The Yuzu Edition pays tribute to a legend — the Scion FR-S Release Series 1.0. Back in 2013, when Toyota’s performance division in the U.S. was represented by the now-retired Scion brand, the FR-S was a cult favorite.
That original limited-edition FR-S wore the same striking Yuzu Yellow paint, had TRD upgrades, and was produced in only 1,500 units. The 2025 GR86 Yuzu Edition borrows that nostalgia while updating the concept with modern tech and a more refined driving experience.
Essentially, this Yuzu Edition is Toyota’s way of honoring its early-2010s sports coupe roots while reimagining them for today’s driving enthusiasts.
Design: A Lemon You’ll Want to Keep
From the moment you see it, the Yuzu Edition demands attention. Finished in an eye-popping Yuzu Yellow, it manages to walk the fine line between flamboyant and classy.
Toyota has equipped it with a unique body kit, featuring:
- Aggressive front lip and side skirts
- Sculpted rear diffuser
- Quad exhaust setup
- Gloss-black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Contrasting black roof and mirror caps
These subtle changes elevate the GR86’s stance, making it look more muscular without crossing into “boy racer” territory. The overall look feels balanced — sporty yet sophisticated, especially under natural light where the yellow paint glows like it’s been charged with energy.
Interior: Minimalism With a Hint of Zest
Inside, Toyota continues the Yuzu theme without overdoing it. The cabin remains driver-focused, maintaining the clean and functional layout enthusiasts love.
Interior Highlights:
- All-black cabin with yellow contrast stitching
- Sport bucket seats with yellow mesh inserts
- Digital driver display with configurable performance readouts
- Touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Premium steering feel and short-throw manual gear lever
It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. The materials feel durable, the ergonomics are excellent, and everything is placed exactly where a driver expects it.
This isn’t a luxury interior — it’s a performance cockpit, built for connection, not distraction.
Performance: Naturally Aspirated Joy
Under the hood, the Yuzu Edition keeps things pure. There are no hybrid motors, no fake sound amplifiers, and no all-wheel-drive systems. Just a lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive, and a naturally aspirated flat-four engine.
Engine Specs:
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 2.4L Flat-Four (Boxer) |
| Power | 228 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| 0–60 mph | 6.1–6.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140+ mph (estimated) |
The engine — sourced from Subaru — feels sharper and more responsive than before. Power delivery is linear, and revs climb cleanly to the 7,000 rpm mark.
Toyota also includes its Performance Pack as standard on the Yuzu Edition, featuring:
- Sachs dampers (for improved ride quality)
- Brembo brakes (4-piston front, 2-piston rear)
- High-pressure gas shocks for better control on twisty roads
Together, these additions refine the car’s handling dynamics, giving it an edge in precision without compromising daily comfort.
Driving Experience: Pure and Playful
If there’s one thing the GR86 Yuzu Edition nails, it’s the balance between accessibility and engagement.
The steering is quick and communicative, letting you feel every micro-correction as you carve through corners. The suspension setup provides just enough stiffness to inspire confidence, while the dampers absorb imperfections gracefully — ideal for both backroad fun and urban driving.
Opt for the manual gearbox, and you’ll experience what driving purists crave: a tactile, mechanical connection between man and machine.
Clutch engagement is predictable, gear shifts are short and snappy, and the engine loves to rev — rewarding smooth, precise inputs. The car feels alive beneath you, urging you to push just a little harder each time you exit a corner.
And if you’re still honing your heel-toe technique, the GR86 offers a friendly learning curve without punishing mistakes. It’s a car that teaches you to drive better every time you get behind the wheel.
Sound and Feel: The Right Kind of Loud
A standout feature of the Yuzu Edition is its factory cat-back exhaust system, designed to match the car’s bright personality.
At idle, it hums with a low, boxer-like growl. As revs rise, the note sharpens into a raspy, engaging tone that complements the car’s playful character. It’s not artificially enhanced — it’s authentic, mechanical music.
Combine that with the lightweight build (under 2,900 lbs) and low center of gravity, and the Yuzu Edition becomes an incredibly fun car to toss around tight corners or sweeping mountain roads.
Safety and Technology
Even though the GR86 remains a driver-first machine, Toyota hasn’t forgotten modern-day safety and convenience features. The Yuzu Edition includes:
- Adaptive cruise control (on automatic variants)
- Lane departure alert
- Rear-view camera
- Stability and traction control (with sport calibration)
- Smart key with push-button start
While it doesn’t have the full ADAS suite found in sedans and SUVs, it’s equipped enough for peace of mind without diluting the raw experience.
Price, Availability, and Exclusivity
The Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition will be produced in limited numbers for the U.S. market. Pricing starts around $36,500, depending on transmission choice and regional taxes.
Given the color, performance pack, and rarity, this Yuzu Edition sits above the base Premium trim but below the GR Supra in Toyota’s performance lineup.
Collectors will likely scoop these up quickly — not just for their limited run, but for what the Yuzu Edition represents: the last of a dying breed of affordable, naturally aspirated, rear-wheel-drive sports cars.
Final Verdict: A Feel-Good Sports Car With Character
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition isn’t about raw power or lap times. It’s about emotion — the joy of a perfectly executed corner, the satisfaction of a precise shift, and the glow of that unmistakable yellow paint catching the evening sun.
It’s not trying to compete with supercars. It’s here to remind you why we fell in love with driving in the first place.
If you want something that blends heritage, performance, and personality — and doesn’t cost six figures — this Yuzu Edition might be the happiest car you can buy this year.
