Does Toyota 86 use boxer engine?
Yes. The Toyota 86 uses a horizontally opposed “boxer” engine layout, developed in collaboration with Subaru. The first-generation 86 relied on a 2.0-liter flat-four (FA20), while the current GR86 (the second generation) uses a larger 2.4-liter flat-four (FA24) to deliver more power and updated performance.
This article explains how the boxer engine layout shapes the car’s dynamics, outlines the engines used across generations, and highlights what makes this setup central to the 86’s identity.
Boxer engine partnership and design
The Toyota 86 is the result of a joint development effort between Toyota and Subaru, sharing a boxer-engine foundation that provides a low center of gravity and balanced handling. Subaru’s horizontally opposed layout keeps the engine compact and aids stability during aggressive driving, a hallmark of the 86’s driving character.
Overview of engine generations
- First generation (2012–2020 in most markets) uses a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed flat-four engine, coded FA20D. It delivers roughly 200 horsepower and about 151–156 lb-ft of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Second generation (2021–present, marketed as GR86) switches to a larger 2.4-liter flat-four engine, coded FA24. It produces roughly 228–237 horsepower and about 184–185 lb-ft of torque, with performance figures varying by market and transmission choice.
The engine architecture remains a defining element across generations, reinforcing the 86’s handling balance and driver-focused ethos.
Why the boxer layout matters
Several design advantages flow from the boxer arrangement, contributing to the car’s agility and feel:
- Lower center of gravity improves cornering stability and reduces roll.
- Even weight distribution enhances steering response and overall balance.
- Compact width of the flat-four supports a shorter engine bay and a more compact front end.
- Shared engineering with Subaru ensures a reliable supply of Boxer components and tested performance characteristics.
In short, the boxer engine is a core element of the Toyota 86’s identity, directly tied to its nimble handling and enthusiast appeal.
Summary
The Toyota 86 does use a boxer engine, reflecting its Subaru collaboration. The first generation employed a 2.0-liter flat-four (FA20), and the current GR86 uses a 2.4-liter flat-four (FA24), both designed to deliver a low center of gravity and balanced, responsive handling that defines the car’s driving experience.
