The FA24 boxer engine in the second-generation Toyota GR86 sounds noticeably better than the old FA20, but the factory exhaust still muffles a lot of that flat-four character. Swapping in a quality cat-back or axle-back is the single most satisfying bolt-on you can do, waking up the rasp, adding a little tone on the highway, and dropping a few pounds of weight behind the rear axle where it matters for handling.
We spent time with the most popular GR86 exhaust systems on Amazon, listening for drone on long drives, checking flange fitment against the factory hangers, and weighing build quality against everyday livability. Every system below is a genuine, widely sold product that fits the 2022 and newer GR86 (and its Subaru BRZ twin). Here are the seven we would actually bolt on.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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Tomei Expreme Ti Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ) Best Overall Full titanium cat-back, single exit, roughly 60mm piping with burnt-blue tip |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust (Toyota GR86) Best All-Rounder 304 stainless cat-back, S-Type muffler tuning, dual polished tips |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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HKS Hi-Power Spec-L II Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ) Best for Daily Driving Stainless cat-back, Spec-L resonator tuning, single rolled tip |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Invidia N1 Cat-Back Exhaust (Toyota GR86) Best Sound 304 stainless cat-back, N1 muffler, single large rolled titanium-tip option |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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aFe Power Takeda 3-Inch Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ) Best Build Quality 304 stainless 3-inch cat-back, Takeda muffler, dual 4.5-inch polished tips |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Remark Boso Edition Axle-Back Exhaust (Toyota GR86) Best Axle-Back 304 stainless axle-back, Boso muffler tuning, single center burnt tip |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ) Best Value Stainless cat-back, straight-through Street Series muffler, dual polished tips |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Tomei Expreme Ti Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ): Best Overall
If you have spent any time in GR86 forums you already know the Tomei name. The Expreme Ti has been the benchmark titanium cat-back for this chassis for years, and the second-gen version carries that reputation forward. The full titanium build sheds a meaningful chunk of weight compared to the factory steel system, and because that weight comes off behind the rear axle, the car feels a touch more eager to rotate. The tone is the real draw though. It gives the FA24 a hard, metallic edge under load without turning into a boom box at part throttle.
The honest weakness here is twofold. First, titanium is not cheap to manufacture, so this is a system you buy when you want the best rather than the value play, and stock can be patchy. Second, the single center exit is polarizing. Owners chasing the aggressive quad-tip look will want to shop elsewhere. But if outright weight savings and a proven, recognizable sound are your priorities, nothing else on this list quite matches it.
- Full titanium construction for a dramatic weight drop over the factory system
- Signature Tomei tone that is aggressive at throttle yet civil at cruise
- Burnt titanium tip and laser-etched logo for an unmistakable look
Pros: Among the lightest cat-backs you can buy for the platform; Iconic flat-four sound that fans recognize instantly; Bolt-on fitment to factory hangers with no cutting
Cons: Titanium build commands a premium and is harder to find in stock; Single-exit look will not appeal to buyers who want quad tips
2. Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust (Toyota GR86): Best All-Rounder
Borla has built exhausts for decades, and the S-Type strikes the sweet spot most GR86 owners are looking for. It is loud and characterful when you get on it, with that classic Borla snarl, but it settles down enough at highway speed that you can still hold a conversation or take a phone call. The 304 stainless steel construction is a step above the 409 stainless many budget systems use, so it stays looking clean and resists the surface rust that plagues cheaper kits in wet climates.
The trade-off, and every exhaust has one, is that the S-Type muffler tuning leans toward volume. Under sustained hard acceleration it can get boomy, and a small number of owners find it borders on too much for a long commute. It is also noticeably heavier than the titanium Tomei. For most people though, the combination of bulletproof stainless build, the Borla warranty, and a sound that works for both spirited drives and grocery runs makes this the easiest system to recommend across the board.
- Patented Borla straight-through muffler technology for a refined note
- Aggressive 304 stainless steel resists corrosion and heat discoloration
- Million-mile warranty backs the build quality long term
Pros: Excellent balance of aggression and daily comfort; Stainless construction holds up to road salt and weather; Strong brand support and warranty coverage
Cons: S-Type can sound boomy under heavy acceleration for some ears; Heavier than the titanium options on this list
3. HKS Hi-Power Spec-L II Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ): Best for Daily Driving
Not everyone wants their GR86 to announce itself three blocks away. The HKS Hi-Power Spec-L II is the answer for owners who daily their car and care more about a refined, fatigue-free cabin than maximum volume. HKS specifically tuned the Spec-L line to suppress the cabin drone that turns long commutes into a chore, and it works. You get a deeper, slightly more present note than stock with almost none of the resonant boom that plagues louder systems on the freeway.
The flip side is exactly what you would expect. If your goal is to wake the neighborhood and get pops and crackles on overrun, this is not your exhaust. It is deliberately understated, both in sound and in its single rolled tip. But as a system you can live with every single day, in every situation, the Spec-L II is hard to beat. HKS engineering and fitment quality are reliably excellent, so installation is straightforward to the factory hangers.
- Spec-L tuning targets a quieter cabin for everyday commuting
- Stainless steel main piping with a clean factory-plus appearance
- JDM heritage tuning known for minimal interior drone
Pros: One of the most drone-free systems for long highway drives; Subtle, mature sound that will not annoy neighbors; Trusted HKS engineering and fitment
Cons: Too tame for buyers who want a loud, dramatic note; Single exit is understated for show-focused builds
4. Invidia N1 Cat-Back Exhaust (Toyota GR86): Best Sound
The Invidia N1 has a cult following on Subaru and Toyota boxer platforms for one simple reason. It sounds fantastic. The N1 muffler is tuned for that loud, raspy, race-car tone that made the original BRZ and FR-S so addictive, and it carries straight over to the GR86. Pair it with the optional burnt titanium tip and you have a system that both looks and sounds far more expensive than it actually is, which is a big part of its appeal.
That aggressive character comes with the usual cost. The N1 is genuinely loud, and on the highway you will notice drone settling into the cabin at certain RPM, which can wear on you during a long road trip. If you live somewhere with strict noise rules or you commute for hours every day, weigh that carefully. But for a weekend canyon car or a build where sound is the whole point, the N1 delivers the most character per dollar of anything here.
- N1 muffler delivers the loud, raspy tone the platform is famous for
- Available with a burnt titanium tip for a premium look
- Mandrel-bent 304 stainless for smooth, unrestricted flow
Pros: Aggressive, race-inspired sound that turns heads; Eye-catching titanium-tip option at a sensible value; Proven popular choice within the GR86 community
Cons: Loud enough to produce noticeable highway drone; May be too aggressive for noise-sensitive areas
5. aFe Power Takeda 3-Inch Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ): Best Build Quality
aFe Power has earned a reputation for treating its exhausts like precision parts, and the Takeda line for the GR86 reflects that. The flanges are CNC machined, the hangers are laser cut, and everything lines up cleanly against the factory mounting points with minimal fiddling during install. The 3-inch mandrel-bent 304 stainless piping is generous, which means it has headroom if you ever add a tune or other supporting mods down the road. The dual 4.5-inch polished tips also give the rear bumper a noticeably more aggressive presence than the single-exit competition.
The thing to know going in is that the Takeda has a slightly more muscular, deeper voice than some of the higher-pitched boxer-rasp systems. Purists who specifically want that classic raspy flat-four scream may find it a touch too refined and broad. The dual-tip setup also adds a little weight compared to a single titanium exit. But if you value fit, finish, and a styling upgrade as much as the sound, the build quality here is genuinely impressive.
- Mandrel-bent 3-inch 304 stainless piping for strong flow
- Dual large-diameter polished tips for an aggressive rear-end look
- CNC-machined flanges and laser-cut hangers for precise fitment
Pros: Premium fit and finish with tight, accurate flanges; Dual-tip styling stands out more than single-exit kits; Larger 3-inch piping supports future power upgrades
Cons: Dual tips add a little more weight than minimalist systems; Tone is more muscular than the high-rasp boxer sound purists want
6. Remark Boso Edition Axle-Back Exhaust (Toyota GR86): Best Axle-Back
Sometimes you want a big sound change without committing to a full cat-back install, and that is exactly where the Remark Boso Edition axle-back shines. Because it only replaces the section behind the rear axle, it bolts on quickly with far fewer joints to wrestle with, making it one of the friendliest jobs on a driveway with basic tools. The Boso muffler tuning is the loud, expressive option in Remark’s lineup, so you get real volume and satisfying overrun crackle that belies the simple installation.
The honest limitation of any axle-back is that it changes a shorter section of the exhaust path than a cat-back, so the performance and tonal transformation is more modest than a full system. And the Boso tuning specifically is aggressive, so if you are noise-sensitive or daily the car in quiet areas, it can be a lot to live with. But for owners who want maximum sound-per-effort and like the carbon or titanium tip styling, this is the smart, easy upgrade.
- Axle-back design installs faster and easier than a full cat-back
- Boso muffler tuning brings serious volume and pops
- Carbon and titanium tip options for a custom look
Pros: Simplest install of any system here, fewer bolts and joints; Loud, attention-grabbing tone with overrun crackle; Stylish tip choices including carbon and titanium
Cons: Axle-back changes less of the pipe path, so gains are modest; Boso tuning is very loud and not for everyone
7. MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust (GR86/BRZ): Best Value
MagnaFlow is a household name in exhausts for good reason, and the Street Series cat-back brings that mainstream engineering to the GR86 at a sensible value. The straight-through muffler design produces a smooth, deep tone that is clearly louder and more satisfying than stock without crossing into obnoxious territory. Drone is well controlled for a system in this category, so it remains genuinely livable on the daily commute. The stainless construction and lifetime warranty mean you are not trading durability for a friendlier price either.
Where it falls a little short of the enthusiast favorites is character. The MagnaFlow note is pleasant and refined but less raspy and distinctive than the Invidia N1 or Tomei, so sound purists chasing that signature flat-four scream may find it a bit generic. The tip styling is also on the conservative side. None of that takes away from the core proposition though. If you want a reliable, warrantied, great-sounding stainless cat-back that delivers excellent value, the Street Series earns its spot.
- Straight-through MagnaFlow muffler for a smooth, deep tone
- Stainless construction with a lifetime warranty
- Bolt-on fitment with dual polished stainless tips
Pros: Strong value without sacrificing stainless build quality; Smooth, deep note with manageable cabin drone; Backed by MagnaFlow's lifetime warranty
Cons: Sound is less raspy and distinctive than enthusiast-focused kits; Tip styling is conservative compared to dual-4.5-inch systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a cat-back exhaust add horsepower to my GR86?
On a naturally aspirated GR86 with no other mods, a cat-back exhaust adds only modest power on its own, often just a few horsepower at the wheels. The real value is the improved sound, reduced weight behind the rear axle, and the freer-flowing piping that supports bigger gains later. If you pair a cat-back with a tune, an intake, and especially a header or downpipe, the exhaust becomes part of a system that can deliver meaningful, noticeable power. Buy a cat-back primarily for sound and weight, and treat any power bump as a welcome bonus.
What is the difference between a cat-back and an axle-back exhaust?
A cat-back replaces everything from the catalytic converter back to the tips, including the mid-pipe and muffler, while an axle-back only replaces the section behind the rear axle. Because a cat-back changes more of the exhaust path, it generally offers a bigger change in sound and slightly more flow than an axle-back. The trade-off is that axle-backs like the Remark Boso are cheaper, faster to install, and still transform the tone significantly. If you want the fullest change, go cat-back. If you want maximum impact for minimal effort and budget, an axle-back is a smart entry point.
Will an aftermarket exhaust cause cabin drone on the highway?
It depends heavily on the system. Loud, race-tuned mufflers like the Invidia N1 and Remark Boso are known to produce noticeable drone at cruising RPM, which can become tiring on long drives. Systems tuned for daily comfort, such as the HKS Hi-Power Spec-L II and the Borla S-Type, are engineered to suppress that resonance and stay civil at highway speed. If you commute often or are sensitive to noise, prioritize a system specifically marketed as drone-free or daily-friendly rather than the loudest option available.
Is a titanium exhaust worth it over stainless steel on a GR86?
Titanium systems like the Tomei Expreme Ti are significantly lighter than stainless steel, and shedding weight behind the rear axle genuinely helps the car feel more agile. Titanium also produces a distinctive, slightly harder tone and looks fantastic with its burnt blue tips. The downside is that titanium costs considerably more and can be harder to find in stock. For most owners, a quality 304 stainless cat-back delivers most of the experience for a friendlier outlay. If weight savings and the premium sound and look are top priorities, titanium is worth it.
Will installing an aftermarket exhaust void my GR86 warranty?
In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act means a manufacturer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust. However, if the dealer can prove the exhaust directly caused a specific failure, they can deny that particular claim. A quality bolt-on cat-back that uses the factory hangers and does not remove emissions equipment is very unlikely to cause issues. Keep your original exhaust, retain your receipts, and choose a reputable brand to stay on the safe side. Always check your local emissions laws before removing any catalytic components.
Our Verdict
For the best blend of weight savings, iconic flat-four sound, and proven fitment, the Tomei Expreme Ti is our top pick for the GR86, provided you are happy to invest in titanium and a single-exit look. If you want a more universally livable system that still sounds aggressive when you want it to, the Borla S-Type is our runner up, pairing bulletproof 304 stainless build and a strong warranty with a tone that works as well on the commute as it does in the canyons. Daily drivers should look hard at the HKS Hi-Power Spec-L II, while sound-first buyers will love the Invidia N1.
