As an automotive enthusiast, you've likely been intrigued by the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 - two sports cars born from the same partnership yet marketed as distinct models. While these vehicles share many similarities, subtle differences set them apart. In this comprehensive analysis, you'll discover how these Japanese sports coupes stack up against each other in key areas like performance, design, and value. Whether you're considering a purchase or simply curious about the nuances between these popular models, this side-by-side comparison will provide the insights you need to understand what makes each car unique in today's competitive sports car market.

Overview of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86

Subtle Differences in Performance

Despite their mechanical similarities, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 offer distinct driving experiences. Car reviewers consistently praise the GR86 for its more responsive engine, giving it a slight edge in performance. At the test track, the GR86 demonstrates higher grip levels, outperforming the BRZ despite identical power, weight, and tire offerings. These nuanced differences make the GR86 a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts seeking that extra bit of responsiveness and control.

Design and Comfort

The Toyota GR86 boasts a more aggressive exterior design, appealing to those who prefer a sportier aesthetic. Inside the cabin, the GR86 offers more front shoulder room compared to the BRZ, providing a more comfortable ride for drivers and passengers. This subtle yet impactful difference can make long drives more enjoyable and reduce fatigue during spirited driving sessions.

Pricing and Trim Options

When it comes to pricing, the Toyota GR86 starts at a slightly lower price point of $28,400, giving it a modest advantage over the Subaru BRZ. This competitive pricing, combined with a wider range of trim levels, makes the GR86 an attractive option for buyers looking for more customization possibilities. The variety of trims allows customers to tailor their GR86 to their specific preferences and budget constraints.

Making the Choice

Ultimately, choosing between the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 comes down to personal preference. While both cars share a common platform and offer exhilarating driving experiences, the GR86's more responsive engine, aggressive styling, and slightly lower starting price may give it an edge for some buyers. However, the BRZ's unique charm and Subaru's reputation for reliability shouldn't be overlooked. Test driving both vehicles is highly recommended to fully appreciate their subtle differences and determine which one resonates more with your driving style and preferences.

Exterior Styling and Dimensions

Shared Design Elements

When you first glance at the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, you'll notice their striking similarities. Both sports cars share nearly identical exterior dimensions, with a length of 167.9 inches, width of 69.9 inches, and height of 51.6 inches. This shared platform results in a sleek, aerodynamic profile that's sure to turn heads on the road.

Distinctive Features

While the overall silhouette may be similar, each car boasts unique design elements that set them apart. The BRZ showcases Subaru's distinctive styling with its eye-catching headlights and sculpted front bumper. These features give the BRZ a more aggressive and sporty appearance at the front end.

On the other hand, the GR86 makes its mark with a prominent rear ducktail spoiler. This aerodynamic addition not only enhances the car's performance but also gives it a race-inspired look that enthusiasts will appreciate.

Subtle Variations

As you examine the cars more closely, you'll notice subtle differences in their exterior design. The front grille, for instance, varies slightly between the two models. These minor tweaks allow each brand to maintain its unique identity while still benefiting from the shared platform.

The wheelbase of both cars measures 101.4 inches, providing a stable foundation for their sporty handling characteristics. This shared dimension contributes to the similar driving dynamics that both the BRZ and GR86 are known for.

In conclusion, while the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 share many exterior similarities, each model manages to carve out its own distinct identity through carefully crafted design elements. Whether you prefer the BRZ's aggressive front end or the GR86's sporty rear spoiler, both cars offer a visually appealing package that's sure to satisfy sports car enthusiasts.

Interior Design and Features

Shared Elegance with Subtle Distinctions

Step inside the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, and you'll find nearly identical interiors that offer a comfortable, livable daily driving experience. Both models feature a seven-inch digital driver's display and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, providing modern connectivity at your fingertips. The similarity extends to the styling of air vents, seats, switchgear, and pedals, creating a cohesive look across both vehicles.

However, keen observers will notice subtle differences that set these twins apart. The Toyota GR86 boasts a slightly lighter and more aggressive styling compared to its Subaru counterpart. This nuanced approach gives the GR86 a sportier edge, while the BRZ maintains a more refined aesthetic.

Comfort and Quality

The 2022 models of both the BRZ and GR86 have raised the bar with newly stiffened bodies and enhanced interiors. These improvements make them more appealing for everyday use, striking a balance between performance and practicality. For those seeking extra comfort, heated seats are available as an optional upgrade in both vehicles.

While both cars offer impressive interiors, the Subaru BRZ edges ahead with its refined materials and superior build quality. This attention to detail gives the BRZ a slight advantage in overall design, appealing to drivers who prioritize a premium feel in their sports car.

Exterior Flair

The Subaru BRZ makes a bold statement with its front fascia, featuring sharp LED headlights and a sculpted hood. This aggressive exterior design complements the car's performance-oriented nature, ensuring it stands out on the road. The Toyota GR86, while sharing many design elements, maintains its own identity with subtle styling cues that appeal to Toyota enthusiasts.

In essence, whether you choose the BRZ or the GR86, you're getting a well-designed interior that balances sportiness with daily usability. The minor differences between the two models allow buyers to select the aesthetic that best suits their personal taste.

Performance and Handling

Engine Specifications

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 share an impressive power plant: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine. This robust engine delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for both models. With this shared heart, the 2022 BRZ and GR86 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds, demonstrating their sporty credentials.

Track Performance

Despite identical power outputs, weights, and tire offerings, the Toyota GR86 manages to edge out the Subaru BRZ in grip and performance at the test track. Both cars showcase impressive capabilities, pulling nearly 1.00 g on the skidpad. However, the GR86 demonstrates a slight advantage when pushed to the limit, exhibiting quicker corner entry at the grip threshold.

Handling Characteristics

While both cars offer lithe handling, faithful steering, and predictable behavior, there are subtle differences in their driving dynamics. The Subaru BRZ exhibits a slight understeer bias, which can be beneficial for less experienced drivers. It also boasts a better street ride and slightly flatter cornering compared to its Toyota counterpart. The BRZ's initial turn-in is notably sharper, providing a more immediate response to steering inputs.

Driver Feedback

Both the GR86 and BRZ excel in providing plentiful feedback to enthusiasts. This characteristic allows drivers to feel connected to the road, enhancing the overall driving experience. The abundance of sensory information transmitted through the steering wheel and chassis helps drivers push these sports cars to their limits with confidence.

Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain

Heart of the Beast: The Boxer Engine

At the core of both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 lies a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engine. This powerplant, shared by both models, delivers a robust 228 horsepower, providing ample thrust for these lightweight sports cars. The boxer configuration, with its low center of gravity, contributes to the exceptional handling characteristics that both vehicles are known for.

Transmission Options: Manual vs. Automatic

When it comes to putting power to the pavement, you'll have choices. Both the BRZ and GR86 come standard with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, perfect for enthusiasts who crave that direct connection to the drivetrain. For those who prefer two-pedal driving, a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on both models.

Performance Nuances

Despite their identical powertrains and similar weights, subtle differences emerge on the track. In testing, the Toyota GR86 has shown a slight edge in grip, posting marginally higher numbers than its Subaru counterpart. This minor variance could be attributed to subtle tuning differences in suspension or tire choices.

Advanced Features and Upgrades

It's worth noting that the base BRZ with a manual transmission lacks certain telematics features. On the other hand, Toyota offers an upgraded version of the GR86 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, boosting output to an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This option provides a significant performance bump for those seeking extra thrills.

Fuel Economy and MPG

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are neck and neck, offering impressive performance without sacrificing economy. Let's dive into the details of these sporty coupes' fuel consumption.

EPA Estimates and Real-World Performance

Both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 boast an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21/31/25 MPG (city/highway/combined). With a fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons, these vehicles offer an EPA-estimated range of 273 miles, ensuring you spend more time on the road and less at the pump.

However, real-world tests have shown that the GR86 can achieve up to 32 mpg with 35% city driving factored in. User reports on Fuelly indicate that GR86 owners typically experience between 22-28 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

City vs. Highway Efficiency

In city driving, the Subaru BRZ edges out its Toyota counterpart with a rating of 21 mpg compared to the GR86's 20 mpg. However, the tables turn on the highway, where the Toyota GR86 achieves 27 mpg while the Subaru BRZ reaches 30 mpg.

Fuel Recommendations and Considerations

Both models recommend unleaded premium fuel for optimal performance. This higher-grade fuel ensures that these finely-tuned engines operate at their peak, delivering the exhilarating driving experience that sports car enthusiasts crave.

It's worth noting that fuel economy can vary based on driving style, road conditions, and maintenance. To maximize your mpg, consider adopting smooth acceleration habits, maintaining proper tire pressure, and keeping up with regular service intervals.

In conclusion, whether you choose the Subaru BRZ or the Toyota GR86, you'll be getting a vehicle that balances sporty performance with respectable fuel efficiency, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of the drive without frequent stops at the gas station.

Safety Ratings and Driver Assists

When it comes to safety, both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 shine brightly. These sporty coupes have earned the prestigious 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), demonstrating their commitment to passenger protection.

Comparative Safety Analysis

Given their similar size and weight, it's natural to compare the safety scores of the BRZ and GR86 directly. Generally speaking, larger and heavier vehicles tend to offer more protection in crash scenarios. However, these compact sports cars prove that advanced engineering can deliver top-notch safety in a smaller package.

One notable difference lies in the headlight technology. The Toyota GR86 offers special rotating headlights for improved illumination around corners, a feature not found in the Subaru BRZ. This could provide an edge in nighttime visibility and safety.

Transmission-Specific Safety Features

It's important to note that safety features can vary depending on the transmission choice, particularly in the GR86:

• Automatic versions come equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assists

• Manual versions lack many of these safety features

This discrepancy might be a crucial factor for buyers prioritizing both driving engagement and advanced safety tech.

Government Safety Ratings

While both cars have impressed the IIHS, it's worth noting that the Toyota GR86 has not yet undergone the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) crashworthiness review. The Subaru BRZ's NHTSA results could provide additional insight for safety-conscious buyers comparing these two models.

In conclusion, both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 offer impressive safety credentials for their class. Your choice may ultimately come down to specific features like adaptive headlights or the availability of driver assists with your preferred transmission type.

Pricing and Trim Levels

When it comes to affordability, both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 offer competitive pricing, but with some notable differences in their trim levels and special editions.

Base Model Pricing

The Toyota GR86 takes a slight edge in entry-level pricing, starting at $30,435. In comparison, the Subaru BRZ has a slightly higher starting price of $31,315. This $880 difference might be a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers looking for the most affordable option.

Premium Trims and Special Editions

Toyota offers more flexibility with its trim levels. The GR86 Premium trim adds a host of desirable features for an additional $2,600, bringing the price to $32,995. This upgrade includes performance and comfort enhancements that may appeal to drivers seeking a more luxurious experience.

Subaru, on the other hand, celebrates the BRZ's legacy with its 10th Anniversary Special Edition. Priced at $34,360, this exclusive model boasts unique features and styling cues that set it apart from the standard BRZ lineup. While it comes at a premium, collectors and enthusiasts may find the distinctive touches worth the investment.

Canadian Market Offerings

In Canada, Subaru provides more choice with four distinct BRZ trims. These range from $31,895 to $36,295, catering to various preferences and budgets within the Canadian market.

Value Proposition

While the Toyota GR86 offers a lower entry point and more trim options, the Subaru BRZ counters with its special edition model and a wider range of trims in certain markets. Your choice may ultimately depend on which brand's packaging of features and pricing aligns best with your priorities and budget.

FAQ - Commonly Asked Questions about the BRZ and GR86

What's under the hood?

Both the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 share a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine, delivering impressive performance for these sporty coupes. This powerplant provides ample thrust and contributes to the cars' low center of gravity, enhancing their handling characteristics.

How do they differ in driving dynamics?

While mechanically similar, these twins have distinct personalities on the road. The Toyota GR86 boasts a snappier, more precise feel compared to its Subaru counterpart. This is partly due to suspension tuning differences: the Subaru BRZ features a harder front roll bar and a softer rear roll bar, while the GR86 employs the opposite configuration. As a result, the GR86 is tuned to be slightly more tail-happy, offering a livelier driving experience. In contrast, the BRZ is engineered for better grip, providing a more planted feel through corners.

Are they truly identical?

Despite their shared DNA, the BRZ and GR86 are not carbon copies. The GR86 sports a more aggressive-looking exterior and is slightly lighter than the BRZ. Additionally, Toyota's offering is known to have a marginally softer suspension setup. These subtle differences cater to varying driver preferences and may influence buyers' decisions.

Which one should I choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 often comes down to personal taste. Both offer exceptional performance and handling in the affordable sports car segment. Design aesthetics play a crucial role for many buyers, so it's worth examining both models in person. Test driving each vehicle can help you discern the nuanced differences in driving dynamics and determine which suits your driving style best.

Conclusion

As you weigh the Subaru BRZ against the Toyota GR86, you'll find two exceptional sports cars with far more similarities than differences. Both offer thrilling rear-wheel drive performance, responsive handling, and attractive styling at a reasonable price point. Your choice may ultimately come down to subtle variations in suspension tuning, interior design, or brand loyalty. Whichever you select, you'll be rewarded with an engaging driver's car that punches well above its weight class. These fraternal twins prove that the affordable sports coupe segment is alive and well, delivering an analog driving experience that's increasingly rare in today's market. The BRZ and GR86 are triumphs of engineering that will put a smile on any enthusiast's face.