2018 Toyota 86 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2018 Toyota 86 is a fun sports car that the average driver can easily afford. Although the Toyota 86 is not extremely powerful, track-worthy handling and sleek styling make it an appealing choice. You can also take advantage of the 86’s reasonable fuel economy.

What’s New for 2018?

This year, Toyota offers a new 860 Special Edition trim. It boasts a number of exclusive styling cues, including black racing stripes and a special set of 17-inch wheels.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Toyota 86 – The Pros

1. Priced Just Right

If you can’t afford a premium sports car such as a Porsche 911, the 2018 Toyota 86 will prove to be a great alternative. It has an attractive MSRP of less than $28,000. Furthermore, the cost of maintaining the 86 is very inexpensive. Routine services, such as changing the oil, will certainly not break the bank.

2. Lively Four-Cylinder Engine

Developed by Subaru, the 86’s four-cylinder engine packs enough oomph for most drivers. It pushes out a healthy 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. To extract the most possible performance out of the engine, choose the manual gearbox. When equipped with a manual, the 86 takes around 6.7 seconds to hit 60 mph.

3. Decent Fuel Economy

The 2018 Toyota 86 delivers reasonable gas mileage for a sports car. The automatic version is rated to return 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the manual-equipped 86 delivers 21 mpg in town and 28 mpg on the open road. You will need to fill the fuel tank with premium gasoline.

4. World-Class Handling

When it comes to road handling, the 2018 Toyota 86 can rival sports cars that are far more costly. Drivers love the car’s nimbleness. A stiff suspension and lightweight body make the 86 feel incredibly responsive. You can also take advantage of the 86’s Torsen limited-slip differential, which helps ensures the optimum stability on twisty roads.

5. TRD Performance Division

Toyota’s TRD division offers several performance upgrades for the new 86. The high-flow TRD exhaust system is a must for the drivers who desire a more aggressive sound. On the other hand, TRD’s racing wheels can take the 86’s handling to the next level. Because these performance parts are manufactured and installed by Toyota, they will not void your original warranty.

6. Looks Like a True Sports Car

The 2018 Toyota 86 has a sleek look that grabs your attention. It squats low to the ground like a true sports car. Meanwhile, a short trunk accentuates the 86’s wide stance. LED headlights and a sporty set of 17-inch alloy wheels come standard. If you want to make a bolder statement, check out the 860 Special Edition model.

7. Race-Inspired Interior Design

While sitting in the 86’s cockpit, you will immediately notice its sporty theme. A performance gauge cluster and aluminum pedals give you the feeling of driving an actual track car. Sport seats help keep you firmly planted at all times. You will also appreciate the cabin’s easy-to-use features. Both the climate control system and the touch-screen interface are simple to operate.

8. Most Important Features Come Standard

Although the 860 Special Edition trim packs a few more luxuries, the base model comes equipped with several popular features. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel enables you to obtain a relaxed driving position. The standard backup camera is a feature that you will likely use of an everyday basis. Some of the other notable standard equipment includes Bluetooth integration, a 7.0-inch display, and HD radio.

9. Advanced Traction Control System

Whether you are having fun on a curvy road or sprinting around the track, the 86’s advanced traction control system will help keep you out of trouble. If you happen to experience a loss of traction, the system will immediately intervene. Furthermore, the traction control system can be adjusted to suit your specific skill level.

10. Practical Sports Car

Unlike some sports cars, the 2018 Toyota 86 offers a great deal of practicality. Not only is the 86 easy to drive, but it also offers enough cargo space to accommodate groceries and travel bags. Despite the car’s small size, it actually provides enough legroom for tall drivers to travel in comfort.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Toyota 86 – The Cons

1. Not Super Fast

When fitted with a manual gearbox, the 2018 Toyota 86 is quite entertaining to drive. Nevertheless, most drivers won’t describe it as being a fast car. The optional automatic transmission certainly hurts the 86’s acceleration. When tested on the track, the automatic version recorded a below-average 0-60 time of 7.7 seconds. Even the typical family sedan will be able to keep pace.

2. Lacks Advanced Safety Technologies

Aside from its advanced traction control system, the new 86 doesn’t offer many high-tech driving aids. You won’t have access to innovations such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. In order to remain safe, drivers will need to remain focused on the road.

3. Backseat Lacks Legroom

Unsurprisingly, the 86 is not a great family vehicle. Only small children will be able to fit in the back. Most owners will use the 86’s rear seat as an extra storage area.

How it stacks up to the competition:

Some of the primary competitors include the 2018 Mazda Miata and the 2018 Subaru BRZ. In comparison to the Miata, the Toyota 86 feels a bit more planted on the road. You will also notice the Miata’s lack of a backseat. Although the Subaru BRZ is structurally similar to the Toyota 86, some drivers may prefer the Toyota 86’s subtle styling differences.

Conclusion:

The 2018 Toyota 86 continues to deliver an enjoyable driving experience. While most drivers will use the 86 for commuting, the available TRD performance parts can easily transforms the 86 into a capable track machine. If you can live without features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can expect the Toyota 86 to keep you happy on an everyday basis.