A few months ago, longtime Toyota 86/GR86 enthusiasts got the news they hoped for: The Hakone Edition, which had previously been seen on the 2020 Toyota 86—the final year of the first generation—was making a return. With the Toyota 86 having since been upgraded to the Toyota GR86 under the Gazoo Racing banner, fans were eager to see the limited-edition variant get a second chance, and Toyota has finally obliged.
The Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition aims to be more than just another special model, though; it is a tribute to a major part of Toyota’s past, present, and future—one shared by many other Japanese automakers. Regular readers know I love the stories behind cars as much as the cars themselves, so with the 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition potentially on the roads by the time you read this, it’s a perfect opportunity to take a deep dive. Join me for a look at the significance of the latest limited-edition Toyota GR86 for sale, followed by an overview of the latest vehicle to receive this important moniker.
How Did the Hakone Edition Get Its Name?
Like so many tales, the Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition begins with a road. There are plenty of famous roads around the world—Route 66 in the US, the Autobahn in Germany, Cabot Trail in Canada, and Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in the UAE, to name a few. While the Hakone Turnpike may not be at the forefront for most North Americans, it is one of Japan’s most recognizable highways. Located two hours southwest of Tokyo, this 8.5-mile touge road (what US drivers would call a mountain pass) opened in 1955 to connect the towns of Odawara and Yagawara. It’s a small part of Japan National Route 1, which goes from Tokyo to Osaka.
Despite the short distance, the two-lane turnpike quickly became known for its winding roads and elevation changes that lend themselves to high-performance driving. Although specifics on its use aren’t available since the Hakone Turnpike is privately owned, it’s known that natives and tourists alike head to the road when they want to push their limits—and reports are that automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda use it for development purposes. Toyo Tires had owned the road’s naming rights for many years, followed by Mazda from 2014 to 2017. Publications like MotorTrend also use the turnpike to test vehicles.
While the Hakone Turnpike has a speed limit that drops as low as 30 km/h (19 mph), you’ll find no cameras, speed traps, or other deterrents. Plus, it’s a one-way road. Combine this with relatively low traffic—especially compared to busy Japanese cities—and drivers can feel free to let loose their sporty steeds. The turnpike’s owners recognize why people go there and have put red marks in each corner to show the best line. It’s become a popular spot for informal Touge Battle races and drifting—and in the MF Ghost anime series, the turnpike makes up part of the Odawara Pikes Peak course. You’ll find Hakone prominently featured in the Initial D manga series, too.
An Iconic Road Becomes an Automotive Nameplate
After years of being somewhat of an underground name in automotive performance, Toyota brought the “Japanese Nürburgring” to the headlines in 2020 with the Toyota 86 Hakone Edition. However, although it had an esteemed name, the changes were largely cosmetic. Its 17-inch wheels were painted bronze and the vehicle had a dark “Hakone green” finish for a retro sports car look. Inside was tan leather and black Alcantara seating upholstery with matching trimming and dash coverings. There were some other premium comfort and safety options, including heated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Other than the wheel size, the vehicle was mechanically identical to the Toyota 86 GT, so you did get the GT’s add-ons, like the underbody aero panel and rear wing. If drivers wanted any other performance upgrades to tackle the Hakone Turnpike, they needed to get the TRD Handling Package—something available on any Toyota 86.
While aficionados like myself were happy to see the Hakone Turnpike recognized, the result was a little disappointing, especially since the Toyota 86 was starting to show its age. With rumors already swirling that the Toyota 86 could soon get a Gazoo Racing-inspired overhaul (rumors that became a reality in 2021 with the new GR86), the hope was that a new Hakone Edition could capitalize on this. Unfortunately, drivers had to wait five years for this to happen. It’s better late than never, though, and now the 2025 Hakone Edition is on the doorstep.
What to Know About the GR86 Hakone Edition
So now the question is what to make of the new Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition and how good a ride it is for that twisting turnpike. First of all, even without any other changes, the GR86 is a marked improvement over the 86; its Boxer engine sports 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque versus the first generation’s 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque (or 200 and 151, respectively, with an automatic transmission). The 2025 GR86 also has MacPherson struts in the front suspension, a multi-link independent rear suspension, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and other features that make it a fine sports car.
But one look shows Toyota listened when people said they wanted a Hakone Edition to deliver legitimate performance improvements, making two major changes over the base GR86 and GR86 Premium. First, ZF Sachs front and rear suspension dampers are standard with the 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition; they’ll help absorb vibrations at any speed and improve contact with the road, giving you a more stable and responsive ride. Second, all 2025 GR86 Hakone Editions have Brembo four-piston front brakes and two-piston rear brakes; Brembo is a leader in high-performance disc brakes, so using them helps you slow down quickly for those tight turnpike corners.
Beyond this, the Hakone Edition has the same duckbill rear spoiler, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and 18-inch alloy wheels as the GR86 Premium (but the rims are bronze-colored like in 2020). The styling overhaul continues with a “ridge green” paint job, Ultrasuede upholstery, leather trimming, special rear badging, driver and passenger puddle lights, an exclusive bronze-striped shift knob, cast-black interior accents, and Hakone-specific floor mats. For an added touch, you get a plaque commemorating this limited-edition car.
Notably, the new Hakone Edition does not have any engine tweaks, just like the 2020 model. This is partly because of the existing improvements and partly because of the road it’s named after. As Ken Saito of Jalopnik explained to Forbes in 2020, the Hakone Turnpike doesn’t lend itself well to added power; it’s more about excellent handling and the amazing view—and the 2025 GR86 Hakone Edition was designed to reflect that.
Paying Homage to a Legendary Mountain Pass
Those who know the Hakone Turnpike speak of it in reverential tones. Even if you never make it to Japan, the 2025 Toyota Hakone Edition gives you a taste of its namesake road’s automotive history. There are plenty of serpentine roads in the US, so consider heading to a place like the Pacific Coast Highway (California), the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (New Hampshire), or the Tail of Dragon (North Carolina/Tennessee) to experience this model’s agility.
Getting your hands on one may be the toughest part, though. When Toyota said the Hakone Edition would be a limited run, they meant it: Only 860 units were allotted to the US market, with another 200 in Japan. If you can get a Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition, however, it’ll deliver a blend of modern performance and vintage style for unrivaled fun behind the wheel.
