2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition Returns: Why This Ridge Green Special Edition Is Winning Hearts

In 2025, Toyota reintroduces a nameplate that left a lasting impression—the GR86 Hakone Edition. Known for its elegant styling and engaging driving dynamics, the Hakone Edition returns to U.S. roads with an updated look, limited production numbers, and a focus on performance that excites purists and new drivers alike. With only 860 units available, this Ridge Green sports coupe is a collector’s dream.

The latest Hakone Edition isn’t just a rehash of past models—it builds on the GR86’s legacy of lightweight agility with subtle but purposeful performance and design enhancements. Priced just under $40,000 when fully equipped, it offers an affordable entry into the world of exclusive sports cars.

What Sets the 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition Apart?

The 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition makes its presence felt at first glance. The return of the Hakone name is matched with a new Ridge Green paint finish, perfectly complemented by 18-inch matte bronze alloy wheels. Subtle details like Hakone Edition badging, puddle lights, and a color-matched duckbill spoiler elevate its visual appeal.

The GR86’s sharp front grille features a black matrix design with a G-mesh insert and GR badge. LED headlights, daytime running lights, and an adaptive front lighting system round out the modern, aggressive styling. Performance-focused touches such as functional fender vents and chrome-tipped dual exhausts give it the authentic feel of a track-ready car.

On the performance front, the GR86 Hakone Edition is equipped with a 2.4-liter flat-four Boxer engine, delivering 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the numbers may not seem groundbreaking, the driving experience tells a different story. Weighing just over 2,800 pounds, the car feels lively, with excellent throttle response that’s been improved for 2025.

Drivers who choose the 6-speed manual transmission are treated to one of the best short-throw gearboxes in the segment—quick, precise, and immensely satisfying. A Torsen limited-slip differential, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires, and retuned shocks combine to create a car that handles with surgical precision. Further upgrades include Brembo performance brakes and SACHS dampers, both standard on the Hakone.

Driver-Focused Interior and Technology

Step inside the GR86 Hakone and it becomes clear this car is made for driving. Ultrasuede sport seats with tan leather bolsters provide excellent support, while a low driving position reinforces the car’s purpose. Details like a Hakone Edition plaque, special floor mats, and a bronze-striped leather shift boot give it a premium and personalized feel.

The 7-inch digital driver display offers useful performance data, including a lap timer and G-force tracking, while showing startup animations with the GR and Boxer engine logos. A GR leather-trimmed steering wheel, manual handbrake, and aluminum sport pedals complete the enthusiast-centric cabin.

While the infotainment system—a somewhat dated 8-inch touchscreen—supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it doesn’t offer Toyota’s latest multimedia platform. That said, the Hakone Edition comes with an upgraded 8-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control, and USB ports for convenience.

Rear seats exist more for storage than passengers, and cargo space is modest but usable. Practicality is not the GR86’s focus, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise.

Safety, Options, and Pricing Breakdown

Toyota equips the GR86 Hakone Edition with its Active Safety Suite, which includes:

• Pre-Collision Braking System

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Departure and Sway Warning

• Lead Vehicle Start Alert

• Rear Sonar Warning

These features are integrated even with the manual transmission, showcasing Toyota’s commitment to modern safety, even in performance-first models.

Optional upgrades tested include:

• Subwoofer ($799)

• GR Performance Strut Tie Brace ($640)

• GR Stabilizer Bars ($1,320)

• GR Air Filter ($75)

With these additions, the total price climbs to around $39,239, compared to a base MSRP of $35,720. That’s roughly $2,000 more than the retro-themed TRUENO Edition and about $6,000 more than the 2020 Hakone.

The 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition is a celebration of classic sports car design, paired with modern engineering. Its exclusive styling, performance pedigree, and engaging manual transmission offer one of the purest driving experiences in its price range. If you want a fun, rear-wheel-drive coupe with limited-edition flair, this Ridge Green GR86 should be high on your list.

For your information:

What is special about the 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition?
It features a Ridge Green color exclusive to this edition, bronze wheels, special interior badging, and performance parts like Brembo brakes and SACHS dampers.

How many GR86 Hakone Editions are being produced?
Only 860 units are being made available in the U.S., making it a highly limited edition.

Does the GR86 Hakone Edition offer improved performance?
While it has the same engine output as other GR86 trims, it includes the Performance Pack—Brembo brakes, improved suspension, and steering for a sharper driving experience.

Is the Hakone Edition available with an automatic transmission?
Yes, the GR86 Hakone Edition can be equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

What is the fuel economy of the GR86 Hakone Edition?
It offers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined, making it efficient for a performance-oriented coupe.

Where is the 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition built?
The vehicle is assembled in Ota, Gunma, Japan, a location known for precision-built performance vehicles.