With the 86, Toyota offers driving enthusiasts an exhilarating sports coupe that also happens to be affordable and economical at the pump. Co-developed by Toyota and Subaru, the 86 and Subaru BRZ are nearly identical twins. The only differences are nuances in design, and suspension tuning. The lower-priced Toyota is more basic, with no available factory options beyond the choice of transmission.
Each is powered by the same 205-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. That combo delivers ample acceleration, thanks to well-chosen gear ratios, and impressive fuel economy of 30 mpg.
But these rear-wheel-drive coupes aren't about raw power or scrimping at the pump. Their magic comes from the super-sharp, agile handling and excellent braking that makes them so enticing to drive, whether on a track or a twisty, back-country road.
Their trade-offs are typical for sports cars: a jittery ride, noisy cabin, and vestigial rear seats. And getting in and out of these low-slung cars requires a bit of ducking.