Eight years after it was presented, the Toyota 86 won the hearts of many gear heads for being a driver’s car on a relatively low budget.
For the 2020 model year, you’re looking at an MSRP of $27,060 for the entry-level 86 in the U.S., which rises to $29,910 for the better-equipped GT grade. For a little more, at $29,870, you can get your hands on the 86 Hakone Edition, which is the sweet spot if you’re into green and bronze colors.
Driven: 2019 Toyota 86 GT Remains A Compelling Driver’s Car
Named after the famous Hakone road in Japan with its numerous curves and stunning cherry blossoms, it’s based on the 86 GT and finished in a very eye-catching green paint and features a black spoiler and bronze 17-inch alloy wheels. The equipment list is more than decent, with standard LED headlights, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and a combination of leather and Alcantara upholstery throughout the cabin.
Looks aside, the 2020 86 Hakone Edition packs the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that has been around since, well, the very the beginning. The naturally aspirated boxer develops up to 205 HP (208 PS / 153 kW) and 156 pound-feet (211 Nm) of torque and comes paired to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
By now, everyone knows that the 86 has very good driving dynamics, and the Hakone Edition makes no exception. If you can live with the cramped rear seat, which is not uncommon in this segment, the outdated interior design and the fact that you cannot have it with a turbocharged engine, then you should go out, test drive it and sign your name on the dotted line. Unless you want to wait until next summer, when the new GR 86 is tipped to premiere.
