2017 Toyota 86 – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

The All New Toyota 86 is as Fun as it Looks

Without a doubt, there are cars of the same class with more powerful engines. But there’s just something sweet and special about driving an ultra light-weight and rev-happy engine that continuously begs to be driven hard. At a sub 30k entry level price point, the Toyota 86 beats any other sports cars out on the market in terms of fun and handling money can buy.

All is not without flaws though. Given its budget constraints, the Toyota 86 had to skimp out on interior quality and compromise its essentially unusable rear seats for a shorter wheelbase for improved handling. Though the Toyota 86 scores a combined city/highway EPA ratings mpg, that number is easily diminished if you have a heavy foot on the pedal.

The Toyota 86 is not new however. Its looks are virtually identical to the re-branded Scion FR-S and its sister Subaru BR-Z with the only difference of wearing a different badge and different color choices. For 2017, Toyota promises to deliver enhanced performance, handling and styling upgrades from its previous generations.

Powertrain and Styling – From Good to Better

Only one engine is available across all models of the Toyota 86, but has the option for a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift, or a six speed manual transmission. For 2017, The automatic transmission option will cost an additional $1200. The automatic transmission comes with dynamic rev management system and produces 200 peak horse power and 151 ft-lb of torque. The manual transmission receives a rear differential ratio change from 4.1 to 4.3, enabling a peak horsepower improvement to 205 horsepower and 156 ft-lbs of torque. Both models also receive strengthened piston head surface and reduced friction for improved fuel efficiency as well as optimized intake and exhaust manifold.

Styling also gets a few minor visual upgrades with a larger air intake to emphasize its low and wide stance, new LED headlamp design and LED tail lights.

All models now generously come standard with an eight-speaker, 6,1” Display Audio System with Bluetooth capability, air conditioning, passenger side rear walk-in assist, aluminum sport pedals with rubber inserts, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, cruise control, power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors.

Looks and Feel

There’s no denying on the fact that the Toyota 86 is a great looking car; even after its initial debut of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BR-Z back in 2013. But given its miniature size and vast popularity from its entry level price point, I feel the Toyota 86 does suffer a bit from the lack of visual prestige.

Regardless of the fact, the Toyota 86 achieves all the design elements that rightfully places it into the sports car category with its sharp and aggressive front headlamps, ultra low chassis overhang, large front air intake, and an ultra short wheelbase. Its miniature 17″ diameter wheels and thin-profile rims also visually suggests its handling and agility on the track.

There’s certainly one drawback that all owners will have to live with, and that’s the lack of quality in the interior. Seating material is made up of a lower grade clothe material and so is its thin plastic interior paneling. There’s not much of a color scheme going on either. The instrument panel is built up of an ultra simple speed and tachometer with all the standard LED safety indicators and a small digital LCD display reading for its vehicle odometer, and trip information. There is also virtually no sound or road insulation, which contributes to the lower grade interior quality.

The Drive

Certainly the main reason why you buy this car. The Toyota 86 was built to be driven hard. Steering and handling are both ultra crisp and sharp, and the brakes have a very solid bite on the wheels. Disabling traction control reveals the car’s inner spirit while holding nothing back. At full revs in second speed, the tail spins easily; yet is easily recoverable via counter steer thanks to its smaller diameter steering wheel, well balanced chassis and its overall light curb weight.  There isn’t a lot of power to play with given its limited 200 horsepower output, so sticing to its peak power band in the 6 to 7000 engine RPM range is essentially for maintaining power and speed at the wheels.

The manual transmission is most definitely more fun and engaging to drive, but the automatic transmission is not bad and is still capable of delivering sharp and quick shifts via its paddle shifters.

As a daily driver, it’s easy and well composed for the most part. But given the nature of its rear wheel drive powertrain, traction is easily lost especially on the slightest of slippery or wet surfaces. There’s also a sense of instability as you approach higher speeds as well.

All in All

You certainly lose that “special” feel of climbing into your favorite sports car given the lack of quality in its interior, and to be honest, I do expect a bit more despite its sub 30k price tag. Nevertheless, any other rightfully categorized sports vehicle would require throwing in an additional 10k such as the Mazda Miata, the Nissan 370z in terms of rear-wheel drive options. However; throw all negativeness aside, the Toyota 86 is a great car that delivers exceptional handling that will draw a grin on your face even after you’ve stepped out of the car. It is the car that fully embraces a near direct bio-mechanical link between man and machine. And given the shear amount of technology and performance forcefully injected into cars every year, the Toyota 86 may perhaps be the only car out on the market that can deliver the thrilling and unique driving experience it offers.

 

 

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2017 Toyota 86
• Model : Toyota 86
• Vehicle Type : Sports Coupe
• Seating Capacity : 2+2
• Engine : 2.0L flat 4 Boxxer engine
• Horsepower: 200 hp, 151 lb-ft of of torque (Automatic).  205 hp, 156 lb-ft torque (manual)
• Transmission :  6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual
• Price as tested: $32, 598 (Automatic transmission).

Pros

• Sharp and sporty styling
• Exceptional handling
• Low entry price-point for sports car coupe category
• Ultimate fun machine

Cons

• Small miniature size makes it look cheap
• Lack of interior quality
• Not a comfortable for a daily driver.
• Hopeless for climate immunity due to small diameter wheels, and RWD configuration.