What's New
The 2020 Toyota 86 may be approaching old age in its model cycle, but it gets some refreshingly modern changes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally standard, which is a welcome update from Toyota.
The 86 gets a new TRD Handling Package, which is a mirror of last year’s TRD edition. Finally, 2020’s special model is the Hakone Edition, which gets exclusive green paint, black and tan Alcantara upholstery, and bronze wheels.
Choosing Your Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 comes in three trims: 86, GT, and Hakone Edition. The price range is fairly narrow, with prices starting at $27,940 including destination for the base 86 and only climbing to $30,825 for the Hakone Edition.
Engine Choices
The 86 uses only one engine, and it doesn’t come from Toyota. The 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder originated at Subaru, and it sits low in the engine compartment to lower the car’s center of gravity.
The unit produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. That’s not much for a sports car, but it’s still more than the 86’s closest rival, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. All 86 models are rear-wheel drive.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but a six-speed automatic is available for $295. The 86 is aimed at purists, and they get a bonus in the power department – opting for the automatic means losing five hp and lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy checks in at an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 combined with the manual, or 24/32/27 mpg (city/highway/combined) with the automatic.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Toyota bills the 86 as having a four-passenger capacity, but the back is only suitable for children. With less than 30 inches of rear legroom, it won’t be comfortable for adults.
Cargo capacity is even more disappointing, with just 6.9 cubic feet of storage behind the seats. Using the rear seats as extra storage helps, but this car was never designed for hauling gear.
Safety Features
Although Toyota is generally an industry leader when it comes to safety, the 86 is an exception. The 86 gets no standard or available active safety tech. These features tend to be less common on sports cars.
Connectivity
A 7-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duty, with the usual USB and aux ports plus Bluetooth compatibility. For 2020, the system gains Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The base 86 makes its sporting intentions known with a Torsen limited-slip differential, a short-throw manual gearbox, and sport bucket seats. The exterior sees LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Even in base form, the 86 can add the new TRD Handling Package ($2,320) when equipped with the manual. The bundle adds a host of performance upgrades, including Brembo brakes, aerodynamic panels, 18-inch wheels, sticky tires, and improved dampers.
The GT ups its luxury game with imitation suede accents, heated front seats with leather bolsters, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED fog lights, push-button start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and parking brake handle. The driver gets a 4.2-inch digital display cluster, and the rear wing turns matte black.
The 18-inch wheels are also standard at this trim, which means that the TRD Handling Package costs only $1,270.
The Hakone Edition is all about aesthetics, with its svelte bronze wheels, black and tan upholstery, and handsome green paint. It’s otherwise equipped exactly like the GT trim, although it receives a deep-pile trunk mat to sweeten the deal.
Notably, the Hakone Edition cannot add the TRD Handling Package.
In Subaru’s version of this car, the BRZ, the base trim doesn't get the option for the performance bundle. This makes the base 2020 Toyota 86 with the TRD Handling Package an excellent value, and it won’t fail to put a smile on the face of an enthusiastic driver.