Overview
In an age where active aerodynamics and four-digit horsepower figures are blazing into the world of supercars, the Toyota GR86 strips the sports-car recipe down to its most essential ingredients. With a svelte, lightweight coupe body; a 228-hp flat-four engine, rear-wheel drive; and a manual transmission, the GR86 has everything it needs—and nothing it doesn’t—to provide one of the most satisfying driving experiences available south of $35,000. The GR86’s cabin gives the distinct impression that everything was designed solely with the driver in mind, from its perfectly placed controls to its tiny, Porsche 911-style rear seats. There are only two other budget-priced sports cars on the market—the lovable Mazda Miata and the Subaru BRZ, the GR86’s twin—that can deliver this type of affordable back-road thrills. That’s why the Toyobaru siblings have both earned a spot on our 2026 10Best list.
What’s New for 2026?
Sticking with the plan of introducing a new limited edition GR86 model each year, the Yuzu Special Edition joins the lineup for 2026. The Yuzu wears vibrant yellow paint reminiscent of its citrus-fruit namesake and comes equipped with the same Performance pack that was standard on last year’s Hakone special edition, which includes Sachs dampers and upgraded Brembo brakes. It also features 18-inch matte-black wheels wearing summer tires and yellow interior stitching. A cat-back exhaust and unique body kit can also be added to the Yuzu for an additional cost. Only 860 Yuzus will be made for the U.S. market, and they will undoubtedly be snapped up quickly.
2026 Ford Bronco
Like its equine namesake, the Ford Bronco SUV is far from tame. It can venture deep into the wilds and, with its roof and doors removed, will make you feel as free and unencumbered as a wild horse as you tear through the woods or leap over sand dunes. Unlike its namesake, however, this SUV…
2026 Volvo XC60
An elder statesman of the compact luxury SUV segment, the 2026 Volvo XC60 leans heavily on its Scandinavian heritage to present an understated yet dignified option in this crowded and highly competitive segment. All the modern Volvo styling bits play their parts, including the requisite Thor’s Hammer headlamps accompanied by a new-for-2026 front grille that…
2026 Porsche Macan
It can’t be easy to distill over 70 years of sports-car pedigree into a compact luxury SUV, but Porsche managed to do exactly that with the Macan. Just as the 911 is a benchmark sports car, the Macan is a yardstick for other crossovers with sporty pretensions. Both the base 261-hp turbocharged inline-four and punchier…
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