2017 Toyota 86

Overview

The battle of the small, affordable sports cars is a contest between two sets of twins. On the less practical side, there are the mechanically similar Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 Spider, both of them tiny softtop roadsters. On the everyday-friendly side sit the Toyota 86 and its Subaru-badged twin, the BRZ. With generous front-seat room and rudimentary back seats that fold to expand trunk space, the 86 and BRZ are fun rear-drive coupes suitable for the daily grind as well as track-day forays.

What's New for 2017?

On a superficial level, the 86 nameplate is all new for 2017. And by that we mean the actual nameplate, because the 86 is really a rebadged Scion FR-S that was brought into the Toyota fold after the Scion brand’s recent death. In addition to new badges, there are suspension updates aimed at delivering a better ride, structural enhancements to stiffen the body shell, an upgraded engine and exhaust, and improved gearing for manual-transmission models.

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Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $27,150
• Special Edition: $30,050

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 86 is buoyed by its rear-drive layout and sweet transmissions. Decidedly less satisfying is its Subaru-sourced 205-hp 2.0-liter flat-four engine, which is rough, loud, and suffers from an odd dip in torque midway through the rev range. Put bluntly, this engine is nowhere near as refined or exciting as the inline-four in the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Although we prefer the manual transmission’s notchy, short-throw shifter, the 86’s optional six-speed automatic is the rare self-shifter that doesn’t ruin the fun. The automatic offers up quick shifts both when it handles gearchanges and when the driver orders up- or downshifts via the shift paddles. Despite its less than thrilling engine, the 86 delights with sharp handling, quick steering, and grip-challenged all-season tires that enable sideways antics at fairly low speeds. This rip-it-up hooligan side is the 86’s most appealing personality trait. The 2017 suspension updates have resulted in a smooth ride without compromising body control or handling, while a stiffer body shell does a better job of absorbing any brutal suspension impacts.

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Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

In contrast to its convertible Mazda and Fiat competitors, the 86 is a comfortable fit for drivers and front-seat passengers. Material quality and fit and finish inside the 86 are decent, although the mechanically identical Subaru BRZ spoils with richer duds and more features. The cabin design is simple and straightforward, with a row of manual temperature and fan controls beneath a 7.0-inch touchscreen. Fancy items such as heated seats, automatic climate control, and proximity-key entry with push-button start are limited to the Special Edition model. We wouldn’t dare call the 86’s cargo space and storage bins spacious, but compared with the highly impractical Mazda MX-5 Miata and Fiat 124 Spider, the roomier Toyota coupe is a veritable minivan.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Running the software found in nearly every current Toyota product, the 86’s infotainment system is familiar and straightforward to use. A lack of hard buttons and small onscreen icons are drawbacks, as is the absence of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every 86 ships with a 7.0-inch touchscreen system equipped with Bluetooth, navigation, HD radio, and a USB 2.0 port. We wish there were more hard-button shortcuts to key menus. Users who find themselves in a specific menu, such as audio or navigation, must stab an onscreen “Back” button to reach a home menu that displays pathways to other menus.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Toyota 86’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.