2019 Toyota 86

T2 Trainspotting, Tron: legacy, Jurassic World, these are all sequels that came way after the original. Everything in them is new, the story, the effects, the actors, etc., but still they will always remain sequels for their predecessors. The latest trend of this decade is to build new things and badge them as their older successful ones. As you might remember, Trainspotting and Tron sequels failed to recreate the success the originals had. Is it the same with the Toyota 86, or is it the automotive equivalent of Star Wars Episode VII?

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 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.

So, is the little Toyota up to the challenge? You can have the 2019 Toyota 86 can be yours for just $26,455, or more if you fancy the expensive features. As for the competition, there quite a lot of options you can buy for this kind of money. Then should you? Let’s find out.

There is a new, limited edition trim added for 2019. The TRD Special Edition is an even sharper handling package, but sadly does not have a power bump. It uses the same stock engine with the same power output.

Trim	86	GT	TRD Special Edition
MSRP RWD	$26,455	$28,585	$32,420
Key Features	Chrome-tipped dual exhaust	Matte-black rear wing with color-keyed end plates	TRD performance exhaust
	Sport steering wheel with audio controls	Leather-trimmed heated sport front seats	TRD front, rear and side underbody spoilers
	Boxer-Four engine Paddle shifters (available AT only)	4.2-in. TFT Multi-Information Display (MID)	TRD tricolor side-body graphic
	Sport-tuned suspension	Smart Key System 24 with Push Button Start	Brembo 28 brakes and SACHS 27 performance dampers
	Body-strength reinforcement	Dual zone automatic climate control	TRD 18-in. split-spoke alloy wheels

We Recommend

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

The 2019 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 2019 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 2019 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 the manufacturer. For the premium it demands (it costs $32,420), Toyota could have offered an engine upgrade.

Models	Toyota 86	Ford Mustang EcoBoost	Dodge Challenger SXT	BMW 4 Series 430i	Chevrolet Camaro
MSRP	$26,455	$26,120	$27,295	$44,800	$25,500
Engine	2.0-liter Boxer-4	2.3L, Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine	3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine	2.0L Inline-4	2.0L Inline-4 Turbo engine
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed manual	8-Speed Automatic	8-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Horsepower	205 hp @ 7,000 rpm	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	305 hp @ 6350 rpm	248 hp @ 5200 rpm	275hp @ 5600
Torque	156 lbs.-ft. @ 6,400 rpm	350 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm	268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm	258 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm	295lb.ft. @ 3000-4500

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, if performance is your need, you could get some aftermarket mods installed. Being a popular car amongst tuners, there are plenty of customization options, both domestic and imported.

Models	Toyota 86	Ford Mustang EcoBoost	Dodge Challenger SXT	BMW 4 Series 430i	Chevrolet Camaro
0-60 MPH	6.2	5	6.3	5.5	5.4
Quarter mile	15	13	14.8	NA	14
Engine	2.0	2.3	3.6	2.0	2.0
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.4	7.1	-	-	-

The EcoBoost Mustang pulls ahead of the group owing to its raw power. BMW 4-series and Chevrolet Camaro follow behind with Dodge Challenger in their rear-view mirror. The rest of the competition is significantly slower.

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.

Model	Toyota 86	Ford Mustang EcoBoost	Dodge Challenger SXT	BMW 4 Series 430i	Chevrolet Camaro
Brake Front (in.)	11.6	12.6	12.6	12.3	-
Brake Rear (in.)-	11.4	12.6	12.6	11.8	-
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2776	3532	3894	3574	3354
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	128	176 (70-0 mph)	NA	129

Ride and Handling

Handling is where the 86 excels, and with better tires, you will understand that the limits of the chassis exceeding 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.

With larger 18-inch wheels and premium dampers for suspension, the TRD 86 is a far better handler. Where the 86 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 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.

Model	Toyota 86	Ford Mustang EcoBoost	Dodge Challenger SXT	BMW 4 Series 430i	Chevrolet Camaro
MPG (city)	21	21	19	24	22
MPG (highway)	28	31	30	34	31
MPG (combined)	24	25	23	27	25

The EcoBoost Mustang stands well to its name, being quite economical. 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.

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.

Model	Toyota 86	Ford Mustang EcoBoost	Dodge Challenger SXT	BMW 4 Series 430i	Chevrolet Camaro
Passenger capacity	4	4	4	4	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.1/54.5/41.9	37.6/56.3/44.5	39.3/58.5/42	39.8/55.3/42.2	38.5/TBD/43.9
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	35.0/51.7/29.9	34.8/52.2/30.6	37.1/53.9/33.1	36.1/51.7/33.0	-

Coupes rarely offer spacious rear seats, and that tradition is well followed in this segment. Rear seats are best reserved for younger members of the family, and adults should strictly stick to the front.

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.

Model	Toyota 86	Ford Mustang EcoBoost	Dodge Challenger SXT	BMW 4 Series 430i	Chevrolet Camaro
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	6.9	13.5	16.2	15.7	9.1

Dodge wins with its spacious boot, best in here, courtesy its gigantic dimensions. BMW demands a premium over the other cars, but manages to only play runner up in the cargo space category.

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 little Toyota 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 is just 101-inch, which further adds to the maneuverability.

Model	Toyota 86	Ford Mustang EcoBoost	Dodge Challenger SXT	BMW 4 Series 430i	Chevrolet Camaro
Curb weight (lbs.)	2,776	3532	3894	3543	3354
Length(in)	166.7	188.5	197.9	182.7	188.3
Width(in)	69.9	75.4	75.7	71.9	74.7
Height(in)	50.6	54.3	57.5	54.2	53.1
Ground clearance (in)	4.9	NA	5.2	5.1	TBD
Wheelbase (in)	101.2	107.1	116.2	110.6	110.7
Track width (in) F/R	59.8/60.6	62.3/64.9	63.4/63.8	60.8/62.8	62.5/63.7

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 hold a comfortable middle ground here, being neither tiny nor enormous.

Design and styling

There hasn’t been any change in styling in the 2019 Toyota 86, and except for the added decals on the TRD, you’d never know the difference between this and the 2018 model. 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 shaper, with a fresh front lip and grille design. The rear too has been updated, and has split bumpers surrounding the dual exhaust pipes. There is also a rear splitter under the body, but its for looks rather than functionality.

The 2019 Toyota 86 comes loaded 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
• Dual-stage deployment airbags
• Seat-mounted front-seat side pelvis / torso airbags
• Side-curtain airbags protecting front and rear outboard occupants
• 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 the car. 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 upgrade. You could have a reputed mechanic install those for you, or if you grease on your elbows, do it yourself.

Toyota 86 vs Subaru BRZ

These two cars are twins who were born together, but raised separately. A result of Toyota and Subaru joint collaboration, 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. Look for the better deal on the two, as different dealerships have different ongoing offers in different cities.

Until the Toyota Supra starts production, Toyota 86 is the closest you get to a small, purpose built Japanese performance coupe. If rumors are to be believed, the 86 might be the only budget offering amongst between the two. Supra might compete in the big leagues, not unlike the Acura NSX, which is another retro name revived recently by another Japanese Manufacturer.

Excusing the tiny engine, there isn’t much to complain about this pocket rocket. It was built for cheap thrill, and it offers that three bags full. One advice: get the manual. Don’t know how to drive stick? Go sign up for driving classes.