Is the Toyota 86 front wheel drive?
No. The Toyota 86 is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, designed for handling and driver involvement, not a front-wheel-drive layout. It uses a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels, a hallmark of its design philosophy.
Drivetrain and chassis
Developed in partnership with Subaru, the 86 debuted in 2012 (as the Scion FR-S in the U.S. and as the Toyota 86 in other markets). It sticks with a front-mounted boxer (flat-four) engine and a rear-wheel-drive layout to deliver balanced weight distribution and agile dynamics. There are no factory front-wheel-drive variants of the 86.
Engine options across generations
Early models used a 2.0-liter flat-four engine, producing roughly 200–205 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. In the GR86 update (introduced in 2021–2022 for broader markets), the car switched to a 2.4-liter boxer engine delivering about 230 horsepower, while preserving rear-wheel drive and the option of manual or automatic transmissions. The newer engine enhances mid‑range torque and overall responsiveness without changing the rear-wheel-drive ethos.
Performance and driving experience
The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to precise steering feedback, balanced handling, and an engaging ride on winding roads or track days. The car remains relatively lightweight with a focus on driver involvement rather than outright horsepower. It is not a family car or an all-weather performer in the same vein as typical front-wheel-drive hatchbacks; tire choice and weather conditions are still important considerations.
Why the question matters
Understanding whether the 86 is FWD helps set expectations for grip, understeer characteristics, and daily usability. For enthusiasts, the rear-drive setup is a defining aspect of the model’s identity and appeal.
Summary
The Toyota 86 is not front-wheel drive. It is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that evolved from a 2.0-liter boxer engine to the 2.4-liter GR86 in recent years, maintaining its emphasis on driver engagement and nimble handling. As of 2025, the GR86 remains the current generation with both manual and automatic transmission options.
