As I slide into the driver's seat of the 2024 Toyota 86, the familiar scent of leather and gasoline triggers a flood of memories from my first sports car experience twenty years ago. The question I keep hearing from enthusiasts lately is whether this iconic sports coupe still deserves a spot in modern garages, especially when electric vehicles and autonomous driving features dominate automotive conversations. Having spent considerable time with this platform since its 2012 debut and tracking its evolution through the recent GR86 refresh, I've developed some strong opinions about where this car fits in today's market.
Let me be perfectly honest from the start - I believe the Toyota 86 represents something increasingly rare in today's automotive landscape, much like how certain basketball teams prioritize fundamentals over flashy offense. The reference to "defense wins championships" resonates deeply with me when evaluating this car. While many modern sports cars chase horsepower numbers and straight-line acceleration, the 86 focuses on what I consider the defensive fundamentals of driving - balance, feedback, and purity. That 2.4-liter boxer engine's 228 horsepower might seem modest compared to Mustangs and Camaros, but I've found it's precisely this restraint that makes the car so brilliant on winding roads where power isn't the primary requirement for enjoyment.
The numbers tell an interesting story that supports my perspective. Toyota moved approximately 53,000 units of the 86 and its Subaru BRZ twin in the United States since its introduction, with 2023 projections sitting around 4,200 vehicles. While these figures pale compared to mass-market sedans, they represent a dedicated enthusiast community that keeps this platform alive. What fascinates me is how Toyota has maintained the 86's core identity while making meaningful improvements. The current generation's engine displacement increased from 2.0 to 2.4 liters, torque jumped from 156 to 184 lb-ft, and the redline sits at a satisfying 7,400 RPM. These aren't revolutionary changes, but in my testing, they address the most common criticism of the first-generation car without compromising its character.
Driving the 86 back-to-back with more powerful competitors reveals its special qualities. The steering provides what I consider the best electric power steering feedback under $40,000, communicating exactly what the front tires are doing. The chassis balance approaches perfection in my experience, with just enough compliance to handle real-world roads while maintaining exceptional composure during aggressive cornering. This is where that "two-way player" analogy really hits home for me - the 86 excels at both daily driving comfort and weekend backroad excitement in a way that more specialized sports cars simply cannot match.
Now, let's talk about the practical realities of owning one in 2024. The interior technology has certainly improved, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard, but it still feels dated compared to modern sports coupes like the Hyundai Elantra N. The infotainment screen measures just 8 inches, and the material quality includes more hard plastics than I'd prefer at this price point. However, these compromises don't bother me as much as you might expect because they contribute to the car's lightweight philosophy - at just 2,811 pounds, it's hundreds of pounds lighter than most competitors. This weight advantage translates to lower consumable costs too; I've tracked my personal 86 extensively and found tire replacement costs approximately 30% less than what my friends pay for their Mustang GTs.
The financial aspect deserves serious consideration. With a starting price of $30,315 for the base manual transmission model and $32,615 for the premium trim, the 86 represents what I consider outstanding value in today's inflated automotive market. After three years of ownership, my 86 has retained about 68% of its original value according to recent auction data I've analyzed, which outperforms many competitors in this segment. Maintenance costs have been remarkably reasonable in my experience - averaging about $480 annually for routine services - though I should note that premium fuel is required, which adds to operating expenses.
Where the Toyota 86 truly wins me over is in its teaching capabilities. I've recommended this car to numerous driving enthusiasts looking to improve their skills, and without exception, they've returned amazed at how much it revealed about proper driving technique. The combination of moderate power, rear-wheel drive, and communicative chassis creates what I consider the perfect learning environment. Unlike more powerful sports cars that can mask mistakes with electronic aids or overwhelming acceleration, the 86 rewards precision and punishes sloppiness in a way that makes you a better driver. This educational value alone justifies its existence in my opinion.
Of course, I have my criticisms too. The boxer engine still lacks low-end torque despite the displacement increase, requiring frequent downshifts when overtaking on highways. Road noise remains excessive at cruising speeds, making long journeys more fatiguing than in modern competitors. The rear seats are practically useless for adults, though I've found they work perfectly for carrying groceries or additional luggage. These compromises might be deal-breakers for some buyers, but for me, they're acceptable trade-offs for the driving experience.
Looking at the competitive landscape, vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang EcoBoost, and Subaru WRX all occupy similar price points but offer dramatically different experiences. The Miata provides comparable purity but sacrifices practicality with its smaller size and convertible top. The Mustang delivers significantly more power but feels less agile and precise in corners. The WRX offers all-weather capability but lacks the 86's balanced rear-wheel-drive dynamics. In my testing, none replicate the 86's specific combination of attributes, which explains its continued relevance.
As we move toward an electrified future, I've grown increasingly appreciative of analog experiences like the Toyota 86 provides. The mechanical connection between driver and machine is becoming rarer each model year, replaced by drive-by-wire systems and augmented reality displays. There's something fundamentally satisfying about the 86's directness that I fear we're losing in modern sports cars. This emotional connection transcends specifications sheets and performance metrics in a way that's difficult to quantify but immediately apparent when you spend time with the car.
So, is the Toyota 86 still worth buying in 2024? From my perspective, absolutely - but with important caveats. If your priority is cutting-edge technology, straight-line speed, or luxury accommodations, you'll likely be disappointed. But if you value driving purity, balanced handling, and mechanical feedback above all else, the 86 remains what I consider one of the most compelling sports cars available at any price. It exemplifies that philosophy of doing the fundamentals exceptionally well rather than chasing superficial advantages. In a world increasingly focused on digital experiences and automated systems, the Toyota 86 preserves the analog soul of sports car driving in a way that feels both anachronistic and utterly essential.
