Does a Toyota 86 have a turbo?
The straight answer is no. The Toyota 86, in all its major iterations, does not come with a factory turbocharger and is powered by naturally aspirated flat-four engines.
This article breaks down the stock engine options across the 86 lineage, explains why Toyota and its Subaru partner stuck with naturally aspirated setups, and examines the realities of adding forced induction through aftermarket routes, including potential warranty and reliability considerations.
Engine lineup by generation
Below is a concise look at the official powerplants that have powered the 86 family, noting whether the engine is turbocharged and the approximate power output at launch.
- 2012–2016: Toyota GT86 / 86 – 2.0-liter FA20 naturally aspirated flat-4; about 200 hp (205 hp in later updates).
- 2017–2021: GT86/86 facelift – 2.0-liter FA20 NA with a tuning bump to roughly 205 hp in many markets.
- 2022–present: Toyota GR86 – 2.4-liter FA24 naturally aspirated flat-4; about 228 hp.
The clear takeaway is that every production variant of the 86 family has been naturally aspirated, with no factory turbo option offered by Toyota (or Subaru) for this model line.
Why the absence of a factory turbo?
The decision to retain a naturally aspirated setup has roots in weight balance, cost, emissions, and a driver-focused ethos shared by Toyota and Subaru during development. A NA engine configuration helps keep the car's weight and drivetrain complexity on the lower side, delivering a responsive, linear power delivery that enthusiasts associate with the 86’s agility and handling.
Market positioning and performance philosophy
Banking on predictable throttle response and approachable tuning, the 86 family aims for a driving-focused experience rather than straight-line speed. This philosophy aligns with many buyers who value track-day handling and daily usability over peak horsepower figures.
Aftermarket routes and considerations
For enthusiasts who want turbocharged performance, there are aftermarket paths, but they come with important caveats regarding reliability, warranty, and long-term durability.
- Aftermarket turbo kits exist for the 86/BRZ platform from various tuning shops, but installation is complex and often requires supporting upgrades (fuel system, cooling, exhaust, intercooler, and ECU tuning).
- Warranty and insurance: Adding forced induction typically voids the factory warranty on the engine and powertrain, and may affect insurance terms. Always verify with the dealer and your insurer before proceeding.
- Engineering considerations: Boosting power demands careful attention to engine internals, lubrication, cooling, and transmission/clutch capabilities to maintain reliability and drivability.
Conclusion: While a turbocharged variant is not offered by the manufacturer, aftermarket turbocharging is possible on the 86 platform. Prospective buyers should weigh the performance gains against costs, warranty implications, and potential reliability concerns.
Summary
In short, the Toyota 86 does not include a factory turbocharger in any current or recent generation. It relies on naturally aspirated 2.0L (early models) or 2.4L (GR86) flat-four engines. If turbocharging is a goal, it must come from aftermarket routes, which require careful planning and consideration of warranty, reliability, and long-term maintenance.
What engine does the Toyota 86 have?
The current Toyota GR86 models feature a 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with options for a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. For models prior to 2022, the engine was a 2.0-liter boxer engine.
Current generation (2022 and newer)
- Engine: 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Previous generation (2012–2021)
- Engine: 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder
- Horsepower: Up to 205 hp (manual)
- Torque: Up to 156 lb-ft (manual)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Is the Toyota 86 naturally aspirated?
The naturally aspirated, new 4-cylinder 2.4L engine achieves 174kW, up from 152kW and 2L in the outgoing model.
Is 86 or brz faster?
Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ performance is tied, as both models posted a Car and Driver tested 0-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds. They share the same specs and platform, leading to equal capabilities in both vehicles.
Does the brz have a turbo?
No, the current Subaru BRZ does not have a turbocharger; it is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine. While many hoped for a turbo to increase power, Subaru opted for a larger, non-turbocharged engine that provides more horsepower and torque compared to the previous generation, with improved low-end torque delivery.
This video explains why the Subaru BRZ doesn't have a turbo: 53sGonin60YouTube · Feb 5, 2024
- Engine: The 2022 and newer models use a 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated engine instead of a turbocharger.
- Power: The engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, a significant increase from the previous generation.
- Torque: Peak torque is achieved much lower in the RPM range (3,700 RPM), which makes the car feel quicker in normal driving conditions.
- Why no turbo? Subaru engineers chose to go with a naturally aspirated engine to maintain the car's balance and handling characteristics, while still increasing power through displacement.
- Aftermarket options: There are aftermarket turbo kits available for those who want to add a turbo to their BRZ, though this is a modification and not a factory option.
