively the same as the 2027 car; the newer model mainly adds updated EyeSight hardware and rear parking sensors.

Choose a 2027 GR86 for the most polished Toyota calibration

The 2027 GR86 is the best factory version for a buyer who wants the newest throttle calibration, improved shifter feel, expanded camera recognition, and the new interior options. The base model preserves a relatively accessible entry point, while the Premium with Performance Package is the most complete street-and-track specification.

Choose a 2027 BRZ for the newest safety hardware—or the tS formula

The 2027 BRZ Limited is the well-equipped daily-driver choice. The tS remains the simple answer for someone who wants Brembo brakes and STI-tuned dampers under one factory trim with no package hunting. If the wider-view EyeSight camera and rear parking sensors do not matter to you, compare it carefully with remaining 2026 inventory before paying more for the newer model year.

Watch: Building a Better BRZ tS

The 2027 BRZ tS carries forward the same core Brembo and Hitachi-damper formula we have already been developing on our own car. In this video, we walk through the modifications on Yo's BRZ tS and the philosophy behind turning the factory performance trim into a more complete street-and-track build.

For a broader look at where to take the platform after the factory trim decision, watch our Two Build Philosophies: Which Is Best for Your GR86/BRZ? video or read the full naturally aspirated versus supercharged comparison.

Will 2022–2026 Parts Fit the 2027 GR86 and BRZ?

The 2027 cars remain on the second-generation ZN8/ZD8 platform, and neither manufacturer announced a new body, engine, transmission, or fundamental suspension architecture. That strongly suggests broad continuity across many established categories, including wheels, exhausts, intakes, suspension components, interior trim, and much of the exterior aftermarket.

It does not automatically verify every 2022–2026 part for 2027. New camera hardware, rear parking sensors, trim finishes, bumper-mounted electronics, software, emissions certification, and manufacturer catalog timing can affect individual products. A part should only be advertised for 2027 after the manufacturer or Driven.Media has confirmed the exact SKU and trim.

Until those confirmations are complete, shop our current 2022–2026 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ parts collection, then use the category guides below to plan the direction of your build:

• GR86 and BRZ performance parts
• GR86 and BRZ exterior upgrades
• GR86 and BRZ interior mods and accessories
• Driven.Media GR86 and BRZ parts

Our Verdict

The 2027 GR86 and BRZ prove that a meaningful update does not need to chase a larger horsepower number. Toyota concentrated on the controls the driver uses constantly: accelerator response, shift feel, camera recognition, and cabin touchpoints. Subaru concentrated on broader EyeSight vision and made the tS slightly easier to live with without disturbing its proven performance package.

If you already own a well-sorted 2022–2026 car, there is no single 2027 change that should create instant buyer's remorse. The engine output, basic chassis, transmission, limited-slip differential, dimensions, and huge aftermarket remain familiar. Tires, alignment, brake pads, suspension, driver education, and carefully chosen power modifications can create a much larger difference than trading one model year for another.

For a new buyer, the choice is clearer. The 2027 GR86 is the value and configuration winner, especially when pairing the base grade with the Performance Package. The GR86 Premium is the most complete Toyota daily driver. The BRZ Limited offers a generous standard equipment list and the latest EyeSight hardware, while the BRZ tS remains the most straightforward factory track-oriented specification.

Whichever badge or model year you choose, the same philosophy still applies: start with the car that gives you the factory features you cannot easily add later, then use the aftermarket to make the platform feel like your own.

Editorial and fitment note: This article covers U.S.-market vehicles and information available as of August 27, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, taxes, registration, dealer charges, and options unless otherwise stated. Specifications, packages, colors, production counts, and availability can change. Always confirm the exact VIN, trim, transmission, product SKU, emissions legality, and manufacturer fitment before ordering parts.