2019 Toyota 86

The budget-conscious Toyota 86 starts off with an MSRP of $26,655, excluding taxes, registration, and a $930 destination charge. Ranked above the base model is 86 GT, offering additional creature comforts and features to offer a better-equipped package, at an MSRP of $28,785, only $2,130 over Toyota's base 86. Topping off the line-up is Toyota's 86 TRD Special Edition. With only 1,418 ever being produced, the $32,470 price tag seems a lot more reasonable.

Where the 86 truly shines is in its driving characteristics. Following a strong Japanese performance heritage the 86, 86 GT and 86 TRD are visceral sports cars. Every aspect about 86, from its steering precision and taut handling, stiff chassis, grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and low seating position inspires a lively and rewarding drive. It must be noted that there is a sacrifice in terms of comfort, features, and noise. Cabin noise suppression is rather poor, with a constant reminder of its lightweight nature.

The suspension is firm without being harsh, but does immensely well to keep the car stable and pointed where you want it to go. That said, steering feedback is alive and not overbearing, giving you clear and concise reassurance as to what the front wheels are doing.

The 2019 Toyota 86 is a car you that either appreciate for what it does right or hate on for what it doesn't. Amongst the plethora of sports cars available on the market, it's easy to forget that the 86 has an entry-level cost of only $26,655. Yes, it's affordable. Yes, its interior isn't crafted by the heavens. But is it boring? No. Not in the slightest. The 86 serves as the perfect platform for enthusiast drivers, rewarding anyone who's willing to stir its stick shift along. The 86 also has a very large following of owners and prospective buyers alike, creating a community and market for these cars. The Subaru BRZ offers slightly higher-end features, and Mazda's Miata offers a more comfortable drive. The 86, however, puts a sports car within reach of the masses in a well balanced, rewarding, and purpose-built package.

Although the base 86 is a well-equipped car, it misses out on some of the features and styling that give 86 its racy feel. Despite being designed for daily use, it doubles easily as a weekend track warrior. To that end, it would greatly benefit from the dual-zone climate control and the LED fog lights 86 GT has. Furthering the daily use aspect, heated front seats and outside mirrors are valuable in winter. Thus the 86 GT is the recommended buy in our opinion, with the 86 TRD Special Edition reserved for only the most committed 86 enthusiasts looking for an exclusive piece of the pie and further enhanced driving dynamics thanks to the Sachs performance dampers.

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are platform twins, sharing just about everything imaginable amongst each other. Besides the obvious badge ringfencing, there are small differences, such as the entry-level base price nearly $1,000 cheaper on the BRZ, and optional Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available on the Subaru. The 86 also suffers a penalty to horsepower and torque when paired with an automatic transmission, where the BRZ's power figures remain constant regardless of its configuration. Fuel economy also favors the BRZ by the smallest of margins, achieving 24/33/27mpg over the 86's 24/32/27mpg as an auto. The addition of an 86 TRD Special edition is where Toyota takes the lead, with track-focused suspension and large Brembo brakes making all the difference.

Comparing the two, the 86 immediately has the advantage as its 2.0-liter flat-four configuration affords it a lower center of gravity, as well as 24 more hp and 5 lb-ft of torque compared to the Miata's 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The 86 also has a larger fuel tank, at 13.2-gallons over the Miata's 11.9, gifting it better range. The trend continues with the 86 sporting larger brakes and tires, more taut suspension and handling, and two extra seats over the Miata. The Miata does, however, offer a more comfortable ride and an interior that feels more refined. The Mazda is lighter too and offers open-top enjoyment while sacrificing cargo and rear-seat space. Buying as is, the Mazda feels better for daily use, but if you've got an eye on enhancement, the 86 feels ready for more power.