Born from the Subaru and Toyota Collaboration, the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR 86 began modestly in the first generation, offering a fancy sports car design, comfort, and, more importantly, a high drive quality comprised of a peppy output, good acceleration, and maneuverability - all in a more affordable package. Not to mention that they were also some of the most reasonably-priced RWDs out there.
The Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ are among the most sort-after sports cars in the U.S. market today. The 2022 Toyota GR 86 made its American premiere sometime last year, and the 2022 Subaru BRZ had its debut roughly two years ago. Both of these have only improved on the winning formulas of their predecessors.
However, while the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are better than ever for the 2022 model year, these two sports cars are also nearly identical, sharing a lot of elements, including the powertrain, performance components, as well as exterior and interior layouts. But, while the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR 86 share the same platform, choosing one can be challenging. They are, however, distinct in other aspects.
To determine which vehicle takes the cake, we’re comparing the designs, prices, internal components, performance, and technology of the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR 86.
Uniform Exterior Layout, With A More Dominant GR 86 Look
The exterior styling of the Toyota GR 86 and the Subaru BRZ are extremely similar, with somewhat comparable overall proportions, as you'll note right away. Despite those similarities, the visual differences between the BRZ and the GR 86 are the most noticeable on the grilles and front ends.
Subaru chose to lengthen the nose and apply a smiley-face-style grille opening to the front, whereas Toyota, on the other hand, chose a simpler single mesh grille without many creases or layers to the bumper. There isn't a significant distinction between them on this front.
Still, we think the GR 86 looks much bolder and more intimidating than the BRZ. The same visual similarities flow to the rear end, except for the Premium GR 86 trim, which gets an additional stick-on lip spoiler that is not offered on any BRZ model.
The Subaru Has The Performance Edge
Under the hood, the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ have the same engine: a 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder that churns out 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque. On both vehicles, this engine sends power to the rear wheels via the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.
Behind the wheel, both cars offer fast steering and agile handling. When switching both cars, you won't notice much of a difference in the responsiveness or power delivery because both offer enough torque at low speeds and even have enough shove to reach the redline. With 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, the Subaru BRZ outperforms the GR 86, which only manages 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway with the manual transmission. The GR 86’s EPA numbers slightly improve with the automatic gearbox.
Although they appear to be rather little on paper, they’re still somewhat different. The major difference between these two cars is on the suspension and steering systems, with the BRZ gaining a marginal suspension performance edge over the 86, thanks to the BRZ’s softer rear springs and firmer front springs and rear trail-link bushings. In comparison to the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GR86 sports a firmer rear sway bar with a wider diameter. Additionally, the GR86 features a thinner solid front sway bar compared to the BRZ's hollow counterpart. And while Subaru fastened its bar to the BRZ's body, Toyota retained its rear bar mounted to the subframe.
The Subaru BRZ Gains More Safety Features
If you’re in need of more safety features, then you’ll find the Subaru BRZ’s safety tech list incredibly satisfying. Both models gain additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, forward automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Also, both of these cars have rearview cameras, which are a must for contemporary automobiles.
Certain aspects that the GR 86 has that aren’t available on the BRZ are the special headlamps that can pivot to better illuminate curves. But, the high-end, Limited grade BRZ has additional EyeSight system features, such as the rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist, all of which aren’t included in its counterpart.
The Subaru BRZ Has A Better Interior Quality And Space
The BRZ’s cabin achieves a more harmonious and minimalist design by skillfully blending hard and soft plastics. The infotainment screen and instrument panel are both within easy reach of the driver thanks to the BRZ's superb, driver-focused approach. The GR 86's cockpit, like the Subaru's, is driver-focused and has a minimal design made of durable materials.
Although hard plastics handle the majority of the work, there are some soft-touch elements as well. The continuous dark shade of the GR 86's interior offers little visual relief, which makes the BRZ stand out with its flashes of colorful stitching.
With a trunk space of 6.3 cubic feet, the BRZ has the edge over the GR 86, which only gets 6.2 cubic feet. Obviously, this is a small difference but is still a difference nonetheless when comparing actual numbers.
Price: The Toyota GR 86 Is Cheaper
Competitive pricing is what distinguishes each of these vehicles in the sports car segment. However, while both vehicles are reasonably priced, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 has a slightly lower starting price of $27,700, which includes all available amenities.
The more soft-after GR 86 Premium trim level costs $31,800 and includes desirable sporty features like a duckbill spoiler and aluminum pedals, as well as comfort features like the heated seats. The 2022 Subaru BRZ, on the hand, starts at only $225 higher than the former. Like the Toyota sibling, the Subaru BRZ base trim comes fairly fully equipped with standard amenities.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Buy 2022 Subaru BRX Or Toyota GR86
Only when you take into account the additional safety, fuel economy and interior features does the Subaru BRZ emerge as the clear victor in our comparison. But given how similar the 2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are, you really can't go wrong with either vehicle. Both of them are affordable, dependable RWD sports cars priced around the $30,000 mark.
Even though they aren’t the roomiest sports cars around, they do have rear seats, which makes them more practical than the Miata or even the Toyota GR Supra. Before making a choice, it is best to test both the BRZ and the GR 86 to determine which vehicle suits your lifestyle.