Just like the old AE86, the "new" 86 boasts of a back-to-basics design with a rear-wheel-drive layout, a light curb weight, engaging handling and steering, an easy-to-drive nature and a relatively affordable price. The 2017 Toyota 86 gets several updates to go along with its rebadging too. Toyota has tweaked the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine to produce a bit more horsepower and torque (if you get it with the manual transmission), revised the manual transmission's gearing, and upgraded the suspension design for what Toyota says is a better ride quality and improved handling. Even before these updates, the 86 was one of our favorite cars in the class, so we're expecting more of the same for 2017.
There are still some downsides to this car. If you're looking for something with more power, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro or 2017 Ford Mustang would be a better option. For more space and versatility, a performance hatchback such as the Ford Focus ST or the Volkswagen GTI should also be considered. Or if it's a drop-top you're after, the Mazda Miata could be the one to get. And don't forget the 86's twin, the Subaru BRZ, which puts a slightly different spin on the car's styling and interior design. In the end though, we'd still definitely recommend the 2017 Toyota 86 as an entertaining driver's car with timeless appeal.
Summary
Read Review Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
Official information isn't available at this time, but we expect the 2017 Toyota 86 sport coupe will come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a 7-inch touchscreen, voice commands, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB interface.Optional equipment is likely to include items such as keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and upgraded upholstery.
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Body Styles Powertrains and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive 2017 Toyota 86 is powered by a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. You can mate it to either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and rev-matched downshifts. With the manual transmission, the 86 is rated at 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. With the automatic, those numbers drop to 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.According to Toyota, the manual transmission this year has revised gearing that will theoretically improve acceleration. We have yet to test this year's 86, but we don't expect it to be dramatically quicker than before. Expect a 0-60 mph time in the low to mid-6-second range with the manual or closer to 8 seconds with the automatic. Most rival sport coupes are quicker.
The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the manual-equipped Toyota 86 is 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway), while the automatic gets 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway).
Body Styles
Performance Safety
Standard safety features on the 2017 Toyota 86 include a rearview camera, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Toyota 86 received four out of five stars for front-crash protection. Prior FR-S testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety resulted in a highest possible rating of Good in the moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. In that agency's small-overlap front-impact test, the FR-S received a second-best Acceptable rating.
Performance
Safety Interior Design and Special Features
Although details are limited, Toyota has said that several improvements have been made to the interior of the 86. New dashboard materials, door trim and updated infotainment systems will likely be incorporated alongside much of the no-nonsense trimmings from the 86's predecessor, the FR-S.With no changes to the size of the 86, we can tell you that the cabin is an enjoyable place to be, with comfortable seats and an excellent driving position. Rear seat passengers will have seriously limited legroom and headroom, while trunk space will remain a small-but-acceptable 6.9 cubic feet.
Safety
Special Features Driving Impressions
We have yet to drive the revised 2017 Toyota 86, but we have spent plenty of time in its predecessor, the Scion FR-S, and it's always impressed us with its light and nimble nature. It's a car that you look for excuses to take for a spin and drive it a little farther or harder than you need to because it's so entertaining. The four-cylinder engine's power is pretty modest — you'll have a hard time out-accelerating a modern V6 family sedan — but the 86 is more about the journey than the destination.Toyota claims the car's handling is better this year, too, even if only marginally, thanks to revised dampers and springs. Whatever the outcome, we're eager to drive the 86, and we'll update this review as soon as we do.
THIS SATURDAY! We hope to see you join us as we welcome the DFW Tundra Crew. This is your chance to view over 40 of the hottest Toyota Tundra's at the DFW Tundra Crew Truck Meet. Bring the family for our Toys for Tots Toy Drive with free brisket sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, as well as raffle prizes and more!
Don't miss the DFW Tundra Crew on Saturday November 19th from 11am-2pm! Bring the family and join us for our Toys for Tots Drive Event with food, snacks and drinks, raffle prizes, and fun for all!