Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Toyota 86
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
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%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which 86 Year Should You Buy?
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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Toyota 86 (1 on record)
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 with our free VIN recall checker.
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.
Own a 2018 Toyota 86 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 Toyota 86
Is the 2018 Toyota 86 reliable?
We rate the 2018 Toyota 86's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota 86 have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Toyota 86 worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #176 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 45% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2018 Toyota 86 cost?
The 2018 Toyota 86 starts at $22,791 and ranges up to $27,653 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which 86 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 7 86 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2018 Toyota 86 have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Toyota 86 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Fuel system, gasoline (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota 86
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More Toyota Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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