Not many customers of used cars can believe that the 2019 Toyota 86 was formerly known as the Scion FR-S. The vehicle exists in a very small segment at the dealers of new and used cars serving Santa Ana, consisting of purpose-built rear-wheel-drive compact sports cars.
It is a cool sportscar that is also very practical and has everyday usability. As a matter of fact, if you have plans to take this vehicle on an epic track day, you will appreciate the fact that you can fit a second set of mounted tires in the truck with the rear seats folded.
Overall, what the 86 doesn’t have on creature comforts is all forgotten with its available features: a crisp-shifting six-speed manual transmission (if the manual isn’t your thing, there is an automatic option), sharp handling, and strong brakes.
Also, for 2019 the TRD Special Edition was added to the 86 lineup. It is only available in black and a red and black interior and comes with lots of standard equipment to make the extra cost justifiable. These are the red and black leather-trimmed steering wheel with red contrast stitching, a faux-suede gauge cluster cover, red seatbelts, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more.
Apart from all that, the TRD Special Edition is equipped with a performance exhaust system, upgraded Brembo brakes, and a sport suspension with performance dampers. The GT model is available with black and red leather seats and a new exterior color which goes by the name of Neptune.
However, if you just go for the base 86 rather than the pricier GT and TRD Special Edition models, you are not going to feel punished at all. Sales associates of used cars near Santa Ana tell us that the 86 comes standard with lots of niceties, has great performance, and a lot more. It has a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 17-inch wheels with summer tires, and a leather-wrapped tilting-and-telescoping steering wheel. The car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an automatic transmission is available if that makes you more comfortable.
Driving
The 2019 Toyota 86 has strong brakes, lively handling, snap-shifting manual transmission. As mentioned before, the 2019 Toyota 86 is offered in three trim levels: the 86 (or base), 86 GT, and the new-for-2019 TRD Special Edition. The TRD Special Edition is limited-production that only had 1,418 units.
The 86 gets its power from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Also, it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. If you opt for the automatic transmission, the power slightly goes down to 200 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque. The 86 is rear-wheel-drive only.
EPA fuel economy ratings are 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the manual and 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the automatic.
While you take the 86 for a test run, you will find that it has quick-ratio steering and a satisfying small-diameter steering wheel. Any inputs you give the wheel change the car’s direction right away, and the body stays flat throughout corners and rapid transitions.
If you are usually an over-enthusiastic driver, you will find that the 86’s neutral chassis balance gives out understeer – which is when the front tires slide toward the outside edge of the road, before changing to controllable oversteer – which is when the tail end of the vehicle is sliding out from under you. For those skilled and adventurous drivers, adding a hint of throttle in this situation can stick the tail out in a big drift if you got rid of the stability control from the start.
Technology
The 86 comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen system equipped with Bluetooth, an HD radio, and a USB 2.0 port. SiriusXM satellite radio isn’t on offer, nor is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The audio system is good enough to listen to your tunes or podcast while you are on the road or track. There’s no standard navigation system, but a dealer-installed unit is available even after purchasing the vehicle.
Standard equipment on base models includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, air conditioning, keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, and a rearview camera. Tech features include Bluetooth connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen, voice commands, an eight-speaker sound system with an HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack, and a USB interface.
The 2019 86 was tested by NHTSA on the rollover and front-impact tests, where it got a five- and four-star rating, respectively (out of a possible five stars). The IIHS gave the 2019 model a Good score on all categories except the driver’s side front small overlap impact, where it received an Acceptable rating (Good is the highest possible score). Unfortunately, active safety features are not available on the 2019 86 for any trim level.
Comfort
The car has a simple and minimalist interior design. You will find that most of the controls are close to your fingertips. In the beginning, you will find that the driving position is at a vertical stance, but you will quickly get used to it because it does allow for very good forward visibility. Additionally, the 86’s compact size and many windows make lane changing and parking a breeze.
Although it is a sports car, the 86 is easy to get in and out of due to its large door openings and low-profile seat cushions. And just because the 86 is a sports car, it doesn’t mean it can’t carry a fair share of items. It has a 6.9 cubic foot trunk, and if you fold down the rear seats, the 86 can hold a lot more such as a full set of wheels and tires and a small toolset for your weekend track event.
Overall
The 2019 Toyota 86 base Coupe is a nifty sports car for any driving enthusiast. When you are at the dealer of new and used cars near Santa Ana, make sure to check this gem of a car out!