2020 Toyota 86

The '86' is not a new name. Fans and enthusiasts may remember the popular “Hachi-Roku” (Japanese; literal translation: Eight-Six) drifting on the roads of Kanto, Japan, delivering Tofu to mysterious clients across Mount Akina. The original 86 wasn’t the model name, but rather the name of the platform: AE86. The car models were Toyota Corolla Levin and Toyota Sprinter Trueno, both part of the 5th Gen Corolla. They were small, front-engine/rear-wheel-drive models, and were quite popular amongst the tuner community in Japan. Sadly, the States were never a witness to the car back when it was in its prime. Then, suddenly, the 86-badge returned and was launched on the American shores as well.

For 2020, the Toyota 86 comes in three different trim levels. There is a new, limited-edition trim added for 2020. The TRD Special Edition is an even sharper handling package but still does not have a power bump. It uses the same stock engine with the same power output.

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If you are reading this review while the TRD variant is still available, then go buy it before you proceed further. Otherwise, the GT will suit you quite well.

"The 2020 Toyota 86 is one of the most driver-focused sports cars on the market for those who can overlook its humble power output It’s showing its age, but for 2020 Toyota has added a few options to extend its appeal for those looking for a nimble, fun-to-drive affordable sports car." -The Car Connection

Engine and Transmission

The 2020 Toyota 86 makes do with 205 horses under the hood, which isn’t a lot. The naturally aspirated mill was developed in a joint effort with Subaru, hence the boxer layout. You get the option to command gear changes, either via a gearstick, or vis paddles behind the wheel (Optional on the 6-speed automatic gearbox).

The engine is slightly detuned in the automatic variant and makes an insignificant 5 HP less. The limited-edition TRD has no power advantage over the base model, for reasons best known to Toyota. For the premium it demands (it costs $32,420), we sorely needed an engine upgrade.

The different cars in this segment offer vastly different powertrains, ranging from tiny 1.4 liters on the Fiat 124 to 3.6-liter V6 on the Dodge Challenger. There are manual transmissions as standard on a few, as they are both cheap and engaging.

Acceleration

There is only so much the 2-liter boxer can pull. It takes a little over 6 seconds to reach 60 MPH from a standstill. The stock car struggles to overtake its rivals, which is why you would have to get some aftermarket mods installed. Being a popular car amongst tuners, there are plenty of customization options, both domestic and imported.

The EcoBoost Mustang pulls ahead of the group owing to its raw power. BMW 4-series follows behind with Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro in its rear-view mirror. The rest of the competition is significantly slower and the Toyota 86 could easily lose a drag race from all of them in factory configuration.

Braking

With anti-lock brakes, stability, and traction control as standard, you can confidently floor the brake pedal. The car screeches to a halt in just 120 feet, great figures for a “budget” car. The TRD variant gets colored Brembo calipers all around, and the Michelin rubber aids them in deceleration.

Ride and Handling

Handling is where the 86 excels, and with better tires, you will understand that the limits of the chassis exceed the limits of the engine. The car takes to a mountain road like fish to water, and experienced drivers are sure to love its tire-shredding antics. It is easy to let the rear end loose around the corner, even with the traction control on. Over time, you'll find you would spend more on tires than on fuel the next time you take your 86 round the track.

With larger 18-inch wheels and premium dampers for suspension, the TRD 86 is a far better handler. Where the 86 GT loves to wag its tail like a playful dog, the TRD goes about like a wolf on the hunt. Grip levels are enormous, unsettling even if you aren’t prepared for it. It all sounds great, but remember, the BRZ offers everything except the colored brake pads.

The tiny Subaru engine returns 21 miles to the gallon in the city, decent for this segment. Highways runs return a little more, 28 miles per gallon. The auto has a better gas mileage, adding 3 miles every gallon to the manual’s figures, although a heavier right foot might change all that. The fuel tank has a capacity of 13.2 gallons. So, a cruise along the back roads is not out of the question.

The EcoBoost Mustang stands well to its name, being quite economical at a combined EPA rating of 24 mpg. The cake, however, is taken by the Beemer which returns 24 miles to the gallon in the city, and 34 on open roads.

"The interior of the 86 is purposeful and minimalist. There's also plenty of space and good outward visibility. Every control is right at your fingertips."-Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

With its compact dimensions and sloping coupe roofline, there is no way passengers would be comfortable in the rear seats of the 86. The utterly cramped rear seats are best used when folded down for extra trunk space. Two adults can easily fit in front seats, which are quite comfortable and accommodating. The cabin quality isn’t premium, but the build quality is solid. Even so, you do notice a little rattle when you start to pull the envelope.

The TRD gets red accents everywhere; the seats, the steering wheel, the stitching, etc. The dash is adorned with one TRD logo, which serves to remind the passenger that they aren’t inside a simple no-thrills 86. Apart from that, there aren’t many differences that separate it from the GT.

Coupes rarely offer spacious rear seats, and that tradition is followed well in this segment. Rear seats are best reserved for younger members of the family, and adults should strictly stick to the front. The Dodge Challenger is the most spacious of all, offering a lot of room for both front and rear passengers.

Cargo volume

As was with the rear seats, the trunk volume is extremely limited. There aren’t many things you can fit in there, and the small loading bay makes matters worse. If you like to spend the weekend on the road, you could pull down the rear seats to get a fair amount of usable space. You should pack light as well, as the small-item storage in the front won't do you any favors as well. Aside from a couple of cupholders and a glove box, there is barely anything that can supplement the storage.

Dodge wins with its spacious boot, best in here, courtesy of its gigantic dimensions. BMW demands a premium over the other cars but manages to only play the runner up in the cargo space category. Still, its trunk is easier to operate and the wider lid makes it easier to load any luggage in.

"A body kit for the front and rear bumpers and the side sills plus a modest three-piece spoiler make the TRD look just slightly more menacing than the stock 86." -Car and Driver

Dimensions and weight

Being short, low and, well, just tiny, the Toyota 86 manages to save quite a lot of building material. With well under 3000 pounds, the 86 is super easy to flick around and fit into tiny spaces. With length under 170 inches and width under 70, this car sits at the bottom of every size chart. The wheelbase measures at just 101 inches, which further adds to the maneuverability of the car.

The Challenger hauls the most metal and consequently is the heaviest and the largest in here. The Beemer is closely matched to the Subaru in terms of dimensions, followed closely by the Mustang. The Camaro holds a comfortable middle ground here, being neither tiny nor enormous.

Design and styling

There hasn’t been any change in styling in the 2020 Toyota 86, and except for the added decals on the TRD, you’d never know the difference between this and the 2018 variant. The aerodynamic styling looks very pretty and adds visual appeal to the side profile, along with the 17-inch wheels. The tail section completes the look with a simple yet elegant design.

The TRD variant looks a little sharper, with a fresh front lip and grille design. The rear too has been updated with split bumpers surrounding the dual exhaust pipes. There is also a rear splitter under the body, but it's for looks rather than functionality. The lines along the body of the 86 are sharp and smooth at all the right places.

The 2020 Toyota 86 coupe has undergone a variety of crash tests from the NHTSA and the IIHS. Both the organizations have granted it good overall scores regarding the car's performance during a crash. It has a small and lightweight body but the 86's cabin design that provides several crumple zones to the front and sides keeps the occupants safe from the worst of injuries.

You should not expect any lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control when going for the 86. Its impeccable handling capabilities are the best measure to avoid any possible collision. Still, the 2020 Toyota 86 comes with a host of safety features:

• Vehicle Stability Control with Track mode
• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System
• Brake Assist
• Daytime Running Lights
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Dual-stage deployment front airbags
• Seat-mounted front-seat side pelvis/torso airbags
• Side-curtain airbags for front and rear
• Height- and tilt-adjustable active front-seat head restraints
• Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts
• LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children

Toyota 86 vs Mazda MX5 Miata

The Miata is the original lightweight fun car, and anyone who ever owned one will have fond memories of it. Many boy racers would still argue that the MX5 Miata is the best buy here. That, however, would be an ill-informed decision. If you’re a day over 17 years old, you’d outgrow this car pretty fast. Not so say that the 86 is a powerhouse, but the Miata just feels like a knife in a gunfight. There is a silver lining here. Just like the 86, Miata has a plethora of aftermarket upgrades. You could have a reputed mechanic install those for you, or, if you like grease on your elbows, do it yourself.

Toyota 86 vs Subaru BRZ

These two cars are like twins who were born together but raised separately. As a result of Toyota and Subaru joining forces, the platform is one of the best things to come out of Japan in recent memory. There aren’t many differences between the two outside of a few equipment changes and upgrades. Both are powered by the same engine and behave similarly as you turn the steering wheel. Look for the better deal on the two, as different dealerships have different ongoing offers in different cities.

All in all, the Toyota 86 achieves what it originally aspires for. Now that a TRD edition is available, a bit more ferocious handling is possible in its stock configuration. But let's be honest, there is rarely anyone who would not want an aftermarket upgrade to boost the power from the 2.0L Boxer-four engine. If only Toyota would do it of their own accord in future versions, it would be highly appreciated.

FAQs

Why is it called the Toyota 86?

The Toyota 86 is named so because of the fact that its design was based on the AE86, the model code of the last rear-wheel driven Corolla. It was good for drifting around corners and the new 86 certainly carries forth its spirit on a high note.

Does the Toyota 86 use a Subaru engine?

The 2.0L Boxer-four engine is manufactured by Subaru, although it was jointly developed by both Toyota and Subaru. Toyota designed the direct injection system, while everything within the crankcase was developed by Subaru domestically. It is also the same engine under the hood of the BRZ.

Does Toyota 86 have Turbo?

No, the 2.0L boxer engine in the 2020 Toyota 86 is naturally aspirated. Subaru has announced that from 2020, a new 2.4L Boxer engine is being developed that will be equipped with a turbocharger. This will bump the power output to 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Toyota 86 GT a reliable car to own?

The 86 GT is not the most reliable Toyota but fares much better in terms of reliability than most other cars in its segment. It has had no recalls or investigations into its safety aspects since it was first launched in November 2018. In case of any issues, Toyota does cover the car with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.