The 2025 Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition brings a refreshing twist to modern driving — a return to simplicity, engagement, and bright personality. In a world of EVs and autonomous tech, this compact rear-wheel-drive sports coupe feels like a warm ray of sunshine for driving enthusiasts.
With its retro-inspired name, handpicked upgrades, and a striking yellow finish, the Yuzu Edition isn’t just another special edition — it’s Toyota’s way of reminding the world that driving passion still matters.
But how does it perform in real life? And is it worth its place among the most anticipated affordable performance cars of the year? Let’s dive deep into the details.
Design: The Spirit of the FR-S Reborn
Before becoming the GR86, this car wore the Scion FR-S badge in the U.S., a name that still resonates with enthusiasts. The 2025 Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition pays homage to that legacy with the same color that made the FR-S Release Series 1.0 unforgettable — Yuzu Yellow.
The bright paint is more than eye candy — it’s a statement. It embodies confidence and heritage while standing out in a sea of muted metallics and gray SUVs.
Complementing the citrus hue is a tastefully sporty body kit that adds just enough aggression without shouting for attention. The redesigned front lip, side skirts, and quad exhaust setup give the GR86 a more planted and purposeful stance. The black-finished 18-inch alloys, carbon-fiber accents, and a subtle ducktail spoiler round off a design that feels both youthful and nostalgic.
Whether it’s parked on a quiet street or streaking through a winding canyon road, the GR86 Yuzu Edition draws eyes effortlessly — a compact coupe that looks fast even when it’s standing still.
Interior: Performance, Wrapped in Simplicity
Step inside, and the Yuzu Edition continues its celebration of minimalism. Toyota’s focus remains on the driver — and nothing distracts from that mission.
The black cabin gets a subtle color lift thanks to yellow stitching and mesh seat inserts, giving the interior a sporty contrast without going overboard. The driver’s seat position feels natural, the visibility excellent, and the cabin layout remains as intuitive as ever.
There’s a crisp digital instrument cluster with performance-focused layouts, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a no-nonsense dashboard layout that channels classic sports car ergonomics.
Unlike many modern cars cluttered with touch sliders and hidden controls, every switch here serves a purpose. The tactile feedback of the manual gear lever and the clean dashboard design remind you this isn’t a car built for algorithms — it’s built for drivers.
Performance: Purity in Motion
Powering the GR86 Yuzu Edition is the tried-and-tested 2.4-liter Subaru-sourced flat-four engine. It churns out 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which might sound modest on paper, but the magic lies in how it delivers that power.
The naturally aspirated engine loves to rev, offering a crisp throttle response that turbocharged cars rarely match. There’s no waiting for boost — just immediate, linear power.
You can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, but purists will gravitate toward the manual — and rightly so. The clutch is light, the shifts are short and mechanical, and each gear change feels rewarding.
Toyota also includes the Performance Pack as standard in the Yuzu Edition, which adds Sachs dampers and Brembo brakes. Together, they refine the handling and braking without compromising daily usability.
Performance Specs Overview
| 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 |
| Brakes | Brembo 4-piston (front) / 2-piston (rear) |
| Suspension | Sachs Adjustable Dampers |
On the Road: Where It Truly Shines
The Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition thrives where many modern sports cars falter — the real world.
It’s not about numbers or drag times; it’s about feel. Every corner becomes an invitation, every gear shift a conversation between you and the machine. The steering feedback is razor-sharp, communicating precisely what the front tires are doing.
On twisting backroads, the car dances with balance and poise. Its light weight (just under 1,300 kg) makes it agile, while the rear-wheel-drive setup ensures that playful, tail-happy personality the GR86 is famous for.
Even during city commutes, the car remains comfortable, with the Sachs suspension soaking up bumps while maintaining sporty composure. And unlike many high-powered sports cars, you can actually enjoy this one without breaking speed limits.
Sound and Feel: Naturally Addictive
The factory cat-back exhaust on the Yuzu Edition adds just the right amount of growl. It’s mechanical, raw, and satisfying — the kind of sound that makes you downshift just to hear it again.
The balance between performance and comfort is beautifully tuned. There’s just enough cabin noise to remind you you’re driving something special, yet it never gets fatiguing on long trips.
It’s a pure, analog experience — a refreshing contrast in a digital world.
Safety and Everyday Practicality
Despite being a focused driver’s car, the GR86 Yuzu Edition includes enough modern tech to make it practical for daily use. Standard features include:
- Rear-view camera
- Lane departure alert
- Stability and traction control
- Adaptive cruise control (automatic variant)
- Smart key and push-button start
The seats are supportive enough for spirited drives but comfortable for longer journeys. The trunk, while compact, is usable for weekend trips, and the rear seats (though tight) can accommodate short passengers or extra gear.
Price and Availability
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition starts at around $36,500 in the U.S. and is offered in limited quantities. It’s positioned slightly above the Premium trim but still far more affordable than most rear-wheel-drive performance cars on the market.
Given its exclusive paint, standard performance upgrades, and manual gearbox option, it’s expected to sell out quickly. Collectors and enthusiasts alike see this as one of the last truly analog sports cars before electrification takes over.
Verdict: The Joy of Simplicity
In a world obsessed with electric power and touchscreens, the Toyota GR86 Yuzu Edition stands as a defiant ode to pure driving. It’s proof that passion and connection still matter.
The Yuzu Edition doesn’t rely on outrageous horsepower or luxury tech. Instead, it focuses on balance, precision, and emotion — things that make driving feel alive.
If you’re a car enthusiast who values engagement over gadgets, manual over automatic, and smiles per mile over straight-line speed, this Yuzu Edition deserves a spot in your garage.
It’s not just a car — it’s a statement that joy still comes with a clutch pedal.
