In a market saturated with sports cars that often miss the mark, the Toyota 86 stands out as a beacon of authentic automotive athleticism. This stylish 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe remains true to the core principles of what makes a sports car great: an ideal power-to-weight ratio, a sharp and purposeful design, and exceptional balance and driving feel. For 2019, the 86 not only retains its celebrated spirit but elevates it further with the introduction of a thrilling new trim: the limited-production 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition.
Complementing the TRD Special Edition are the existing 86 and 86 GT grades, ensuring a comprehensive lineup that caters to a wide range of preferences and requirements. All models in the 2019 86 range are generously equipped with standard features and offer the choice of a responsive six-speed automatic or a driver-engaging six-speed manual transmission.
The Pinnacle of Purity: 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition
If there were an “organic” certification for sports cars emphasizing raw, unadulterated performance, the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition would undoubtedly set the gold standard. This model represents the purest and most focused expression of the 86 ethos ever offered in North America. It’s meticulously engineered to deliver peak performance, whether carving through winding canyon roads or attacking apexes on a race track.
Key enhancements that define the TRD Special Edition’s heightened capabilities include all-new SACHS dampers, high-performance 12.8-inch front and 12.4-inch rear Brembo brakes, and exclusive 18×7.5-inch alloy wheels shod with ultra-grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (size 215/40R18 85Y across the board).
The SACHS dampers significantly sharpen the 86’s steering response, providing more direct feedback and enhanced vehicle stability during spirited driving. The upgraded Brembo brake system, featuring large four-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers, delivers confident and consistent stopping power, crucial for both track days and demanding road conditions. These brakes also contribute to the 86’s balanced handling characteristics, allowing for later braking and more precise corner entry. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires dramatically increase grip levels, further improving steering responsiveness and enhancing the tactile connection between driver and road, communicated through the car’s perfectly sized steering wheel.
Visually, the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition makes a bold statement. It is exclusively finished in Raven black paint, accented by the iconic TRD tricolor graphic and a full TRD body kit. This kit includes a distinctive front bumper, aerodynamic side sills, a rear bumper with integrated diffuser, and a performance spoiler, all contributing to both the car’s aggressive aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency. Adding to the auditory experience, the TRD Special Edition is equipped as standard with a TRD performance exhaust system, featuring polished stainless steel tips that emit a more resonant and sporty exhaust note.
Stepping inside the TRD Special Edition reveals a cabin that is both sporty and refined. A new red and black trimmed steering wheel, wrapped in leather and featuring red contrast stitching, greets the driver. The interior also boasts red and black sport bucket seats with pronounced side bolsters for enhanced support during cornering. The instrument cluster is topped with a Granlux suede-like material, adding a touch of premium質感. A “TRD” logo is embroidered on the passenger side instrument panel, and red contrast stitching is applied throughout the cabin, extending to the red seatbelts, further emphasizing the special edition’s unique character.
Production of the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition is strictly limited to just 1,418 units, making it a truly exclusive offering. Reflecting its performance focus, this model is exclusively available with the engaging six-speed manual transmission.
The Foundation of Fun: 86 and 86 GT Grades
The 2019 Toyota 86 range also includes the well-equipped base 86 and the more feature-rich 86 GT grades, each offering a compelling blend of performance and value. The standard 86 model comes equipped with essential exterior features including LED projector-beam headlights, color-keyed power mirrors, a chrome-tipped dual exhaust system, front fender-mounted vortex generators that enhance aerodynamics, and stylish 17-inch twisted spoke alloy wheels.
Moving up to the 86 GT adds further enhancements and convenience features. These include LED fog lamps for improved visibility in inclement weather, an aerodynamic floor undercover to optimize airflow beneath the car, color-matched heated mirrors for added comfort in colder climates, and a matte-black rear wing with color-keyed end plates that adds a sporty touch while improving rear downforce.
Inside both the 86 and 86 GT, occupants are welcomed by supportive sport bucket front seats. The steering wheel in both models incorporates integrated audio controls, while the 86 GT adds controls for the Multi-Information Display. Other standard amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control (on 86 GT), a Granlux suede-like rear armrest cover, an anti-theft system for added security, and cruise control for relaxed highway driving. The 86 GT and TRD Special Edition models further benefit from the Smart Key System on both driver and passenger doors with Push Button Start, and a remote keyless entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, panic, and trunk release functionalities.
For drivers who prioritize performance data, the 86 GT and TRD Special Edition feature a 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) with dedicated vehicle data screens. This display provides real-time information such as a G-force meter, stopwatch for track timing, horsepower and torque curves to monitor engine output, engine coolant and oil temperatures for performance monitoring, and fuel consumption data for economy awareness. As a welcoming detail, an “86” logo animation appears on the MID upon vehicle start-up.
Heritage and Modernity: Design Inspiration
The design lineage of the 2019 Toyota 86 can be traced back to the legendary Toyota 2000 GT. The 86’s low roofline, gracefully flowing front fenders, and sleek side profile are clear nods to this iconic sports car. However, the 86 is distinctly modern, incorporating contemporary design elements such as LED front headlamps, daytime running lights, turn signals, and tail lamps, ensuring it looks thoroughly up-to-date.
The athleticism of the 86 is equally modern. Its 2.0-liter horizontally opposed boxer four-cylinder engine, featuring Toyota’s advanced D-4S Dual Injection System, delivers a rewarding 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the six-speed manual transmission (slightly lower figures of 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque are achieved with the six-speed automatic).
The engine’s “square” bore and stroke dimensions of 86 mm are not coincidental. For Toyota enthusiasts, the ’86’ designation is a direct homage to the AE86 generation Toyota Corolla GT-S, a beloved rear-wheel-drive sports coupe of the mid-1980s, known in Japan as “hachi-roku” (8-6). The original AE86 earned a strong reputation for its affordability, agile handling, and high-revving 1.6-liter engine, becoming a favorite among driving enthusiasts and a popular platform for drifting modifications. The new 2019 Toyota 86 proudly carries this legacy, with ’86’ logos subtly integrated into a badge on the front fender and within the headlamp housings.
Engineered for Driving Purity: Chassis and Handling
The 2019 Toyota 86 is built upon a purpose-designed rear-wheel-drive sports car platform. It features a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with strut tower bars and reinforced mounting brackets for enhanced rigidity and steering precision. At the rear, a sport-tuned independent multi-link suspension with reinforcement bracing ensures optimal handling and stability. The electric power-assist steering system is engineered for quick responses, requiring only 2.48 turns lock-to-lock, and offering a tight 36.1-foot turning circle for excellent maneuverability. Crucially, the steering system is designed to provide ample road feel, communicated directly to the driver through the small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The base 86 model rides on 17×7-inch alloy wheels fitted with 215/45R17 summer performance or all-season tires, depending on specification. For track driving or autocross events, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system offers a Track mode to allow for more driver input before intervention, and can also be completely disabled for maximum driver control. Both manual and automatic 86 models include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) as standard, preventing the car from rolling backwards when starting on steep inclines.
Boxer Engine Performance: The Heart of the 86
The 2.0-liter horizontally opposed aluminum Boxer engine in the 2019 Toyota 86 is a key element of its engaging driving experience. It produces 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm when paired with the manual transmission (automatic versions produce 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. at the same rpm points). The engine’s 86 mm x 86 mm bore and stroke dimensions contribute to its high-revving nature, while dual variable valve timing optimizes the torque curve, providing responsive performance across a wide range of driving conditions.
A key technology contributing to the engine’s impressive output and efficiency is Toyota’s D-4S Dual Injection system. This innovative system combines direct-injection and port-injection technologies. Direct injection delivers fuel directly into the cylinders, providing a cooling effect that allows for a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, maximizing power output. Port fuel injectors complement the direct injection system, particularly under light- and medium-load conditions, optimizing combustion efficiency and fuel economy.
The 2019 Toyota 86 excels as an entertaining and well-balanced sports car on winding roads, but it also remains a practical and economical vehicle for daily commuting and relaxed cruising. Models equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission achieve EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Manual transmission models are rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Contributing to both fuel efficiency and agility is the 86’s remarkably low weight. Weighing in at just under 2,800 lbs. (with the six-speed manual transmission), the 86 is among the lightest sports cars in its class. A very low center of gravity and a low coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.29 (or 0.27 Cd for the 86 GT) further enhance its performance and fuel economy.
Transmission Choices: Manual or Automatic
The 2019 Toyota 86 offers two distinct transmission choices to cater to different driving preferences. The standard six-speed manual transmission is designed for driving purists. Its short-throw shifter and light clutch action make gear changes engaging and rewarding. The transmission incorporates features like triple-cone mesh synchromesh on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears for smoother shifts, a ball-bearing-mounted shift linkage for precise feel, and reverse gear lock-out protection.
For those preferring an automatic, the available six-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a compelling alternative. It delivers quick shifts, and includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear selection, a Sport Mode for more aggressive shift programming, and Dynamic Rev Management technology, which automatically “blips” the throttle during downshifts for smoother transitions and a more engaging driving experience. Regardless of transmission choice, a standard Torsen limited-slip differential helps to maximize traction to the rear wheels during cornering.
Sports Car Cabin with Modern Comforts
The interior of the 2019 Toyota 86 reflects a purist sports car philosophy, prioritizing essential driving needs while incorporating modern comfort and convenience features suitable for everyday use. Intuitive control layouts ensure the driver can remain focused on the road. The gauge panel is dominated by a large, centrally positioned tachometer, which integrates a digital speedometer and a programmable rev indicator. An analog speedometer is positioned to the left of the tachometer, while fuel level and temperature gauges are located to the right.
In the 86 GT, the instrument panel surround is trimmed in Granlux material, featuring an ’86’ logo. The same soft-touch Granlux material is also used on the door trim. Reflecting its practicality as a 2+2 coupe, the 86 features a rear one-piece seatback that folds down to expand trunk space, offering surprising versatility.
Audio and Connectivity Features
The 2019 Toyota 86 comes standard with a Display Audio system featuring a 7-inch touchscreen display. The eight-speaker Pioneer audio system includes Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming, HD Radio, iPod connectivity, and AUX/USB inputs. Song titles, album names, and artist information are clearly displayed on the head unit.
An optional 86 Display Audio with Navigation system adds integrated navigation with voice-activated destination entry and points of interest search. Both audio systems are equipped with Aha Radio, providing access to a wide range of internet radio stations and location-based services like Yelp and TripAdvisor, as well as social media applications, news, sports, and entertainment content. The phonebook system can store up to 2,500 contacts with multiple numbers per contact.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The 2019 Toyota 86 is equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System as standard. This comprehensive suite of safety technologies includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Smart Stop Technology (SST).
The 86 also features a comprehensive supplemental restraint system, including driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags, driver and front passenger outboard seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. For families, the rear seats are equipped with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system, accommodating front-facing child seats.
Warranty and ToyotaCare
All 2019 Toyota 86 models are backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, covering all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months or 60,000 miles, and corrosion protection is provided for 60 months with no mileage limitation.
Standard ToyotaCare provides complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, adding further peace of mind to ownership.
