Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Toyota GT86 (2012-2021) review - Interior, design and technology

The focus is on fun, not premium fit and finish, but the Toyota GT86 has tons of personality

Interior, design and technology rating

4.5

How we review cars
Find your Toyota GT 86
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Toyota GT86 is a traditional-looking sports car with aggressive styling, which includes a long bonnet and a short tail, plus a large front grille and rear splitter with twin exhausts. The Subaru BRZ is virtually indistinguishable, aside from the badges.

The Audi TT has a more premium feel and appearance, especially on the inside, but the way the Toyota GT86 looks reflects its personality - it's fun. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The interior of the Toyota GT86 is full of cheap-looking plastics, but the layout (flick switches, for example) and the mock-carbon fibre trim on Pro models make it feel like a road-going racer. A 2017 facelift added more leather and Alcantara trim for the Pro model, too, as well as a digital trip computer screen amongst the dials, but hot hatch rivals such as the Peugeot 308 GTi are cheaper to buy and nicer inside.

The Toyota GT86 TRD came with an even more aggressive body kit, which has a different front spoiler, side skirts and special 18-inch alloy wheels. This TRD bodykit isn't available via the UK dealer network, so if you want it, you'll need to search for it on the Japanese market.

Another special edition was the GT86 Aero, which had a bit of extra visual impact. There's a new bodykit, deeper front bumper and side skirts and a carbonfibre-effect rear diffuser. The most noticeable addition is a huge rear wing which looks a little bit like an awkward aftermarket add-on. Lighter forged alloy wheels were also part of the upgrade, which were designed to help reduce unsprung weight.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment 

All GT86 models come with a six-speaker audio system, which is part of the Toyota Touch multimedia package. Featuring a 6.1-inch touch screen, the Bluetooth compatible system acts as the single interface for everything from sat-nav to smartphones.

There are a limited number of apps, including a ‘send to car’ function for google location searches. Upgrading to Touch & Go Plus adds voice recognition and email integration.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,540Avg. savings £3,974 off RRP*Used from £15,633
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £37,870Avg. savings £2,955 off RRP*
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,075Avg. savings £1,664 off RRP*Used from £14,990
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,743 off RRP*Used from £25,098
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025