Is the Toyota 86 good on fuel?
The Toyota 86 (including the GR86) is a sports coupe that prioritizes handling and driving enjoyment over ultimate fuel efficiency. In typical use, expect mpg in the mid-20s combined, with highway trips in the high-20s and city driving in the low-20s. Exact figures depend on the generation, engine, and transmission.
How fuel economy works in the 86/GR86
Several factors shape the car’s real-world efficiency. The balance between performance and economy, plus how you drive and what tires you run, makes a big difference. Here are the main influencers.
- Engine size and tuning: the 86 moved from a 2.0-liter engine in early models to a 2.4-liter in the GR86, with more torque and power that can affect mpg depending on use.
- Transmission: manual vs automatic transmits differently on the highway and in urban cycles; automatics often optimize highway efficiency somewhat better on steady speeds.
- Weight and aerodynamics: lightweight design helps, but sport-tuned suspensions and wider tires can raise rolling resistance and drag a bit.
- Tire choice and inflation: low-rolling-resistance tires and proper inflation improve efficiency; mismatched or oversized tires can lower mpg.
- Driving style and conditions: steady cruising and gentle acceleration boost mpg, while rev-happy driving and frequent hard braking reduce it.
Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for mpg across different configurations and trips.
EPA ratings by generation and transmission
EPA estimates vary by model year, engine, and transmission. The following ranges reflect typical figures reported for the 86 family and GR86 across recent model years.
- First-generation Toyota 86 (2.0L) with manual: approximately 21–23 mpg city, 28–30 mpg highway, about 24–25 mpg combined.
- First-generation 86 with automatic: roughly 22–24 mpg city, 29–30 mpg highway, about 25–26 mpg combined.
- Second-generation GR86 (2.4L) with manual: about 20–21 mpg city, 27–28 mpg highway, around 23–24 mpg combined.
- Second-generation GR86 with automatic: around 21–22 mpg city, 28–29 mpg highway, about 24–25 mpg combined.
These figures are representative values for recent years; real-world results vary with tires, terrain, climate, and driving habits.
Owner and tester experiences
Real-world feedback from owners and automotive testers generally places typical mixed-driving mpg in the low-to-mid 20s, with highway trips at a relaxed cruise delivering the upper 20s to low 30s in favorable conditions. Aggressive driving, cold starts, and heavier loads can push mpg into the teens.
Driving style and daily use remain the biggest variable when it comes to your actual fuel costs and efficiency.
Practical considerations for buyers
Fuel economy is one factor in overall ownership costs. Here’s what to consider if you’re weighing an 86 or GR86 for daily driving or weekend fun.
- Fuel costs: estimate annual fuel outlay by multiplying miles driven per year by (fuel price per gallon / mpg). For example, 12,000 miles/year at 24 mpg with a $3.50/gal price would use about 500 gallons, costing roughly $1,750 per year—before taxes and fees.
- Fuel tank and range: the GR86 has a roughly 12.3-gallon tank, so range varies with mpg. At 23 mpg combined, you’d expect about 280 miles per tank; at 28 mpg highway, around 340 miles on a full tank.
- Maintenance and reliability: routine maintenance for the 86/GR86 is similar to other small sports cars, with emphasis on brake wear given its performance-oriented braking and potential for increased tire wear from aggressive driving.
- Turbocharged concerns: the 86/GR86 uses naturally aspirated engines, so there’s no turbo lag to contend with, but fuel economy is still primarily a function of engine displacement and driving style rather than forced induction.
Considering these factors helps you project running costs beyond the sticker EPA numbers and align expectations with your typical driving.
Bottom line
The Toyota 86/GR86 is not a high-muel fuel economy performer in the sports-car segment. It delivers reasonable efficiency for a performance-focused coupe, with mpg typically in the low-to-mid 20s in mixed driving and higher on long highway cruises when driven smoothly. If ultimate fuel economy is a priority, you may look at smaller, more efficient cars; if you want a car that blends engaging handling with reasonable efficiency, the 86/GR86 strikes a solid balance.
Summary
In short, the Toyota 86 and GR86 offer acceptable fuel economy for a sport-oriented cupé, but they are not fuel-economy leaders. Expect mpg in the low-to-mid 20s in daily use, with potential higher highway efficiency under calm driving and favorable conditions. Transmission, tires, and driving style are the biggest levers you can tweak to improve real-world numbers.
