The Toyota 86, a beloved sports car known for its affordability, engaging handling, and rear-wheel-drive fun, is often associated with purists who prefer the direct control of a manual transmission. But what if you're not a fan of the clutch pedal, or simply prefer the convenience of an automatic? The answer, thankfully, is yes! The Toyota 86 (and its Subaru BRZ sibling) does come with an automatic transmission option, offering a slightly different driving experience while still retaining the core elements that make it a great sports car. Let's dive into the details and explore what you can expect.
The Automatic 86: Fact or Fiction?
Let’s clear up any confusion right away. The automatic Toyota 86 is absolutely a real thing. It's been available since the car's initial launch, offered alongside the standard manual gearbox. It's not a myth, an urban legend, or a figment of your imagination. Toyota recognized that not everyone wants to row their own gears, and offering an automatic broadened the car's appeal to a wider range of drivers. So, if you've been eyeing an 86 but the thought of mastering heel-toe downshifts fills you with dread, relax! You have options.
What Kind of Automatic Transmission Does the 86 Have?
The automatic transmission in the Toyota 86 (and BRZ) is a conventional torque-converter automatic with six speeds. It's a well-proven and reliable unit that's been used in various other Toyota and Subaru models. Don't expect a fancy dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This is a traditional automatic, but it's been tuned to provide a more engaging driving experience than you might expect.
Key Features of the Automatic Transmission:
- Six Speeds: Provides a good balance between fuel economy and performance.
- Torque Converter: Offers smooth and predictable shifting, particularly in everyday driving.
- Paddle Shifters: Allows the driver to manually select gears for a more involved driving experience.
- Sport Mode: Alters the shift points for more aggressive acceleration and responsiveness.
While it might not be as lightning-fast as a DCT, the automatic in the 86 is surprisingly capable. The paddle shifters allow you to take control when you want to, and the sport mode wakes things up considerably.
How Does the Automatic Impact Performance?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Does opting for the automatic transmission neuter the 86's sporty character? The short answer is: it changes it, but it doesn't ruin it.
Here's a breakdown of the performance differences:
- Acceleration: The automatic 86 is generally a touch slower in outright acceleration than the manual version. The difference is usually around a few tenths of a second in the 0-60 mph sprint. While noticeable on paper, in real-world driving, it's not a huge gap.
- Fuel Economy: The automatic 86 typically achieves slightly better fuel economy than the manual version. This is due to the transmission's ability to optimize gear selection for efficiency.
- Driving Experience: The manual transmission offers a more direct and engaging connection to the engine. You have complete control over gear selection and can rev-match downshifts for a more rewarding experience. The automatic, on the other hand, provides a smoother and more relaxed driving experience, especially in traffic.
- Engine Output: Interestingly, early models of the 86 (and BRZ) had slightly different horsepower and torque figures depending on the transmission. The manual versions were rated at 205 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, while the automatics were rated at 200 hp and 151 lb-ft. This difference was due to tuning differences to accommodate the automatic transmission. Later models largely standardized the power output regardless of transmission.
Ultimately, the choice between the manual and automatic comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize the purest, most engaging driving experience, the manual is the way to go. But if you value convenience, comfort, and slightly better fuel economy, the automatic is a perfectly viable option.
Is the Automatic 86 Still Fun to Drive?
Absolutely! Don't let anyone tell you that the automatic 86 is a boring car. While it might not offer the same level of raw engagement as the manual, it's still a blast to drive.
Here's why:
- Rear-Wheel Drive: The core DNA of the 86 is its rear-wheel-drive layout. This allows for playful handling and the ability to easily initiate controlled drifts. The automatic doesn't change this.
- Balanced Chassis: The 86 has a remarkably well-balanced chassis, with a low center of gravity and a lightweight design. This makes it incredibly nimble and responsive, regardless of the transmission.
- Paddle Shifters: The paddle shifters give you a measure of control over the gear selection, allowing you to downshift before corners and hold gears for maximum acceleration.
- Sport Mode: Engaging sport mode sharpens the throttle response and alters the shift points, making the car feel more eager and responsive.
While you might not be able to execute perfect heel-toe downshifts with the automatic, you can still have a lot of fun on a twisty road. The car's inherent balance and responsiveness shine through, even with the automatic transmission.
Who Should Choose the Automatic 86?
The automatic 86 is a great choice for a variety of drivers:
- Commuters: If you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, the automatic transmission will make your life much easier.
- Drivers New to Sports Cars: The automatic can be a more forgiving and less intimidating option for drivers who are new to the world of sports cars.
- Drivers with Physical Limitations: The automatic transmission can be a necessity for drivers who have difficulty operating a clutch pedal.
- Drivers Who Value Convenience: If you simply prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission, the 86 offers a perfectly acceptable option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide if the automatic 86 is right for you is to take one for a test drive. Experience it for yourself and see if it meets your needs and preferences.
The Automatic 86: Model Years and Availability
The automatic transmission has been available on the Toyota 86 (and Subaru BRZ) since the car's initial launch in 2012 (as a 2013 model in the US). It has been offered in various trim levels throughout the car's production run.
Things to keep in mind:
- Availability: The availability of the automatic transmission may vary depending on the model year and trim level. It's always best to check with your local Toyota or Subaru dealer to confirm availability.
- Second Generation (GR86/BRZ): The second-generation Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, launched in 2021 (as a 2022 model), also offer an automatic transmission option. The automatic in the second-generation models is generally considered to be more refined and responsive than the automatic in the first-generation models.
Automatic vs. Manual: Which One Holds Its Value Better?
Generally, manual transmission cars tend to hold their value slightly better than their automatic counterparts, particularly in the sports car segment. This is often attributed to the perceived desirability of a manual transmission among enthusiasts. However, the difference in value retention between the automatic and manual 86 is usually not significant. Condition, mileage, and overall market demand play a larger role in determining a car's resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the automatic 86 slower than the manual? Yes, the automatic 86 is typically a few tenths of a second slower in the 0-60 mph sprint. However, the difference is not huge, and the automatic can still be plenty fun to drive.
- Does the automatic 86 have paddle shifters? Yes, all automatic 86 models come equipped with paddle shifters, allowing you to manually select gears. This gives you more control over the driving experience.
- Is the automatic 86 reliable? Yes, the automatic transmission in the 86 is a well-proven and reliable unit. It's been used in various other Toyota and Subaru models.
- Does the automatic 86 have a sport mode? Yes, the automatic 86 has a sport mode that sharpens the throttle response and alters the shift points for more aggressive performance.
- Is the automatic 86 a good choice for commuting? Yes, the automatic transmission can make commuting in stop-and-go traffic much easier and more comfortable.
Final Thoughts: The Automatic 86 is a Viable Option
The automatic Toyota 86 is not a compromise; it's an alternative. It offers a different driving experience than the manual version, but it still retains the core elements that make the 86 a great sports car. If you're considering an 86 but are hesitant about the manual transmission, don't dismiss the automatic out of hand. Take one for a test drive and see if it's the right fit for you. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have. Ultimately, choose the transmission that best suits your needs and preferences.