The 2019 Toyota 86 remains one of the most engaging affordable sports cars ever created. Built from Toyota’s partnership with Subaru, the 86 focuses on what true driving enthusiasts love most: lightweight dynamics, sharp handling, and a pure rear-wheel-drive experience. In an era where many sports cars are becoming heavier and more digital, the 2019 Toyota 86 stands out as a simple, honest machine designed for automotive purists.
In this review, we take a closer look at its performance, features, design, interior quality, driving experience, and of course, its price in today’s market. Whether you’re searching for a fun daily driver or an affordable track-day car, the 2019 Toyota 86 is still a compelling choice.
A Classic Sports Car Formula
The philosophy behind the Toyota 86 has always been about balance instead of brute force. Under the hood, you get a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine, producing 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque (with the manual transmission). While it may not sound like much compared to turbocharged rivals, the magic of the 86 lies in its lightweight chassis and superb handling dynamics.
Weighing just around 2,800 pounds, the 86 feels agile and responsive. The low center of gravity, thanks to the boxer engine design, helps deliver excellent cornering stability. This is the kind of car that rewards smooth driving and perfect lines rather than relying on raw power.
Exterior Design: Simple, Sporty, and Timeless
The 2019 Toyota 86 features a clean and athletic design that has aged well. Its long hood, low stance, and sharp headlights create a classic sports coupe silhouette. Unlike many aggressive-looking modern cars, the 86 maintains a tasteful and minimalistic approach that appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate function over flash.
Key exterior highlights include:
- LED headlights and taillights
- A sculpted front bumper
- 17-inch alloy wheels (with optional 18-inch wheels on TRD models)
- Dual chrome exhaust tips
- Aerodynamic body lines that enhance stability at high speeds
Special trims like the TRD Special Edition come with more aggressive wheels, Brembo brakes, and a performance exhaust system, making them especially desirable among collectors.
Interior: Driver-Focused and Minimal
The interior of the 2019 Toyota 86 is intentionally simple. It avoids unnecessary distractions and keeps the driver’s hands and eyes focused on the road. You will find supportive bucket seats, a small leather steering wheel, and analog gauges that improve visibility during spirited driving.
Interior features include:
- 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB
- Sport seats with bolstering designed for high-speed cornering
- Aluminum pedals
- A driver-centric cockpit with easy-to-reach controls
While the interior materials are not luxurious, they are durable and purposeful. The rear seats are extremely small—more suitable for bags than passengers—but they do fold down to expand trunk space, making the 86 surprisingly practical for weekend trips or track gear.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2019 Toyota 86 shines brightest when you’re behind the wheel. This car offers one of the purest driving experiences under $30,000. With a six-speed manual transmission, you get precise gear shifts and a satisfying level of driver engagement that is becoming rare in modern cars.
Key Performance Highlights
- Rear-Wheel Drive for drift-friendly fun
- Torsen Limited-Slip Differential for improved traction
- Low center of gravity for exceptional cornering
- Sharp steering response
- Balanced chassis that invites confident driving
The engine’s power delivery is smooth, and while the 86 is not extremely fast in a straight line, it comes alive on winding roads. The suspension is firm but not overly harsh, making it suitable for daily driving.
Enthusiasts also appreciate how mod-friendly the 86 is. With aftermarket parts—such as coilovers, performance exhausts, or turbo kits—the platform can easily be transformed into a more powerful track machine.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite being a sporty car, the 2019 Toyota 86 offers respectable fuel economy:
- 21 MPG city
- 28 MPG highway
- 24 MPG combined
This makes it cheaper to run than many other sports cars, allowing owners to enjoy spirited driving without breaking the bank.
Safety and Technology
Toyota equipped the 86 with a solid range of safety features, including:
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Traction Control
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assist
- Smart Stop Technology
Higher trims also include hill-start assist and additional braking features. While the 86 might not be packed with advanced driver-assist systems found in newer models, it remains safe and predictable on the road.
2019 Toyota 86 Price (Current Market Value)
When new, the 2019 Toyota 86 had a starting price of around $26,000 to $32,000, depending on the trim. In today’s used car market, price depends heavily on mileage, condition, and edition 2019 Toyota 86 Review and Price.
Current Used Market Prices:
- Base model (good condition): $19,000 – $23,000
- High mileage models: $16,000 – $18,000
- TRD Special Edition: $26,000 – $30,000
Because the 86 holds strong demand among enthusiasts, well-maintained units retain their value better than many other sports cars in its category.
Is the 2019 Toyota 86 Worth It?
Absolutely—especially if you love driving. The 2019 Toyota 86 delivers an authentic sports car feel at a price that is still accessible. It may not win drag races, but it excels in handling, balance, and driving enjoyment—qualities that many modern cars are losing.
In short:
Pros
- Superb handling and balance
- Lightweight and fun
- Reliable Toyota/Subaru engineering
- Affordable ownership costs
- Timeless sports coupe design
Cons
- Limited power compared to turbocharged rivals
- Small rear seats
- Basic interior materials
Final Verdict
The 2019 Toyota 86 is a true driver’s car—simple, balanced, and rewarding. Whether you are buying it for daily commuting, weekend canyon runs, or as a platform for modifications, the 86 consistently delivers excitement and reliability. For enthusiasts looking for pure driving joy without luxury car pricing, the 2019 Toyota 86 remains one of the best choices on the market.
