The 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition is a throwback sports coupe in an era in which performance cars aren’t what they used to be. An analog machine in an increasingly digital world, it offers a naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, the availability of a manual gearbox, and not a whisper of electric assistance. Whether that’s your shot of sake or not, you can decide.
Exterior Design and Features
Ridge Green paint and satin bronze 18-inch wheels make the Hakone Edition instantly distinguishable from all the other GR86s on the road. (JK). A color-matched duckbill spoiler, black trim, bronze dual exhaust tips, and LED lighting sharpen the look without overselling aggression. It’s more “refined canyon carver” than “boy-racer.”
Powertrain, Horsepower, and Transmission
Under the hood sits the same 2.4-liter flat-four engine as the standard GR86, pushing out 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. My tester had the 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and I found the trans sapped some of the potential joy from the mix. The manual is where the magic lives at least for those of us who know what a clutch pedal is.
Driving Experience
Handling is sharp and confidence-inspiring. At just under 2,900 lbs, the GR86 is light and lively. Structural reinforcements help rigidity without adding bloat. In the twisties, SACHS dampers and revised electric power steering offer precision, while the Brembo brakes provide track-ready stopping power. I felt the chassis was begging for more power. I sure was.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Convenience
The cabin is snug. Ultrasuede sport seats with tan leather trim are grippy, while special floor mats, trunk mat, and a numbered Hakone plaque complete the collector vibe. Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, push-button start, and a folding rear seat (more cargo shelf than people space) round out the almost-too-cozy interior.
Infotainment
An 8-inch touchscreen offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and an 8-speaker audio system. The 7-inch digital gauge cluster features configurable layouts and Track Mode. The right mix for this basically analog car, the systems cover the essentials and put performance front and center.
Safety and Driver Assistance
All Hakone Editions come with a suite of driver assistance tech. Automatic models include pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise, and lane departure warnings. Manual models get a slightly tweaked version minus a few active braking aids. Rear sonar and hill start assist are included.
Fuel Economy
With the automatic, the GR86 gets 21 city / 30 highway mpg. Manuals dip slightly to 20 / 27. Yes, this is a “sports car,”but considering its relatively modest output, some might expect more. Then again, you’re not buying this for the gas mileage. Or the speed, either.
Price and Value
The Hakone Edition starts at $38,464, with our tester totaling $39,599 after options like the GR Performance Exhaust ($1,700) and auto-dimming mirror. It’s a steep jump from the base ($31K) GR86, but factor in the added kit, and it begins to make sense. For the right driver, this is the perfect forever ride … until you have kids, anyway.
Driving Today Rating
On our scale of one to five, four tires and a spare, we rate the 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition a 4. The raw numbers won’t knock your kimono off (happily), but the tight, nimble, and beautifully balanced GR86 is a love letter to the analog age.
Review written by Jack R. Nerad
