2019 Toyota 86 Pros vs Cons

If you're a driving enthusiasts who can't quite afford a Lamborghini or Ferrari sports car, be sure to check out the 2019 Toyota 86. While the Toyota 86 is designed to offer affordability, it doesn't sacrifice much driving excitement. This budget-friendly coupe's nimble road manners and sleek exterior design promise to leave you impressed. Great standard features make the new 86 even more special. Is the Toyota 86 the best sports car you can buy for the money?

What's New for 2019?

This year, Toyota has introduced a new TRD Special Edition model. Not only does this exclusive model come standard with several performance upgrades, but it also benefits from some special exterior touches.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Toyota 86 – The Pros

1. Fun Yet Won't Intimidate Beginners

If you are just entering the world of sports cars, the 2019 Toyota 86 may prove to be the perfect option. It's 205-horsepower engine delivers just the right amount of pep. Even amateurs won't feel intimidated to get behind the wheel. While the Toyota 86 isn't blistering fast, there's enough performance on tap to get your competitive juices flowing. When tested a the track, this value-packed sports car clocked a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds.

2. Inexpensive to Operate

In comparison to some of today's other performance-focused cars, the 2019 Toyota 86 is rather inexpensive to operate. Regular maintenance, such as replacing the spark plugs and changing the oil, should be quite affordable. You can also take advantage of the coupe's good fuel economy. Models equipped with an automatic transmission can return up to 32 mpg on premium fuel. Meanwhile, sticking with the standard manual gearbox reduces fuel economy to 28 mpg.

3. Great for Amatuer Racers

For good reason, the Toyota 86 is steadily becoming a favorite among amatuer racers. It's perfect for the weekend warriors who like to compete on the track. By folding down the rear seat, you can easily store a set of track tires and tools in the back. While the 2019 Toyota 86 handles great right out of the box, several performance goodies are available. Larger wheels and upgraded suspension components are available as dealer-installed options.

4. Inexpensive Sports Car

An attractive MSRP makes the 2019 Toyota 86 a hard value to pass up. Prices start at a reasonable $26,400, which is roughly $3,500 less than a new 2019 Nissan 370Z. Amazingly, Toyota also gives buyers a lot of standard equipment for the money. Some of the highlights include an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio, a 7.0-inch touch-screen display, and LED headlights. The 86's powertrain will be covered by Toyota for 60,000 miles.

5. Roomy, Sporty Cockpit

When driving the Toyota 86, it'll feel like you're in a classic sports car. It's cockpit is designed to give drivers a strong sense of command. Race-inspired gauges and a thick steering wheel also create an exciting atmosphere. A large tachometer helps you shift gears at the ideal rpm. Despite the 86's small stature, it's not just for small people. There's actually enough space in the front for tall drivers.

6. Very Good-Looking Sports Car

Even when sitting beside high-dollar sports cars, the 2019 Toyota 86 is able to hold its own. You'll love the 86's low stance and sleek curves. Aside from helping give the 86 a unique look, its fender vents also enhance stability at high speeds. A chrome-tipped dual exhaust comes standard. Featuring a rear spoiler and LED fog lights, the GT model has an even stronger road presence. Some of the available colors include Neptune, Ablaze, and Oceanic.

7. All-New TRD Special Edition

A lot of buyers will likely be interested in the all-new TRD Special Edition model. This range-topping model comes loaded with performance parts. While the TRD Special Edition's upgraded exhaust has a meaner sound, a track-ready suspension ensures especially precise handling. Larger brakes come standard as well. To give the TRD Special Edition model an exclusive look, Toyota equipped it with special wheels and a body kit. Red stiching helps the interior to stand out.

8. Simple, Easy-to-Use Controls

True driving enthusiasts don't want to be bothered by complicated gadgets. Because all of the 86's interior controls are so easy to use, your attention is able to remain on the road. While push-button start allows you to quickly fire up the engine, simple knobs enable you to easily adjust the climate control system. A lot of drivers will also enjoy the infotainment system's simplicity. There are just enough functions to keep technology lovers happy.

9. Good View of the Road

This sports car rewards you with good forward visibility. A low hood and wide windshield help drivers to obtain a good view of the road. If you happen to be traveling on a back road, you'll be able to clearly see any animals crossing your path.

10. Superb Braking System

Whether you are on the street or taking laps around the track, the 86's strong braking system will inspire confidence. During panic situations, nothing beats the security of having a strong braking system. Although the standard brakes perform very well, you can opt for larger calipers.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Toyota 86 – The Cons

1. May Not Be Powerful Enough for You

Some drivers may scoff at the notion of buying a 205-horsepower sports car. Although the 2019 Toyota 86 feels responsive during normal everyday driving, don't expect its acceleration to trigger an adrenaline rush. Many of today's family sedans actually recorded a quicker 0-60 time. This lightweight sports car prioritizes handling over scorching acceleration.

2. Automatic Transmission Sacrifices Performance

A six-speed manual transmission comes standard on the new 86. It enables drivers to wring the maximum performance from the car's four-cylinder engine. If you don't enjoy manually changing gears, you must opt for the automatic transmission. Although the automatic is smooth, be prepared to experience less performance. Toyota geared the automatic-equipped 86 to conserve more fuel.

3. Backseat Doesn't Provide Much Space

There's certainly not a lot of space in the backseat. It's best used as a cargo shelf opposed to carrying passengers. Even small kids will feel a bit confined. This could be an issue for the drivers who need to accommodate their children.

4. Very Few Advanced Safety Technologies

All versions of the 2019 Toyota 86 come standard with a backup camera and an adjustable traction control system. Unfortunately, there aren't any other modern safety technologies available. Forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring are simply not offered. While this issue is unlikely to turn away most sports car fans, others will desire more safety equipment.

5. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto

You won't find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the new 86. These car technologies have become increasingly popular. While the infotainment system can be paired to your smartphone via Bluetooth or the interface's USB port, some of your mobile apps may not be available.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Some people will be cross-shopping the 2019 Toyota 86 with the 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is quicker and offers advanced driving aids like forward collision alert. However, it does not feel quite as nimble as the Toyota 86.

The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is another close competitor. While the Miata is just as fun as the Toyota 86, it does not provide a backseat. However, Mazda does offer the Miata with driver-assist technologies like lane departure alert and blind-spot detection. A convertible roof adds to the Mazda MX-5 Miata's appeal.

You should also take a look at the 2019 BMW 2-Series. Although the BMW 2-Series is thousands of dollars more expensive, some buyers will prefer this German coupe's more powerful engine and classier interior.

Don't forget about the 2019 Subaru BRZ, which is essentially Subaru's version of the Toyota 86. These cars have the same engine and suspension setup. However, more technology is available for the Subaru BRZ.

Conclusion

There are a lot of reasons why you should choose the 2019 Toyota 86. Not only is the 86 an absolute joy to drive, but it also stickers for less than $30,000. When equipped with the available performance upgrades, the Toyota 86 is able to truly wreak havoc on the track. Very few cars in this price class deliver such precise handling. While the 2019 Toyota 86 is definitely a fun driving machine, it feels a bit slow compared to some of today's other sports cars.