Toyota GR86 RZ Expert Review

es, if you want a proper rear-wheel-drive sports car rather than a conventional family Toyota.

The GR86 RZ has a naturally aspirated 2.4L boxer engine, excellent weight balance, sharp steering and rear-wheel drive. It is much more rewarding to drive than most ordinary sedans.

The major Bangladesh compromises are the 130mm ground clearance, firm suspension, limited rear-seat practicality and higher running costs.

For an enthusiast, however, it is one of the most compelling Japanese sports cars in this price range.

The GR86 RZ's 2,387cc FA24 produces 235 hp and 250 Nm. Toyota quotes approximately 6.3 seconds from 0–100 km/h with the manual and 6.9 seconds with the automatic. Top speed is approximately 226 km/h manual and 216 km/h automatic.

It uses ventilated disc brakes at both ends, ABS, Brake Assist and electronic stability/traction control. A universal braking-distance figure should not be quoted because tyres, road surface, temperature and testing conditions materially affect stopping distance.

A realistic Bangladesh expectation is approximately:

City: 7–9 km/L
Highway: 11–13 km/L
Combined: 9–11 km/L

Dhaka traffic, AC use, frequent acceleration and premium fuel can push city consumption toward the lower end.

Toyota's Japanese WLTC figure is around 11.7–11.9 km/L for RZ depending on transmission, but laboratory mileage should not be presented as Bangladesh real-world mileage.

The Japanese GR86 range includes RC, SZ and RZ.

RC is the stripped-down enthusiast option and suits buyers planning modifications.

SZ is the middle-ground grade with a better equipment/value balance.

RZ is the grade I would recommend for most Bangladesh buyers. It gets 18-inch wheels, better interior equipment and stronger safety/convenience equipment. Current Japanese specifications confirm RZ-specific 18-inch wheels and additional equipment.

For daily Dhaka driving, the automatic is easier. For pure driving enjoyment, the manual is the better choice.

Not really—and Toyota never intended it to be.

It technically has four seats, but the rear seats are small and accessed through two doors. Adults can fit for short journeys, but long trips become an exercise in human origami.

The 226-litre boot is useful for a sports coupe but cannot compete with a normal sedan.

For a couple or enthusiast with occasional passengers, it works.

For a Bangladeshi family regularly carrying four adults and luggage, an Allion, Premio, Corolla or similar family car is considerably more sensible.

The compact dimensions are helpful in Dhaka traffic, and the steering makes the car enjoyable even at low speeds.

The problem is 130mm ground clearance.

Speed breakers, potholes and broken road edges require careful approach angles. The low seating position also makes getting in and out less convenient than a sedan.

The automatic transmission is the better choice if the car will spend most of its time crawling through Dhaka traffic. The manual is more engaging but considerably more work in stop-and-go congestion.

Yes, the Toyota GR86 2.4 Premium is suitable for normal Bangladesh roads, with its sports car body, FWD drivetrain and petrol power suited to everyday road use.

The GR86 RZ is a petrol-powered naturally aspirated car. Toyota specifies premium unleaded gasoline for the Japanese-market model.

In Bangladesh, that generally means using good-quality high-octane petrol/octane.

There is no factory diesel, hybrid or LPG version of the GR86 RZ.

For someone who drives calmly and wants lower running costs, the GR86's fuel consumption will still be noticeably higher than a 1.5L Toyota sedan.

Start with the Japanese auction sheet, chassis history, accident history and mileage.

Then inspect the FA24 engine, oil leaks, cooling system, clutch and gearbox, differential, driveshafts, suspension, steering, brakes and 18-inch wheels.

Because the car sits only around 130mm above the road, carefully inspect the underside for scraping or impact damage.

Also check whether the car is a manual or automatic and confirm its actual factory safety equipment. This matters because the EyeSight/ADAS package differs between transmission types.

A clean auction-history RZ is far more valuable than a newer GR86 with questionable accident repairs.