The 2017 Toyota GT86 represents the pinnacle of the compact sports car philosophy, marrying accessible handling with a tactile driving experience. Stepping inside, you immediately notice a purposeful cabin designed to keep the driver engaged and focused on the road ahead. This model year refined the already excellent ergonomics, ensuring that every journey feels connected and dynamic, whether a spirited back-road run or a simple commute.
Driver-Centric Cockpit Layout
The heart of the 2017 interior is its driver-focused cockpit, a deliberate design choice that prioritizes the driving experience above all else. The dash is angled slightly toward the steering wheel, placing all critical controls within easy reach. This layout minimizes distractions and ensures that the driver’s primary attention remains on the road, fostering a direct and engaging connection with the vehicle.
Premium Materials and Build Quality
Moving beyond the affordable feel of earlier models, the 2017 GT86 showcases a significant step up in material quality. Soft-touch plastics now dominate the upper dashboard and center console, while genuine leather accents are used on the steering wheel and shift knob. This combination of tactile surfaces and sturdy switches creates a cabin atmosphere that feels both high-end and durable, standing up well to daily driving demands.
Seating Comfort and Practicality
Recaro front seats are a hallmark of the GT86, providing exceptional lateral support that keeps you planted in corners without feeling overly restrictive during straight-line driving. The height-adjustable driver’s seat offers excellent visibility, while the simple, intuitive controls allow for quick adjustments. Rear seating is configured for occasional use, prioritizing the driving position and trunk space for practicality without compromising the coupe’s sleek profile.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Toyota equipped the 2017 GT86 with a modern and functional infotainment system that balances technology with driver safety. The 6.1-inch touchscreen display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls. Physical buttons for audio and cruise control are strategically placed on the steering wheel, ensuring you can manage your tech without taking your hands off the wheel.
Interior Storage and Cargo Capacity
Despite its sporty stance, the GT86 offers clever storage solutions for a compact coupe. A generously sized center console with a soft-close cup holder keeps beverages secure, while multiple door pockets and a slip-resistant tray provide convenient spots for keys, phones, and sunglasses. The trunk, accessible via a wide-opening hatch, provides 20.6 cubic feet of space, easily accommodating groceries, luggage, or weekend getaway gear.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Management
Toyota paid close attention to cabin serenity in the 2017 model, implementing various noise-dampening strategies to create a comfortable environment. While the engine note is engaging, the interior effectively muffles harsh road and wind noise at cruising speeds. This thoughtful NVH tuning ensures that the cabin remains a calm and refined sanctuary, enhancing comfort during longer drives without sacrificing the engaging chassis feedback.
Owning a 2017 Toyota GT86 means investing in a driving machine where the interior is as compelling as its performance. The thoughtful blend of premium materials, ergonomic design, and practical technology results in a cabin that feels both special and livable. It successfully avoids being a sterile speedster, instead offering a space that is inviting, functional, and perfectly suited for the modern driving enthusiast.
