In a market saturated with underwhelming sports cars, the Toyota 86 stands out as a stylish and engaging 2+2 rear-wheel-drive coupe. This vehicle prioritizes the core elements of automotive athleticism: an ideal power-to-weight ratio, a sharp design, and exceptional balance and driving feel. The 2019 Toyota 86 lineup introduces the highly anticipated 86 TRD Special Edition, pushing the boundaries of performance even further.
Two established grades, the 86 and 86 GT, complete the Toyota 86 range, providing a comprehensive selection of standard features and the choice between a six-speed automatic or manual transmission to cater to diverse driving preferences.
Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition: The Pinnacle of Pure Driving Experience
For driving purists seeking an unadulterated sports car experience, the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition emerges as the definitive choice. Consider it the most focused and performance-oriented Toyota 86 ever offered in North America. This limited-production model is meticulously engineered for thrilling canyon drives and precise track day performance, lap after exhilarating lap.
Key enhancements contributing to this exceptional performance 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 (215/40R18 85Y size on all four corners).
Side profile view of the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition showcasing its Raven black paint and TRD body kit.
The advanced SACHS dampers significantly sharpen the Toyota 86’s steering response while enhancing overall vehicle stability and control. The oversized Brembo brakes, featuring four-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear, deliver confident and consistent stopping power, perfectly complementing the 86’s balanced cornering capabilities. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires dramatically increase grip levels, contributing to more responsive steering and enhanced feedback communicated through the car’s tactile, small-diameter steering wheel.
The Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition boasts an exclusive Raven black exterior paint, accented by a distinctive TRD tricolor graphic and a full TRD body kit. This kit encompasses a performance front bumper, aerodynamic side sills, a rear bumper with integrated diffuser, and a sporty rear spoiler, creating an aggressive and purposeful aesthetic. Furthermore, the TRD Special Edition is equipped with a standard TRD performance exhaust system, featuring polished stainless steel tips, adding a refined auditory element to its sporty character.
Close-up of the front of the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition highlighting the TRD front bumper and Raven black paint.
Inside the cabin, the TRD Special Edition features a striking red and black theme. A leather-wrapped telescoping steering wheel with red contrast stitching greets the driver, while red and black sport bucket seats with pronounced side bolsters provide enhanced support during spirited driving. A Granlux suede-like material adorns the instrument cluster, adding a touch of premium feel. A “TRD” logo is embroidered on the passenger side instrument panel, and red contrast stitching is applied throughout the interior. Even the seatbelts are finished in red, further emphasizing the sporty and exclusive nature of this special edition.
Production of the Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition is strictly limited to just 1,418 units, ensuring its exclusivity and collectibility. This ultimate performance version is exclusively available with a precise and engaging six-speed manual transmission, catering to driving enthusiasts who prefer maximum control and driver involvement.
The Toyota 86 Lineup: Base and GT Models
The standard Toyota 86 and the 86 GT models offer a compelling blend of sporty features and everyday usability. The base 86 model comes generously 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 for improved aerodynamics, and stylish 17-inch twisted spoke alloy wheels.
Stepping up to the Toyota 86 GT adds further refinements and amenities. These include integrated LED fog lamps, an aerodynamic floor undercover for enhanced airflow management, color-matched heated mirrors for added convenience in colder climates, and a matte-black rear wing with color-keyed end plates, enhancing both style and aerodynamic efficiency.
Interior shot of the Toyota 86 GT showcasing the sport bucket seats and driver-focused cockpit.
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 further adds controls for the Multi-Information Display. Additional standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control (on the 86 GT), a Granlux suede-like rear armrest cover, an anti-theft system for added security, and cruise control for comfortable highway driving. The 86 GT and TRD Special Edition models feature a Smart Key System on both driver and passenger doors with Push Button Start, along with a remote keyless entry system offering lock, two-stage unlock, panic, and trunk release functionalities.
For performance-oriented drivers, the 86 GT and TRD Special Edition models boast a 4.2-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) providing real-time vehicle data. This includes performance metrics such as a G-force meter and stopwatch, horsepower and torque curves, engine coolant and oil temperatures, and fuel consumption information. A distinctive “86” logo animation appears on the MID upon vehicle start-up, adding a touch of sporty flair.
Iconic Design Heritage: Echoes of Toyota 2000 GT and AE86
The Toyota 86 Sport Car draws significant design inspiration from the legendary Toyota 2000 GT. This heritage is evident in the 86’s low roofline, gracefully flowing front fenders, and sleek overall profile. Modern touches are seamlessly integrated, including contemporary LED front headlamps, daylight running lights, turn signals, and tail lamps, blending classic inspiration with modern aesthetics.
A visual comparison highlighting the design similarities between the Toyota 86 and the iconic Toyota 2000 GT.
The athleticism of the Toyota 86 is thoroughly modern. Its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engine, featuring Toyota’s advanced D-4S Dual Injection System, delivers a responsive 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque when paired with the six-speed manual transmission (and 200 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque with the six-speed automatic).
The engine’s “square” bore and stroke dimensions of 86 mm are no coincidence; the “86” name is a direct homage to the AE86, the global name for the Toyota Corolla GT-S, a beloved and agile rear-drive sports coupe from the mid-1980s. Known as “hachi-roku” (8-6) in Japan, the AE86 earned a reputation for its fun-to-drive nature and became a popular platform for drifting enthusiasts. The new Toyota 86 incorporates “86” logos into a badge on the front fender and within the headlamp housings, further celebrating this heritage.
Purist Sports Car Engineering: Chassis and Performance Dynamics
The Toyota 86 is built upon a purpose-engineered rear-drive sports car platform. Its chassis features a sport-tuned independent MacPherson strut front suspension with strut tower bars and reinforced mounting brackets, coupled with a sport-tuned independent multi-link rear suspension with reinforcement bracing. This setup provides a balanced and responsive foundation for agile handling.
The electric power-assist steering system is quick and precise, requiring only 2.48 turns lock-to-lock, and offers a tight 36.1-foot turning circle for excellent maneuverability. The steering is also highly communicative, transmitting valuable road feedback through the small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing driver confidence and control.
The standard 17×7-inch alloy wheels are fitted with 215/45R17 summer performance or all-season tires, depending on the model and specification. For track driving and autocross events, the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system offers a Track mode and can be fully disabled to allow for more driver control and vehicle rotation. Both manual and automatic Toyota 86 models include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on steep inclines.
Boxer Engine Performance: Power and Efficiency
The 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed aluminum Boxer engine at the heart of the Toyota 86 produces 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm (slightly lower figures for the automatic transmission version). The 86mm x 86mm bore and stroke dimensions contribute to the engine’s high-revving character, while dual variable valve timing helps ensure a broad torque curve, resulting in responsive performance across the rev range for enjoyable everyday driving.
Illustration of the 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed Boxer engine that powers the Toyota 86.
The engine’s high-performance design, achieving over 100 horsepower per liter of displacement, incorporates Toyota’s innovative D-4S Dual Injection system. This system intelligently combines direct-injection and port-injection technologies. Direct injection provides a cooling effect within the cylinders, enabling a high 12.5:1 compression ratio for maximized power output. Port fuel injectors contribute during light- and medium-load conditions to optimize combustion efficiency and fuel economy.
The Toyota 86 excels as an entertaining and well-balanced sports car on winding roads. However, it also remains a practical and economical commuter for daily driving. The Toyota 86 achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway when equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission, and 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the six-speed manual transmission.
The Toyota 86’s remarkably low weight, just under 2,800 lbs. with the manual transmission, contributes to both fuel efficiency and agile handling, making it one of the lightest sports cars in its class. An ultra-low center of gravity and a low 0.29 coefficient of drag (Cd) (0.27 Cd on 86 GT) further enhance its performance and fuel economy.
Transmission Choices: Six-Speed Manual and Automatic
The Toyota 86 offers a choice of two engaging six-speed transmissions. The standard six-speed manual transmission is a delight for driving enthusiasts, featuring a short-throw shifter and a light clutch for enjoyable and precise gear changes. For enhanced feel and durability, the manual transmission incorporates a triple-cone mesh synchromesh on first, second, and third gears, a ball-bearing-mounted shift linkage, and reverse gear lock-out protection.
The available six-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) is also a compelling option, offering rapid gear shifts, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual control, a Sport Mode for more aggressive driving, and Dynamic Rev Management technology, which automatically “blips” the throttle during downshifts for smoother transitions. A standard Torsen limited-slip differential optimizes traction between the rear wheels during cornering, regardless of transmission choice.
Sports Car Interior: Driver-Focused Comfort
The Toyota 86’s interior design continues the purist sports car approach while incorporating modern comforts suitable for daily driving. Intuitive control layouts prioritize driver focus. A large, centrally positioned tachometer dominates the easy-to-read gauge panel, integrating a digital speedometer and a programmable rev indicator. An analog speedometer is positioned to the left, while fuel level and temperature gauges are located to the right of the tachometer.
In the 86 GT, an “86” logo is subtly integrated into the Granlux material covering the instrument panel surround. The same soft-touch material enhances the door trim. As a practical 2+2 coupe, the Toyota 86 features a rear one-piece seatback that folds down to expand trunk space, adding versatility for carrying cargo.
Advanced Audio and Connectivity
The Toyota 86 comes standard with a Display Audio system featuring a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen display. The eight-speaker Pioneer audio system includes Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and wireless music streaming, HD Radio, iPod connectivity, and convenient AUX/USB inputs. Song titles, album names, and artist information are easily accessible on the head unit display.
For enhanced connectivity and navigation, an optional 86 Display Audio with Navigation system is available, featuring push-to-talk voice navigation and geo-located points of interest. Both audio systems are equipped with Aha Radio, providing access to a vast library of free audio stations, local search for restaurants and points of interest via Yelp and TripAdvisor, and integration with popular social media applications, news, sports, and entertainment. The system’s phonebook can store up to 2,500 contacts with multiple numbers per entry.
Comprehensive Safety Features
The 2019 Toyota 86 is equipped with the Toyota STAR Safety System as standard, encompassing essential safety technologies including 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 comprehensive supplemental restraint system includes driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags, driver and front passenger outboard seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags, providing extensive occupant protection. The rear seats are equipped with the Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system, accommodating front-facing child seats for family-friendly usability.
Toyota Warranty and ToyotaCare
The Toyota 86 is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, covering all components except normal wear and maintenance items. Additional warranties include a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation.
Standard ToyotaCare provides a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, offering added peace of mind and convenience.
