2020 Toyota 86 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you are in the market for a small and sporty vehicle but do not want to fork over a small fortune, then you might need to give the 2020 Toyota 86 some consideration. This line-up only has four trim levels (with the newly added Hakone Edition), but they all have something good to offer. All four trims offer a good amount of cargo space for this segment, and even though it is a lightweight vehicle, its precise handling and feedback-giving steering make it a real joy to drive.

But is there one trim level that stands out above the other three? Which one gives the average driver the best overall deal? By the end of this comparison review, you will have a clearer idea which - if any - 2020 Toyota 86 trim level is the right one for you.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 86 (Base) vs GT Trims. What is the difference?

The 2020 Toyota 86's base trim is just simply known as the 86. This might be a little bit confusing for anyone who is not familiar with the line-up, so from here on out, we will refer to the base trim as the 86.

As far as distinctions between the 86 and GT are concerned, the first is obviously the price. It has a starting MSRP that is about $2,000 less than the GT. So, what's the big difference? Well, it does depend on whether you decide to get the manual or automatic, which are offered on each trim level. The 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine gets matched up with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The manual generates 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque while the automatic loses 5 hp and 5 lb-ft of torque. The manual is the slightly more powerful choice, but it might not be one that a lot of drivers make.

Rear wheel drive comes standard on every trim level, as does a Torsen limited slip differential. Also, each trim level has a sport-tuned suspension, sport-calibrated and electric power steering. Therefore, you should not expect to see too many differences underneath the hood of these trims. The differences come elsewhere.

The 86 trim level rides atop 17-inch alloy wheels with a twisted spoke design if you are driving the automatic and 18-inch alloy wheels set in a split spoke design on the manual models. There are LED low- and high-beam projector headlights with integrated turn signals and the '86' brand emblazoned on them, LED daytime running lights, and LED rear combination lights. The 86's power mirrors are body-colored, and the front fender bears the signature '86' logo. There is also a standard rear window defogger, and a lower diffuser on the rear bumper that is aerodynamic. Additionally, two chrome-tipped exhaust outlets are embedded onto the rear, and there are several vortex generators set atop the fender up front.

The GT has a lot of these features but does get some noteworthy upgrades. You get a rear wing manufactured in matte black, and this comes with body-colored aerodynamic end plates. LED fog lights get added to the front, and the side mirrors gain a heating function. Also, there is an underbody panel to help make the vehicle more aerodynamic.

On the inside of the 86, you get quite a few standard creature comforts and a sporty design. The automatically dimming rear view mirror has a back-up camera display built into it. An air conditioner with a filter is standard, as are power windows with automatic up/down on the front windows, power door locks, a remote keyless entry system that has multiple functions (trunk release, panic, lock, and unlock), an engine immobilizer that accompanies the anti-theft system, and a multi-information display. A digital clock and speedometer, analogue tachometer, and trip meter provide the necessary driving data.

The leather-trimmed tilt and telescoping steering wheel comes with the '86' badge emblazoned on it. The steering wheel also has audio controls and paddle shifters. A suede-like material called Granlux is used for accents throughout the cabin, and there are black shoulder pads accompanying the front sport bucket seats. The driver's seat is height-adjustable, and there are knee pads built in since you will probably be doing some sporty driving in this vehicle. Up front, there are two sun visors with vanity mirrors, and the center console hosts a 12-volt power outlet, storage bin, and two sliding cup holders.

The GT gets some serious interior upgrades, starting with dual zone automatic climate control. This system passes air through to the front and rear seats equally, making sure that all occupants feel nice and cozy. The driver and front passenger can even customize their own settings. The GT also upgrades to the Smart Key System, which features keyless entry and a push button start. The anti-theft system gains an alarm, and a 4.2-inch multi-information display shows you data ranging from average trip speed to a lap timer. These controls do get mounted onto the steering wheel, which is handy for the driver. There is also a parking brake and a leather cover that has silver contrast stitching. The leather gearshift boot also gets this silver stitching. The front seats get Granlux inserts and have standard heating. The knee support cushions get treated to leather, and more Granlux can be found throughout the cabin.

But what about all the multimedia bells and whistles? How does the 86 fare against the GT? The 86, GT, and TRD Special Edition all get treated to the same 7-inch touchscreen display. They also get AM/FM radio, an 8-speaker sound system, Aha radio, one auxiliary output jack, one 2.0 USB port, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, and Gracenote's album cover art. There are also plenty of these controls mounted onto the steering wheel for easy access while driving.

All four trim levels get the same standard safety features too. They come equipped with the Star Safety System, which gives this automobile both stability and traction control, the anti-lock brake system, braking assistance, and stop start capability. Track Mode on the Vehicle Stability Control system, electronic brake-force distribution, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, the LATCH system for child car seats, and 6 air bags all come standard. These trims also get Toyota Care, a no-cost maintenance plan that includes roadside assistance.

There are a few optional features available on the 86 and GT. Both can come with all-season tires, but sticky summer tires are standard and tend to work better on sporty vehicles. All three trims get the option of getting the upgraded 86 Display Audio infotainment system, which includes an integrated back-up camera display and navigation. On only the GT, you can opt for red and black Granlux leather trim.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 86 GT vs TRD Special Edition Trims.  What is the difference?

As you can see, the real differences between these trim levels have to do mostly with style. The higher the trim level, the sportier they get. So, what does the TRD Special Edition have that the 86 and GT do not? Let's take a look.

Everything under the hood is virtually the same on the TRD Special Edition. It is slightly longer and heavier than the other three trim levels, but its cargo capacity remains the same at 6.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place.

The exterior, however, has some more noticeable stylistic differences. The TRD Special Edition has a body-colored rear spoiler, special TRD underbody spoilers (on the rear, front, and side), a TRD performance exhaust, a TRD tri-color side body graphic, and Brembo brakes with SACHS performance dampers.

Inside of the TRD Special Edition's cabin, you will find more stylistic upgrades. There is a red and black leather trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel that has the '86' badge in the center cap and has controls mounted on for the multi-information display and audio. The parking brake has a leather cover that is given red contrast stitching, which can also be found on the leather-clad gearshift boot. The sport bucket seats up front are upholstered in red and black and come with side bolsters for extra support. The Granlux gets treated to red contrast stitching as well, and there is a special TRD logo embroidered on the passenger's side instrument panel fascia up front. The seatbelts are red to match.

As already mentioned, the TRD Special Edition comes with all of the same multimedia and safety features that can be found on the base 86 and GT trim levels. And, of course, it still has the option for the infotainment system upgrade. Obviously, the TRD Special Edition is a trim that differentiates itself style-wise, giving you a ton of red and black contrast in the interior and exterior design. It definitely looks cool, but you will be paying several thousand dollars more just for the TRD badge and more black and red Granlux.

Compare the 2020 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition vs Hakone Edition.  What is the difference?

The Hakone Edition is new for 2020. Essentially, it is the base 86 with a pretty darn impressive appearance package slapped on. The 6-speed manual has a starting MSRP of around $30,000 while the 6-speed automatic is about $1,000 more to start.

On the outside, you get some strikingly beautiful green Hakone paint, which is offset by beautiful bronze 17-inch wheels and black exterior trim. There is even a black spoiler that gets added. The two-tone black and tan interior has Alcantara seats, and there are tan accents on the trunk carpeting, center arm rest, and shift boot. Other than that, though, everything remains unchanged. Again, this trim level is all about style. So, if you like green, this one might be appealing.

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 Toyota 86 gives you four options that, in many ways, resemble one another. In fact, it feels like they are a little bit too similar. The base 86 trim level does not feel as well-equipped as some other base trims in its class, which is kind of a bummer. And there really are not that many optional stand-alone add-ons and packages available, which is something other competitors tend to offer. This leads to all of the trim levels feeling kind of basic, even though they look pretty darn cool upon first glance.

Toyota gives you one powertrain option, and it is a decent one, making it hard to go wrong when all you are really searching for is a powerful, sporty drive. But, if you care about having a lot of the bells and whistles, you will have to spend a few thousand dollars above the base 86 trim and go for the GT.

The GT might not be as ultra stylish as the TRD Special Edition or Hakone Edition, but it still looks nice enough to be considered sporty. The GT has enough standard features, adding on quite a few that the base 86 does not have. Therefore, it should be satisfying enough to the average driver.