2018 Toyota GR86 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

While the Toyota 86 technically only came out in the U.S. in 2017, this is the same fun and tossable rear-wheel drive sports coupe that has...

While the Toyota 86 technically only came out in the U.S. in 2017, this is the same fun and tossable rear-wheel drive sports coupe that has been sliding around corners as the Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS since 2012. For 2018, the fundamental design and styling of the Toyota 86 remain the same. The major changes come in the form of two new trim packages, GT and the GT Black. They offer synthetic suede seats and extra interior and exterior accents for a small price premium.

The engine of the 86 is a 2.0-liter flat-4 that makes 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, both of which come fairly high in the rev range. The 86 comes standard with a 6-speed manual that makes enthusiasts rejoice. An automatic with paddle shifters is also available, but it robs 5 hp from the engine. The 86 gets 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined with the manual, and 24 mpg city, 32 highway, and 27 combined with the automatic — fairly impressive for something geared toward performance. Premium gasoline is required. The interior of this car favors function over luxury. The backseats are tight for adults, while the trunk has just 6.9 cubic feet of space.

The new Toyota 86 GT trim replaces the standard cloth front seats with a synthetic suede that features contrast stitching. The GT also adds keyless ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. Buyers that opt for the GT Black trim will get extra accents like black exterior mirrors. All Toyota 86s come standard with a reversing camera and a 7.0-inch touchscreen in the dash.

With the exception of the reversing camera, the 86 doesn’t offer additional safety features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 86 with Good reviews in crash testing. The Toyota 86 revitalized the affordable, rear-wheel-drive fun car market and has enjoyed several years of success. As a true all-rounder that is affordable, practical, and a thrill every time you get behind the wheel, the Toyota 86 is still in a class of one.