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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 24 / 32 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 328 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $22,791–$27,653 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2018 Toyota 86 earns a Recommended rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.3/10, while Technology at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.9/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.3/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $22,791–$27,653, 22 MPG, seating 4, the Toyota 86 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2018 Toyota 86 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Toyota 86 ranks #176 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 45% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $22,791 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 51%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Toyota 86 scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $25,293 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $24,459 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $23,625 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $22,791 | |
| 2017 | 7.6/10 | $21,958 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $21,124 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $20,290 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Fuel pump 29/07/2021 · 21V587000 | Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.