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2018 Toyota 86 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Toyota 86 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Balanced and forgiving handling make for an easy and fun drive
  • Excellent steering feel and response
  • Comfortable and supportive front seats

Cons

  • Modest acceleration with no engine upgrade
  • Significant highway noise
  • Not as well equipped as Subaru BRZ twin

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 28 highway, 24 combined

Pricing for current inventory

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Year

Rear-wheel drive and fun to drive, the Toyota 86 is an excellent sports car

Everything about the 2018 Toyota 86 is an homage to affordable sports cars, right down to the name, which evokes a classic Toyota model loved by those in the “drifting” racing scene. While not a powerhouse, its excellent handling, sharp steering and strong brakes make it a fun and willing driving partner on your favorite twisting roads.

Visibility is outstanding, and the driver and passenger seat are both surprisingly comfortable. The rear seats are less than ideal when it comes to functionality, but fold down to expand the cargo area to something that’s bigger than you might think.

We do wish there was more power on tap, and that the 86 wasn’t quite so noisy on the highway or around town. There’s also a lack of modern technology. Driver assist systems are limited to a backup camera, and there’s no Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. The latter could be more easily forgiven, but both are available on the 86’s twin, the Subaru BRZ.

All Toyota 86 years

What is new for the 2018 Toyota 86?

  • The 86 is available in a variety of new trims, including the GT and GT Black.
  • The 860 Special Edition trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • 86 trims have been upgraded with Leather & Suede Seats and Pioneer Sound System as standard equipment this year.

2018 Toyota 86 trims

Curious how Toyota 86 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 200-hp, 151-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • 205-hp, 156-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • View our Toyota 86 inventory

GT Black:

  • Includes all features available on the Base
  • 2.0L
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Leather Seats

GT:

Toyota 86 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Toyota 86

What We Like:

Steering and handling: This is truly a driver’s car, with quick and sharp steering, and a responsive and fun suspension and chassis. Most surprising, the suspension is even decent around town, delivering better-than-expected ride quality. It’s the kind of car that’s perfectly suitable for a day-to-day drive to the grocery store and your daily commute, but one that you can also enjoy wringing out on your favorite canyon roads on the weekends.

Practicality: When it first debuted, part of this car’s mission was to be accommodating as a weekend track car. To help make that happen, the rear seats fold down to expand the cargo area, making it big enough to fit a full set of wheels and tires, plus a tool kit. That also means you can put a week’s worth of groceries back there, or whatever other large items. Sporty handling we expected, but practicality is a welcome bonus.

Manual transmission: Any driving enthusiast worth their salt will gravitate towards a manual transmission, and the stick shift in the Toyota 86 doesn’t disappoint. With quick throws and excellent gearing, it enhances driving pleasure without being a chore to drive in traffic.

What Needs Improvement

Power: The modest power output of the four-cylinder engine — peaking at 205 horsepower — has always been this car’s biggest drawback. It’s not exactly slow, but considering the extroverted styling and purpose-built design, it feels like it deserves more oomph.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Toyota 86 features and specs

GT Black 2WD 2D Coupe

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Leather Seats
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Pioneer Sound System
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

205

Torque (ft-lbs)

156

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

166.7"

Width

69.9"

Height

50.6"

Leg room

F 41.9"/R 29.9"

Head room

F 37.1"/R 35"

Front tires

P215/45WR17

Rear tires

P215/45WR17

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Manual 6

2018 Toyota 86 FAQ

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