If you have the need for speed, the Toyota 86 might be the sports car for you. Not only does it offer a blistering pace that hits 140 mph, but it also carries a price tag that is less than $30K. 

Fast performance cars such as the Ford Mustang and Mazda Miata Sport are worthy contenders in a crowded class, but the Toyota 86 perfectly blends affordability with performance. It is a combination worth considering when looking for your next ride.

Is the Toyota 86 really a fast car?

The Toyota 86 is a stylish two-door fastback that offers a powerful punch with 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque churning from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine. The aerodynamic design allows quick acceleration, going from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.

Identical to its cousin, the Subaru BRZ, the new Toyota 86 sports car is a harmonious venture between Toyota and Subaru. The BRZ was not available for the 2021 model year, as production ramps up for a complete redesign of both models for 2022. Car and Driver confirmed that the “new generation is coming.”

Meanwhile, the Toyota 86 is still pounding the pavement with two trim levels available. The entry-level base model with manual transmission has an estimated starting price of $27,060. The GT trim has an MSRP of $29,910 and offers an abundance of upgraded standard features.

Heated front seats with leather or suede upholstery are standard in the GT trim. A dual-zone automatic climate control system, remote keyless entry, and rear spoiler are welcome additions to the impressive list of new features offered in the Toyota 86 GT.

The four-seat agile sports car is responsive with its sport-calibrated electric power steering system. The handling is unsurpassed with a smooth ride provided by the optional TRD Handling Package.

The fastest cars of 2021 under $30K

U.S. News took a look at some of the fastest vehicles on the market that don’t require a king’s ransom to drive. They acknowledged that while the cars chosen for their list don’t have “massive engines or neck-snapping acceleration,” they did find 30 models that will “get your heart racing.”

The Toyota 86 made the cut, falling somewhere in the middle of this list, which includes obvious choices such as the Dodge Challenger SXT and the V6-powered Chevy Camaro.

The vehicles with the strongest performance scores include the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota RAV4. Even the 2021 Ford F-150 XL made the list with an overall score of 8.4 out of 10.

With more than 30 vehicles to choose from, U.S. News proved that you don’t need to be sitting behind the wheel of a Maserati to feel the wind in your hair. These everyday vehicles are capable of putting the pedal to the metal, for a price that won’t leave you broke.

Is the Toyota 86 worth it?

As industry analysts contemplate the new generation of the 2022 Toyota 86, people can’t help but wonder if the performance will improve. While there was speculation that the newest iterations would be capable of hitting 250 hp, Top Speed reported that “Power output is now expected to be 217 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, a meager increase of just 12 ponies and 21 pound-feet.”

Car and Driver is expecting a complete redesign for 2022, with the possibility of a turbocharged engine, similar to what is found in the Subaru Ascent SUV. They noted that a “260-hp mill would make the 86 even speedier. A six-speed manual will hopefully continue to serve as the 86’s standard transmission, and we anticipate Toyota will also offer a six or eight-speed automatic.”

We will have to wait until later this year to find out what Toyota has in store for the 2022 model.