2018 Toyota 86 review
Toyota 86 highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Balanced and forgiving handling make for an easy and fun drive
- Excellent steering feel and response
- Comfortable and supportive front seats
Cons
- Modest acceleration with no engine upgrade
- Significant highway noise
- Not as well equipped as Subaru BRZ twin
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 28 highway, 24 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Rear-wheel drive and fun to drive, the Toyota 86 is an excellent sports car
Everything about the 2018 Toyota 86 is an homage to affordable sports cars, right down to the name, which evokes a classic Toyota model loved by those in the “drifting” racing scene. While not a powerhouse, its excellent handling, sharp steering and strong brakes make it a fun and willing driving partner on your favorite twisting roads.
Visibility is outstanding, and the driver and passenger seat are both surprisingly comfortable. The rear seats are less than ideal when it comes to functionality, but fold down to expand the cargo area to something that’s bigger than you might think.
We do wish there was more power on tap, and that the 86 wasn’t quite so noisy on the highway or around town. There’s also a lack of modern technology. Driver assist systems are limited to a backup camera, and there’s no Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. The latter could be more easily forgiven, but both are available on the 86’s twin, the Subaru BRZ.
All Toyota 86 years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota 86 generation from 2017 to 2020
What is new for the 2018 Toyota 86?
- The 86 is available in a variety of new trims, including the GT and GT Black.
- The 860 Special Edition trim has been discontinued for 2018.
- 86 trims have been upgraded with Leather & Suede Seats and Pioneer Sound System as standard equipment this year.
2018 Toyota 86 trims
Curious how Toyota 86 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 200-hp, 151-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- 205-hp, 156-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Mirrors
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- View our Toyota 86 inventory
GT Black:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- 2.0L
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Smart Key
- Rear Spoiler
- Leather Seats
- View our Toyota 86 GT Black inventory
GT:
- Includes all features available on the GT Black
- No significant upgrades found on the GT
- View our Toyota 86 GT inventory
Toyota 86 photos
What We Like:
Steering and handling: This is truly a driver’s car, with quick and sharp steering, and a responsive and fun suspension and chassis. Most surprising, the suspension is even decent around town, delivering better-than-expected ride quality. It’s the kind of car that’s perfectly suitable for a day-to-day drive to the grocery store and your daily commute, but one that you can also enjoy wringing out on your favorite canyon roads on the weekends.
Practicality: When it first debuted, part of this car’s mission was to be accommodating as a weekend track car. To help make that happen, the rear seats fold down to expand the cargo area, making it big enough to fit a full set of wheels and tires, plus a tool kit. That also means you can put a week’s worth of groceries back there, or whatever other large items. Sporty handling we expected, but practicality is a welcome bonus.
Manual transmission: Any driving enthusiast worth their salt will gravitate towards a manual transmission, and the stick shift in the Toyota 86 doesn’t disappoint. With quick throws and excellent gearing, it enhances driving pleasure without being a chore to drive in traffic.
What Needs Improvement
Power: The modest power output of the four-cylinder engine — peaking at 205 horsepower — has always been this car’s biggest drawback. It’s not exactly slow, but considering the extroverted styling and purpose-built design, it feels like it deserves more oomph.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Toyota 86 features and specs
Curious how Toyota 86 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
GT Black 2WD 2D Coupe
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Pioneer Sound System
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Navigation System
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
200
Torque (ft-lbs)
151
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
101.2"
Overall length
166.7"
Width
69.9"
Height
50.6"
Leg room
F 41.9"/R 29.9"
Head room
F 37.1"/R 35"
Front tires
P215/45WR17
Rear tires
P215/45WR17
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Toyota 86 FAQ
The 2018 Toyota 86 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- GT Black: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Base: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- GT: 24 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The 2018 Toyota 86 has received an average 3.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Toyota 86, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Toyota 86 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Toyota 86:
- GT
- GT Black
- Leather & Suede Seats
- Pioneer Sound System
- Leather Seats
Research other vehicles
- All things EV
- 2022 Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid review
- 2019 GMC Savana 3500 review
- 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid review
- 2013 Honda Civic review
- 2023 Jeep Renegade review
- 2025 Kia K5 review
- 2020 Kia K900 review
- 2025 Kia Niro review
- 2025 Land Rover Range Rover PH review
- 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport review
- 2020 Toyota 86 review
- 2017 Toyota 86 review
- 2019 Toyota 86 review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.
