The 2018 Toyota 86 2.0L’s combined 27 MPG won’t win any hypermiling contests, and that’s okay. This small, lightweight sports car prioritizes fun over saving gas. Buyers of the 86 aren’t looking for the best fuel economy. They want a responsive engine, sharp handling, and a direct connection to the road, and they’re willing to trade some fuel efficiency for that experience.

City and highway performance

The 2018 Toyota 86 with the 2.0L 4-cylinder and automatic transmission gets an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects urban driving’s stop-and-go conditions, where the engine idles and accelerates more. The highway number shows the car’s efficiency at a constant speed, where aerodynamic drag is the main resistance. These numbers are estimates, and your actual fuel economy will vary based on your driving style, road conditions, and how well you maintain your car.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Toyota 86 2.0L at $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. To calculate this, the EPA estimates how many gallons you’ll use in 15,000 miles and multiplies that by the anticipated average fuel price. Your actual fuel costs may differ based on gas prices and your driving, but this gives you a standard comparison point.

Real-World Expectations

The EPA numbers give a useful comparison, but how do they compare to actual driving? Some drivers report slightly lower fuel economy, particularly those who enjoy spirited driving. The 86 encourages you to push it, and frequent acceleration and high-RPM driving will lower fuel efficiency. Expect numbers closer to the low 20s in mixed driving if you drive the 86 hard, especially when using premium fuel as some owners do.

How It Compares

The 2018 Toyota 86 compares respectably with other sporty coupes in fuel economy, though it’s not the best. A Mazda MX-5 Miata can get up to 30 MPG combined with either its manual or automatic transmission, a slight edge over the 86. The Subaru BRZ, the 86’s close relative, gets similar fuel economy because they share a powertrain. The Nissan 370Z, which is more powerful but also more expensive, gets around 22 MPG combined. Buyers might compare these based on performance and handling, being okay with a small MPG difference for the preferred driving experience. You can also compare to all Toyota fuel economy data or 86 MPG across all years.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The 86 isn’t made for efficiency, but you can still improve your MPG. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. Gradual changes in speed will save fuel and reduce wear on your tires.

Check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, decreasing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and match it to the recommended pressure on the door jamb.

Reduce extra weight. Removing unnecessary items from your car can improve fuel economy, even a little. Every pound matters, particularly in a small car such as the 86.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed can improve fuel efficiency compared to accelerating and decelerating constantly. Pay attention to the road and traffic.

Make sure your 86 gets regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Keep up with oil changes, air filter replacements, and scheduled maintenance.