The "toast" color looks like gray is that correct - i thought it would be some kind of brown...

I think the corresponding picture must be wrong because you are correct, the "toast" is for sure a lighter mid-brown color. Maybe even a little greenish.

Are these the actual khaki material, or are they the softer, dressy type of pants? The picture gives a soft dress pants look... to me anyway.

The material is a soft permanent press cotton material. This material hold the color and pant crease fairly well. My husband wears his Haggar pants with dress shirts and nice shoes to work. I would not say these are "dressy" pants, but I consider them in the middle, perhaps dressy casual. I've tried my best to answer your question. Hope that helps. My husband finds these pants very comfortable and a great style fit for work.

Are these a blend of both cotton and polyester ? I like poly, but not 100 %. Too much sheen usually.

Haggar's Classic Fit Premium No Iron Khaki is 61% Cotton, 37% Poly, and 2% Spandex. I have washed and lightly dried them a couple of times, and they are like new with no sheen.