2019 Toyota 86 Review

It's easy to pick on the 2019 Toyota 86 and count the ways it falls just short of excellent. It's small inside. There's limited passenger and cargo space. It's not particularly comfortable, especially for taller drivers, and its technology feels dated and inadequate. Most damning is that the 86 simply lacks power and looks faster at idle that it actually is. While there are solutions for more speed in aftermarket engine kits, the from-the-factory reality is that the 86 is slower than just about anything else you'd likely cross-shop it with. But that doesn't mean it's not fun to drive.

The fun comes from when the road begins to bend. With precise steering and playful handling, the 86 always engages, especially with the standard six-speed manual transmission. The harder you drive it around a freeway on-ramp or stretch it out along a twisting back road, the more it rewards. It's just a shame it runs out of steam so soon.

For 2019, a new 86 TRD Special Edition joins the lineup. While it's no faster than the standard 86 and 86 GT trim levels, the Special Edition is equipped with upgraded handling and braking hardware. It's an excellent off-the-shelf solution for a driver interested in testing his or her skills at local autocross or track-day events.

While many great performance coupes or hatchbacks are available today at comparable prices, the 86 has plenty going for it. Toyota left enough room to personalize it with power, handling and styling aftermarket upgrades, making it a great canvas for enthusiast owners. And like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a similar car with just-enough power, the 86's charm lies in its overall balance. A skilled driver can drive it very fast, but you don't need to be an aspiring racer to enjoy it.

What's it like to live with?

The Toyota 86 has barely changed in all the years since it was the Scion FR-S. (Remember Scion?) While that's a bit of a problem in some ways — cough, cough, we want CarPlay, cough — it means our impressions of the 2013 Scion FR-S that we bought to live with for a year are still just as relevant today. And we lived hard with the FR-S, slapping on a supercharger, exhaust, and fresh wheels and tires. You can read all about our long-term test with Toyota's entry-level rear-wheel-drive sports car.