The 2019 Toyota 86 TRD: A Master Class In Playing To Your Strengths
President Abraham Lincoln is alleged to have said, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Granted, there is some dispute to the legitimacy of this quote, but it’s a sentiment that still rings true today. And one that the folks at Toyota would appear to hold in high esteem, especially regarding the 2019 86 TRD. Critics will assert that this special edition doesn’t do everything that perhaps it could. But the things the 86 does do, like braking and handling, it does really, really well. So for the limited run, special edition TRD version of the 86, Toyota decided to lean into the strengths it already has, and do them even better.
New Ride, Old Fanbase
Birthed in 2013, the 86 was born as the Scion FR-S, part of the now-defunct Scion brand aimed at younger drivers. The Toyota 86 has garnered a devout following for its deft maneuverability at an accessible price point. It also has a platform twin, the Subaru BRZ, that is virtually identical in every way. It has built a reputation as an affordable and capable sub-compact that is fun to modify, both cosmetically and under the hood. So the people of Toyota decided to keep some of the aftermarket fun for themselves, and the special edition Toyota 86 TRD was brought to life.
The 86 TRD shares a great deal of its hardware with the original 86. Both of them have a flat 4-cylinder engine. Both models make 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. For the upgraded TRD, Toyota mostly chose to leave well enough alone with the power source and chassis. They put their extra effort into areas where the 86 shines brightest, which means that the already outstanding braking and handling have gotten even better.
Quality Over Quantity
The 2019 Toyota 86 TRD is a very limited edition, with only 1,418 being produced. And it is only available with a manual transmission. The TRD is upgraded with Sachs dampers specifically tuned for this model, which ensure less body movement when entering into turns at high speeds. It is fitted with Brembo brakes, with 12.8 inch rotors up front and 12.8 inch discs in the rear. Housed in Brembo’s signature red, they look the part of a race car accessory and can walk the walk, both on the track and in the street.
The Toyota 86 TRD also boasts a set of performance tires. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, to be exact. They come wrapped around the TRD’s 18 inch alloy wheels, an upgrade from the original 86’s 17 inches.
A Distinct Look
As for looks, anyone who knows about the Toyota 86 will know a TRD when they see one. It is available in only one color: Raven Black. Every model comes with retro-styled TRD badges. Red, yellow, and orange decals streak down both doors. (The jury seems split on whether or not these improve the model’s looks. But they’re certainly distinct.)
There’s a new rear bumper on the 86 TRD, and brushed stainless steel exhaust tips. The interior is decked out with red accents and red contrast stitching, and the tasteful orange/yellow/red TRD logo is displayed subtly on the dash. The body kit includes a front and rear bumper that are new to the 86 family tree. There’s also a modest 3-piece spoiler, which doesn’t reduce the TRD’s drag coefficient but looks cool nonetheless.
Easy On The Eyes, And On The Wallet
One thing that has always drawn throngs of young drivers to the Toyota 86 line is price. There’s a lot of bang for your buck to be had in a TRD. There’s a sort of reverse sticker shock when buyers see the price and cannot believe how much car they’re getting without having to move back in with their parents. The retail price for one of these uber-limited rides is listed at $33,340. This is almost $5,000 above the price for a base model 86. But if you’re into Autocross, or you’re just someone who wants superior handling and a fair price, well, you’ve found your Toyota.
Detractors will say that the Toyota 86 TRD is too limited in its lack of cosmetic options. Or that all the fun of aftermarket customization is gone when the automaker does it for you. They might say that almost everything about this car has been available as a Subaru BRZ for years. Or most notably, that they should’ve upped the power source of the original 86. But those people likely haven’t driven one, because its fans think it is a masterpiece of affordable maneuverability.
TRD knows what it is, and who it’s for. And while it may not be everyone, you can rest assured that the line for these 1,418 models wraps around the block. Call it weak, or limited in scope, or whatever you’d like. But whatever it is, the 2019 Toyota 86 TRD is most certainly a good one.
