2018 Toyota 86

It isn't every day that you chance upon a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe within your budget, but Toyota makes it a reality with the 2018 Toyota 86. Last year, the Scion FR-S sports coupe transformed into the 2017 Toyota 86, and this year the new edition got a number of significant upgrades to make the beloved vehicle more stylish and efficient. The Toyota 86 is powered by a 2.0-liter H4 engine, churning out 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Whether you want a family car or an elegant sports car, the Toyota 86 is fit for all purposes.

A change of name hasn't been able to change the class and efficiency of the Toyota 86. Powered by the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Toyota 86 produces 205 of horsepower paired with the 6-speed manual transmission. When paired with the 6-speed automatic transmission, the horsepower generated is 200, but there's hardly a difference. Lightweight, excellent balance and a smooth rear wheel drive are some of the talking points of the 86.

The exterior remains mostly unchanged from last year, with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and window defogger, LED projector high-beam and low-beam headlights, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors, and LED rear lighting being some of the features to look out for. The Special Edition trim also had black stripes on the body, and that is likely to remain unchanged too.

Compared to the interiors of the Scion FR-S, the 86 is more spacious and comfortable, both for the driver and the passengers. There's plenty of leg room for the front seats, while all the pedals are located well within reach. Given the price, the 86 has more room than most other cars in this segment, and the materials used for the interiors are top notch. The seats are supportive, there are back, arm, and elbow rests, and there's a lot of space to stretch out in the front.

The infotainment system is decent, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, wireless Bluetooth, HD radio, and USB port. Even though there is no SiriusXM satellite radio or Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the quick and responsive of the display more than makes up for it. The 86 also has a generous trunk space along with cabin storage space.

For a budget sports coupe, the Toyota 86 is hard to beat. Test drive one to find out its style, power, and performance.