Fuel Tank Capacity Across Toyota 86 in All Generations
The Toyota 86, known for its sleek design and impressive performance, has been a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts since its introduction. One often overlooked but crucial aspect of this vehicle is its fuel tank capacity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fuel tank specifications across all generations of the Toyota 86, providing valuable insights for current and prospective owners.
First Generation Toyota 86 (2012-2020)
The first generation Toyota 86, also known as the Scion FR-S in some markets, was introduced in 2012 as a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. This model set the standard for the 86 line with its impressive fuel efficiency and practical tank size.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
The first-generation Toyota 86 comes equipped with a 50-liter (13.2-gallon) fuel tank. This capacity strikes a balance between providing a decent range and maintaining the car’s lightweight design, which is crucial for its performance characteristics.
Fuel Efficiency:
The fuel efficiency of the first-generation Toyota 86 varies slightly depending on the transmission type:
- Manual transmission: 11.2 L/100km city, 8.3 L/100km highway, 9.9 L/100km combined
- Automatic transmission: Slightly better efficiency, typically around 9.6 L/100km combined
Estimated Range:
Based on these figures, we can estimate the range of the first-generation Toyota 86:
- City driving: Approximately 446 km (277 miles)
- Highway driving: Approximately 602 km (374 miles)
- Combined driving: Approximately 505 km (314 miles)
It’s worth noting that real-world range can vary significantly based on driving style, road conditions, and other factors. Many owners report achieving between 370-400 km (230-248 miles) on a single tank with mixed city and highway driving.
Second Generation Toyota GR86 (2021-Present)
The second generation Toyota GR86, introduced in 2021, brought several improvements to the popular sports car, including a more powerful engine. However, Toyota maintained the same fuel tank capacity as the previous generation.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
The second-generation Toyota GR86 retains the 50-liter (13.2-gallon) fuel tank from its predecessor. This decision helps maintain the car’s weight distribution and overall balance, which are crucial factors in its handling characteristics.
Fuel Efficiency:
Despite the increase in engine power, the fuel efficiency of the second-generation GR86 remains competitive:
- Manual transmission: Approximately 11.4 L/100km city, 8.7 L/100km highway, 10.2 L/100km combined
- Automatic transmission: Slightly better efficiency, typically around 9.8 L/100km combined
Estimated Range:
Based on these figures, we can estimate the range of the second-generation Toyota GR86:
- City driving: Approximately 438 km (272 miles)
- Highway driving: Approximately 574 km (357 miles)
- Combined driving: Approximately 490 km (304 miles)
As with the first generation, actual range can vary based on driving conditions and individual driving habits.
Fuel Tank Design and Placement
The fuel tank in both generations of the Toyota 86 is strategically placed to optimize weight distribution and handling. It’s located behind the rear axle, contributing to the car’s near-perfect 53/47 front/rear weight balance. This placement helps maintain the 86’s renowned handling characteristics and low center of gravity.
Fuel Type and Octane Requirements
Both generations of the Toyota 86 are designed to run on premium unleaded fuel. The recommended octane rating is typically 93 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) in North America or 98 RON (Research Octane Number) in other markets. Using the recommended fuel type ensures optimal engine performance and longevity.
Practical Considerations for Owners
Fuel Gauge Accuracy:
Many Toyota 86 owners report that the fuel gauge tends to be conservative, showing empty when there’s still some fuel remaining. This “buffer” is typically around 5-7 liters (1.3-1.8 gallons). While this provides a safety margin, it’s important not to rely on it consistently to avoid potential fuel system damage.
Filling the Tank:
When filling up, most owners report being able to add around 40-44 liters (10.6-11.6 gallons) when the fuel warning light comes on. This aligns with the conservative nature of the fuel gauge and the presence of the buffer mentioned above.
Range Variability:
Real-world range can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Driving style (aggressive vs. conservative)
- Traffic conditions
- Road type (city vs. highway)
- Weather conditions
- Vehicle modifications
Some owners report achieving over 500 km (310 miles) on a single tank with conservative highway driving, while others may see less than 400 km (248 miles) with more aggressive or city-focused driving.
Comparison with Competitors
To put the Toyota 86’s fuel tank capacity into perspective, let’s compare it with some of its key competitors in the sports car segment:
| Model | Fuel Tank Capacity |
|---|---|
| Toyota 86 / GR86 | 50 liters (13.2 gallons) |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 45 liters (11.9 gallons) |
| Subaru BRZ | 50 liters (13.2 gallons) |
| Nissan 370Z | 72 liters (19 gallons) |
As we can see, the Toyota 86’s fuel tank capacity is competitive within its class, offering a good balance between range and weight considerations.
Impact on Performance and Handling
The 50-liter fuel tank capacity of the Toyota 86 plays a crucial role in the car’s overall performance and handling characteristics:
Weight Distribution:
The placement and size of the fuel tank contribute to the car’s near-perfect weight distribution. This balance is essential for the 86’s renowned handling prowess, allowing for predictable and responsive behavior in corners.
Center of Gravity:
By keeping the fuel tank capacity moderate, Toyota engineers have been able to maintain a low center of gravity in the 86. This design choice enhances the car’s stability and agility, key factors in its appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Performance Consistency:
The relatively small fuel tank means that the car’s weight doesn’t change dramatically as fuel is consumed. This consistency helps maintain predictable handling characteristics throughout a driving session, whether on the road or track.
Fuel Economy Tips for Toyota 86 Owners
While the Toyota 86 is designed for performance, there are several ways owners can maximize their fuel efficiency and get the most out of each tank:
- Smooth acceleration and braking: Avoid aggressive starts and stops to reduce fuel consumption.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
- Regular maintenance: Keep up with scheduled services to ensure the engine runs at peak efficiency.
- Use the recommended fuel grade: Premium fuel ensures optimal engine performance and efficiency.
- Plan your trips: Combine errands to reduce overall mileage and avoid unnecessary cold starts.
- Monitor your driving style: Use the car’s built-in fuel economy display to understand how your driving habits affect consumption.
Future Developments and Speculations
As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, there’s speculation about the future of the Toyota 86 and its fuel system:
- Hybrid technology: Toyota may introduce a hybrid version of the 86 in the future, potentially altering the fuel tank capacity and overall range.
- Improved efficiency: Future iterations may see further improvements in fuel efficiency through advanced engine technologies, potentially extending range without increasing tank size.
- Electric variant: While no official announcements have been made, an all-electric version of the 86 could be a possibility in the long term, completely changing the “refueling” paradigm.
The fuel tank capacity of the Toyota 86, consistent across both generations at 50 liters (13.2 gallons), reflects a careful balance between performance, efficiency, and practicality. This capacity, combined with the car’s fuel efficiency, provides a reasonable range for both daily driving and longer trips.