Special-edition Toyotas are nothing new. When the Scion brand was around, there was a special edition every year for every one of those cars. Remember the Scion FR-S limited-edition Release Series cars? Well, the Toyota 86 Hakone Edition is the same thing, but it’s just a little more special.

What’s so special about it?

First things first, Hakone is pronounced “hawk-own-ee.” We wanted to get that straight because multiple reviewers have pronounced it a multitude of different ways. And in case you’re planning to run out to a dealer to buy one after reading this, at least you won’t make a fool of yourself.

Second, the Hakone Edition is named after one of Japan’s most iconic driving roads, a curvy mountain pass known as the Hakone Skyline. It’s fitting, considering the Toyota 86 was built for its athletic prowess and nimble handling characteristics.

What also makes it special, in case you didn’t notice, is that’s adorned in beautiful Hakone green paint that is contrasted by 17-inch bronze wheels. It’s an unusual combination, but it works. And lastly, this special edition model marks the last of this generation of the Toyota 86, as an all-new 86 is due out next year.

What else does it have on it?

The Toyota 86 Hakone Edition still uses the same internals as the regular 86. Under the hood lies the same 2.0-liter engine that produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque that’s mated to a slick-shifting six-speed transmission, or an optional automatic. As expected, the power is put down through the rear wheels and planted by Michelin Primacy tires.

Inside

On the inside, the 86 Hakone Edition’s uniqueness continues as black and tan seats covered in leather and Alcantara elements. The black dashboard has Alcantara as well, and it even has an “86” stitched on it, a nice touch. As a final touch, the seats, steering wheel and shift boot all have tan stitching as well. If you have ever sat in an FR-S, BR-Z, or an 86, you’ll notice that the interior isn’t the most luxurious. However, Toyota spent just a little more time on this special edition and its interior shows it.

Pricing

The 2020 Toyota 86 Hakone Edition is priced at $30,825 (including destination) for the manual transmission version. Adding an automatic transmission will add $720. In case you’re wondering, the base price for the Toyota 86 is $27,850, which means that this special edition adds $2,975 for basically just cosmetic upgrades.

Is it worth it?

We think so, especially if you really like green paint. We know, it’s all cosmetic and they should have put more power under the hood or maybe upgraded the suspension while they were at it. But let’s face it, the Toyota 86 is a great car to begin with and while releasing a special edition should probably make it even more “special,” we never really know what manufacturers have up their sleeves. After all, that’ why they’re coming out with a new generation soon.