The 2018 Toyota 86 is a rebranded Scion FR-S – one of the twin love children of Toyota and Subaru – available in two trim levels and starting at $27,800 (which includes an $895 destination charge). Impressively packed with standard technology features, the Toyota 86 is fun to drive thanks to its revvy engine and balanced rear-wheel-drive layout, returns decent fuel economy, and is best suited for the individual looking for an entry-level sports car without breaking the bank.
A perennial slow seller despite enthusiast acclaim, the 2018 Toyota 86 enters 2018 mainly unchanged from last year, when it dropped its Scion badging. The primary differences are the emergence of a renamed trim level, an updated infotainment system, and more standard equipment across the board.
Consumers have their choice of two different trims in 2018, including the base 86 and the 86 GT (weirdly, the formal name for this car in Europe is "GT86"). A virtual clone of the GT with minor black-exterior accents is the 86 GT Black.
Each 2018 Toyota 86 is powered by the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder "boxer" engine with slight tuning modifications for the standard six-speed manual – a six-speed automatic transmission is available on either trim for an additional $720.
In manual transmission configuration, the flat-four produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Car buyers opting for the automatic gain fuel economy, but horsepower drops slightly to 200 ponies and 151 pound-feet of torque. The manual 86 returns an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city and 28 mpg highway, with the automatic increasing to 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
The entry-level $27,800 86 comes standard with 17-inch wheels, features four-way adjustable seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a suede-infused interior, a keyless entry system, and LED headlights. The infotainment system includes a seven-inch touchscreen that displays a rearview camera, has a USB port, and supplies audio to an eight-speaker Pioneer sound system.
The base trim is appointed with six-standard exterior colors, or an optional Halo color – it's just white – that can be added for an additional $395. A display audio system with voice-activated navigation can be added for an additional $900. As with most Toyota base trims, there are no convenience packages, although there are a slew of dealer-available accessories that can spice up this peppy sports car.
The 86's GT trim starts at $29,280, but with its higher price comes a rear spoiler, LED fog lights, a pair of heated power side-view mirrors, and an aero-enhanced belly pan. Inside the 2018 Toyota 86 GT, consumers will find a dual-zone climate control system, push-button start, a 4.2-inch multi-information dash display, and heated front seats. The GT Black trim is available at the same cost as the GT but features black-exterior accents including a matte-black rear spoiler, and side-view mirrors.
Want a fun, low-power, reasonably priced sports car? Then the Toyota 86 needs to be on your radar. We'd suggest grabbing the 86 GT for its more well-rounded roster of content and small premium over the base model. If you want a slightly more premium experience, though, check out the 86's fraternal twin, the Subaru BRZ. Like the GT, it's slightly more expensive, but is arguably a better value in the long run.
