Up till just lately, it was uncommon to search out the phrases “sporty” and “Toyota” in the identical sentence. That’s altering, and shortly. These days, with the assistance of some companions and an enormous push from chairman Akio Toyoda, Big T has been pumping out some very satisfying driver’s vehicles. Three have discovered a spot on at the least one in every of our annual 10Best lists previously decade—with the total trio making the cut in 2023.
If you are on the lookout for some enjoyable on a price range, these everyday-usable efficiency automobiles mix Toyota reliability with costs which can be comparatively simple to swallow. Here are our three faves and what you will doubtless should pay to choose up a pre-loved instance.
2022–Present Toyota GR86
A profitable partnership with Subaru has resulted in that firm’s BRZ in addition to the Scion FR-S (RIP) and its successors, the Toyota 86 and GR86. Toyota’s second-gen model, which now wears Gazoo Racing badging, has a number of benefits over the unique. Improvements embody a bigger engine with a bit extra energy and extra torque that is obtainable earlier within the rev vary, a stiffer chassis, and some extra aluminum physique panels instead of metal elements to offset the added construction. Oh, and it sounds higher than the previous automotive, too.
Since its 2022 debut, the GR86 has made the 10Best checklist yearly and seen common minor modifications (2024, 2025, 2026), however the fundamental system endures: a small rear-wheel-drive coupe with a superbly tuned chassis and simply sufficient practicality to be a each day driver if you need. As lengthy as you are not choosy about particular editions, you may choose up a used Toyota GR86 in fine condition with underneath 50,000 miles for round $24,000. More than half of the used GR86s on Car and Driver‘s Marketplace include an automated transmission—it is a little slower however simply as enjoyable to toss round, and there are a number of options, resembling adaptive cruise management, which you can’t get with the handbook automotive.
2020 Toyota GR Supra.
2020–Present Toyota GR Supra
The Supra title returned for 2020, and the automotive carrying that iconic badge made the 10Best checklist proper off the bat, with repeat performances in 2021 and 2023. At totally different factors over its newest technology, the GR Supra has been obtainable with four- and six-cylinder energy and each handbook and automated transmissions. Our choose is in fact the inline-six with a stick shift, however you actually cannot go improper right here.
Considering the GR Supra’s high-ish retail value when new—a minimal of $59,495 for 2026—low-mileage used examples commerce for fairly cheap cash. An older four-cylinder automated may be had for round $30,000, whereas the inline-six/handbook combo, which got here later within the manufacturing run, pushes pricing previous $50,000. The solely actual money-related caveat is that the Supra is generally a BMW Z4 beneath. That’s a boon for efficiency—we like driving Toyota’s stiffer hardtop model higher anyway—however can imply increased prices when it comes time for upkeep or repairs.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla.
2023–Present Toyota GR Corolla
The latest addition to Toyota’s GR steady can also be a solo venture from the Japanese automaker. It took the loopy turbocharged three-cylinder from its GR Yaris rally automotive and dropped it right into a extra North American–pleasant Corolla hatchback physique. Fun ensued, and the GR Corolla made the 10Best checklist in its first yr on sale, 2023.
This one has Akio Toyoda’s fingerprints throughout it, a lot in order that it was supplied in a particular Morizo Edition that borrows its title Toyoda-san‘s racing alter ego. That variant is a bit hard-core for on a regular basis use, although, because it goes with out seats, energy home windows, or audio system within the rear. (We suppose your canine would not thoughts, although.) Even essentially the most plain GR Corolla hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with a handbook transmission. An automated choice joined the roster for 2025, and it is each fast and enjoyable to drive—simply not fairly as fast or as enjoyable because the three-pedal automotive.
Because these vehicles have been bought in restricted portions, the collection of used examples is not large. That stated, homeowners seem to have saved most of them for particular events, as the common odometer studying is someplace round 15,000 miles. A clear GR Corolla begins round $30,000, whereas the newer automated fashions command $37,000 or extra. Not dangerous for one thing in a sensible form with two units of doorways and a roomy cargo space.
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Ever since David was a wee Car and Driver intern, he has saved a spreadsheet itemizing all of the automobiles he’s pushed and examined. David actually likes spreadsheets. He can parallel-park a college bus and as soon as drove a Lincoln Town Car 63 mph in reverse. After taking a break from journalism to work on autonomous automobiles, he’s again writing for this and different automotive publications. When David’s not looking for the proper used automotive, you’ll find him sampling the newest in gimmicky, limited-edition foodstuffs.