By: Uday Mohan
December 13, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to drive a samurai sword on wheels, Toyota’s 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition might be your answer. It’s sharp, focused, and unapologetically analog in a world increasingly obsessed with touchscreens and turbochargers. With only 860 units slated for North America and just 30 manual examples allocated to Canada, one of which I had the pleasure of driving, this isn’t just a car. It’s a collector’s whisper wrapped in exclusive Ridge Green paint and finished with bronze wheels.
The Hakone Edition looks like it’s been dipped in forest fury. That Ridge Green exterior paired with bronze wheels leans more “track-day samurai” than weekend cruiser. The ducktail spoiler and functional fender vents give it a stance that feels purposeful rather than performative. The body kit isn’t here to pose. It’s a cohesive design that says this car exists to be driven. Toyota also resisted the temptation to dial up artificial pops and bangs. Instead, the engine delivers a raw, mechanical soundtrack that builds in pitch and intensity as the revs climb. It’s the kind of sound that makes you instinctively turn the radio down just to listen.
Beneath the sculpted skin, Toyota’s engineers didn’t hold back. Retuned suspension with SACHS dampers and upgraded Brembo brakes take the GR86’s already excellent chassis and sharpen it further. Throttle mapping has been revised for smoother heel-toe downshifts, though the pedal spacing doesn’t fully support the move. It’s like being handed ballet shoes and asked to moonwalk. Even so, the driving experience remains deeply satisfying. Gear shifts are short and mechanical, offering just enough resistance to feel connected without demanding gym-level forearms. The clutch is light, maybe lighter than some purists would prefer, but it makes sense in practice. Engagement is easy, power delivery is smooth, and the engine rewards precision. Get it right and the car sings. Get it wrong and it politely reminds you to focus.
Inside, the Hakone Edition keeps things refreshingly simple. No flashy animations or buried menus. Just a focused cockpit that puts driving first. The Ultrasuede sport seats provide excellent lateral support without feeling restrictive. Alcantara trim on the door panels is a welcome touch, though I found myself wishing that same material made its way onto the steering wheel, which felt a bit too smooth during spirited driving. The digital cluster, however, is outstanding. A large tachometer takes center stage, flanked by G-force readings, steering angle, brake and throttle inputs, lap timing, and real-time horsepower and torque data. It’s like having a pit crew built into the dash.
Infotainment is where the Hakone Edition feels its age. It works, but that’s about as generous as I can be. No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which in 2025 feels like a notable omission. Wired connectivity is available via USB, but the phone storage solution is awkward at best. Two cupholders and a center console that doubles as a phone cave feels more improvised than intentional. Functional, yes. Forgivable, not really.
Where the Hakone Edition truly shines isn’t on a spec sheet, it’s in how the car feels. Balance, communication, and an eagerness to play define the experience. This is a car that rewards good driving habits and gently corrects sloppy ones. Think stern mentor, not cruel disciplinarian. The upgraded dampers and brakes make a real difference when pushing hard. The car feels planted, predictable, and alive. Brake engagement is especially impressive, strong without being abrupt, with a linear pedal that inspires confidence as you turn in for an apex. The GR86 isn’t trying to be a supercar. It’s trying to be your car. One you learn, adapt to, and form a genuine bond with over time.
Toyota does offer a range of TRD performance upgrades, including an air intake, performance exhaust, strut braces, sway bars, and even a subwoofer. Oddly, none of these come standard on the Hakone Edition. Why? It’s hard to say. Maybe Toyota wanted to leave room for personalization. Maybe they ran out of bronze paint. Either way, it feels like a missed opportunity to deliver a true all-in, no-compromises version of the lineup.
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition isn’t perfect. The clutch is very light, and the infotainment feels like it time-traveled from 2015. But once you’re behind the wheel, carving corners and chasing the redline, those shortcomings fade quickly. It’s a car that invites you to drive, not just commute. That said, it never felt tiring in traffic either. The light clutch actually shines here, and overall comfort is better than you might expect from something this focused.
With its limited production run, this isn’t just another GR86 on the road. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the 860 units, or one of the 30 manuals destined for Canada, you’re not just buying a car. You’re buying a driving experience. One that’s green, mean, and just a little bit rebellious.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Sports Car
Engine:2.4-litre, 4-cylinder boxer
Gearbox: 6-speed Manual Transmission
Horsepower: 228 Horsepower at 7,000 RPM
Torque: 184 lb-ft at 3,700 RPM
Fuel Economy: City-11.9L/100 Hwy-8.7L/100 Combined-10.5L/100
Fuel Economy Observed: 8.7L/100 (mainly city)
Price as Tested: $40,701.58