2020 Toyota 86 Pros vs Cons

Not everyone can afford the expense of an exotic sports car. If you’re a driving enthusiast in the market for a budget-friendly performance car, take a strong look at the 2020 Toyota 86. Many people rank the new Toyota 86 among the top values on the market. It promises to make your daily commute a bit more exciting. You’ll like the 86’s sleek exterior styling, superb handling, and user-friendly features.

What’s New for 2020?

For 2020, Toyota didn’t make many big amends to the 86. However, an all-new Hakone Edition model has hit the scene. It seeks to satisfy drivers who desire a special look. From a performance standpoint, the new Hakone Edition is similar to the rest of the 86 lineup.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Toyota 86 – The Pros

1. Great Choice for First-Time Sports Car Owners

Some sports cars are simply too powerful for beginners. However, the 2020 Toyota 86 packs just the right amount of performance for first-time sports car owners. Under the hood rests a four-cylinder “Boxer” engine, which pumps out a little more than 200 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. When tested at the track, this sports car clocked a competitive 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. While an automatic gearbox is available, you’ll have more fun driving the manual-equipped Toyota 86.

2. Efficient and Easy to Maintain

Drivers not looking to spend a lot of money on maintenance will love the 2020 Toyota 86. Oil changes and brake pad replacements definitely won’t break the bank. You can also take advantage of the Toyota 86’s decent gas mileage. According to the latest fuel economy estimates, drivers can anticipate getting up to 32 mpg with the automatic transmission. Meanwhile, efficiency with the manual gearbox drops to 28 mpg on the highway.

3. Handles Better Than Some of its More Expensive Competitors

When it comes to handling, the 2020 Toyota 86 thrashes the competition. When behind the wheel of the Toyota 86, it feels like your driving a far more expensive sports car. A very low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution help keep the 86 under the control. You’ll especially enjoy taking this coupe on a twisty back road. Optional lowering springs and Brembo brakes transform the 86 into a more than capable track machine.

4. Looks Like a Classic Sports Car

There’s no mistaking the 2020 Toyota 86 for an ordinary commuter car. It has the sleek profile and aggressive stance of a classic sports car. Some of the cool paint options for the 86 include Ablaze Red, Oceanic Blue, and Halo White. Automatic LED headlights and twin exhaust finishers come standard throughout the lineup. While even the standard 17-inch alloy wheels look nice, you can upgrade to a larger set of 18-inch wheels.

5. All-New Toyota 86 Hakone Edition Stands Out

If you want to separate yourself from the pack, go for the limited-production Toyota 86 Hakone Edition. Toyota gives this all-new trim a few exclusive exterior and interior treatments. Everyone on the road will pay attention to its green metallic paint and 17-inch bronze wheels. A rear deck spoiler further enhances the coupe’s sleek body lines. On the inside, Toyota decks out the new 86 Hakone Edition’s seats with Alcantara suede inserts. Unique stitching also helps gives the interior a special feel.

6. Rewards You With a Great Driving Position

The 2020 Toyota 86 gives you a great view of the road ahead. An upright seating position and tilt-and-telescoping steering help drivers to feel confident. Visibility out of the front windshield is excellent. Furthermore, all of the key interior controls are right at your fingertips. Despite being a small coupe, this sports car still provides an inspiring amount of legroom in the front. Even tall driving enthusiasts can enjoy the ride without feeling cramped.

7. Base Model Proves to Be a Sweet Deal

Drivers interested in a fun sports car to drive on an everyday basis should consider the base 86. A low starting price makes it a sweet deal for any driving purists. Not only does the base model have a very attractive appearance, but it also offers the same level of performance. Furthermore, Toyota equips the base 86 with an inspiring number of standard features. Highlights include a 7.0-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and an eight-speaker sound system with HD radio.

8. A Reliable Sports Car You Can Count On

Some of modern sports car spend a lot of time in the repair shop. Fortunately, the 2020 Toyota 86 does not suffer from this issue. In fact, it has an above-average reliability rating. This is especially good news for folks who will be commuting on a daily basis. Even if you decide to use the 86 for weekend track use, reliability should still remain strong. This is one of the reasons why the 86 is quickly becoming a favorite among amateur racers.

9. Climate Control System Works Very Well

An easy-to-use climate control system further enhances the Toyota 86’s everyday practicality. Simple knobs enable you to quickly make adjustments without taking your concentration off the road. Most importantly, the climate control system manages to keep the cabin at your preferred temperature. Big vents help quickly cool you off on hot summer days. Dual-zone climate control comes standard on the upper trims, which is great for drivers who regularly travel with a passenger.

10. Good Brakes Give You More Security

When encountering road hazards, nothing beats the security of a strong braking system. The Toyota 86’s braking system instills drivers with a great deal of confidence. In the event another vehicle darts into your path, you should be able to avoid disaster. During 60-0 mph braking tests, this coupe came to a stop in less than 110 feet. However, you can further improve the Toyota 86’s stopping power with the optional Brembo performance brakes.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Toyota 86 – The Cons

1. Virtually No Modern Accident-Avoidance Technologies Are Offered

When driving the new 2020 Toyota 86, you must rely on your own instincts to avoid danger. While a helpful backup camera is standard across the board, there aren’t any other safety technologies available. This may concern parents who are looking to buy their teenager a new car. Rivals, such as the new Mazda MX-5 Miata, now offer blind-spot monitoring and low-speed automatic braking.

2. Not Practical Enough for Families

As mentioned earlier, the 2020 Toyota 86 has a good amount of room in the front. While the 86 does have a backseat, it’s not very spacious. Adults will certainly not enjoy riding in the back for long periods of time. Rear-seat legroom is very compromised to say the least. Parents will also have trouble getting their small children in and out of the car.

3. Rear-Wheel-Drive Sports Car

Rear-wheel-drive sports cars typically offer better handling. On the down side, traction in bad weather tends to suffer. Unfortunately, Toyota does not offer the 86 with an optional AWD system. This could be a deal breaker for folks who desire a year-round performance car. Because of the 86’s low ground clearance, performance in the snow will not be great. The AWD-equipped Subaru WRX is a good alternative.

4. You May Desire a Stronger Punch Under the Hood

Most people will have a blast driving the 2020 Toyota 86. However, others will crave a more formidable punch under the hood. Midsize family sedans, like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, actually deliver stronger acceleration. If you’re accustomed to driving extremely powerful performance cars, the new 86 may be somewhat of a letdown. You’ll likely be happier behind the wheel of the all-new 2020 Toyota Supra coupe.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the Toyota 86’s key competitors. Like the Toyota 86, it’s a great option for sports car fans on a limited budget. However, only the Toyota 86 comes with a backseat. Drivers can also take advantage of the Toyota 86’s extra cargo space.

2020 Chevy Camaro

When equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro is priced to compete against the 2020 Toyota 86. While the Camaro packs more power, some drivers will appreciate the Toyota 86’s lightweight design.

2020 BMW 2 Series

Drivers who don’t mind spending an extra $10,000 might be interested in the 2020 BMW 2 Series. It’s quicker and handles just as good. However, the Toyota 86’s affordability can’t be overlooked. In the long run, BMW 2 Series owners will have to spend more money on maintenance and repairs.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the 2020 Toyota 86 is an outstanding entry-level sports car. While some competitors may pack more performance, they don’t give you as much fun for the money. It’s a highly recommended sports car for daily commuting and amateur racing. Expect the all-new Hakone Edition model to be a smash hit. Remember, this is not the best sports car for snowy weather.