24 MPG combined isn’t going to win any hypermiling contests, but in the 2024 Toyota GR 86 2.4L 4-cyl., it’s a perfectly acceptable trade-off for the precision handling and engaging driving experience this sports coupe delivers. This car exists for one reason: driver enjoyment. Fuel economy is a secondary consideration for the enthusiast who prioritizes carving canyons and mastering apexes over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of premium.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the GR 86 2.4L 4-cyl. will achieve 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures provide a decent snapshot, but understand that your mileage may vary significantly depending on your driving style. A heavy foot and frequent trips to the redline will drastically reduce your fuel economy, especially in the city. Conversely, a more relaxed approach, using the automatic’s smooth shifting and lower RPM cruising, will help you get closer to, or even exceed, the EPA’s highway estimate. The highway number is helped by the automatic transmission’s relatively tall gearing, optimized for relaxed cruising at higher speeds. The low curb weight of the GR 86 also helps achieve respectable fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Toyota GR 86 2.4L 4-cyl. at $2,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended, so fluctuations in premium fuel prices will directly impact your annual spending. If you drive significantly more or less than 15,000 miles a year, or if fuel prices in your area are higher or lower than the national average, your actual fuel costs could vary substantially.

Real-world expectations

Consider the EPA’s figures a baseline. GR 86 owners often report slightly lower real-world combined mileage, especially those who regularly engage in spirited driving. It’s uncommon to reach the 30 MPG highway figure if you spend most of your time accelerating hard and enjoying the engine’s powerband. This isn’t a Prius, and shouldn’t be driven like one. If you’re hyper-focused on fuel efficiency, you’re probably buying the wrong car. Owners seeking higher efficiency should consider models with an automatic transmission, because it is slightly more efficient.

How it compares

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, another lightweight sports car, achieves a slightly better EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined with its automatic transmission. However, the Miata prioritizes open-top motoring over outright power. The Subaru BRZ, mechanically identical to the GR 86, shares the same 24 MPG combined rating; differences would only come down to minor variations in driving style. The Nissan Z with its twin-turbo V6 drinks considerably more fuel achieving 22 MPG combined, but offers a significant boost in power and a more aggressive driving experience. These comparisons underline the GR 86’s place in the market: a focused sports car that doesn’t completely disregard fuel economy, achieving a balance that appeals to performance-minded drivers. Always check all Toyota fuel economy data to ensure you have the latest numbers. And remember to explore GR MPG across all years to see how the GR 86 stacks up against its predecessors.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Optimize your tire pressure. Ensuring your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel economy without negatively impacting handling. Check your owner’s manual for the correct pressure, usually found on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. An inexpensive tire pressure gauge can prevent costly and time-consuming trips to an air pump.

Anticipate traffic and maintain smooth acceleration. Avoid abrupt braking and aggressive acceleration, which waste fuel. Look ahead, anticipate traffic flow, and maintain a consistent speed to maximize efficiency. The GR 86’s relatively light weight actually helps in this regard: it doesn’t require excessive throttle input to maintain speed.

Use cruise control on the highway where appropriate. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, which can significantly improve fuel economy during highway driving. Be mindful of the terrain and traffic conditions, and disengage cruise control when necessary for safety.

Minimize idling. Excessive idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, minimizing any potential wear and tear from frequent starts.

Consider using a lighter wheel and tire package. While wider tires offer better grip, a lighter wheel and tire combination can reduce unsprung weight and rolling resistance, contributing to slightly improved fuel economy. This is a more involved modification, but one that can enhance both performance and efficiency.