Are BRZ and 86 the same?
Yes. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 (often referred to as the 86 in some markets) are the same sports coupe under different badges, sharing the same chassis, engine, and core driving dynamics, with branding and some trim differences by region.
Origins and branding
The BRZ and GR86 trace their roots to a joint development effort between Toyota and Subaru to revive a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. The duo first debuted in the early 2010s as the Toyota 86 (also known as GT86 in some regions) and Subaru BRZ, marketed in some markets as Scion FR-S before Scion was retired. In recent years, Toyota rolled the model forward as the GR86, while Subaru continues to offer the BRZ under its own badge. In many markets, the same car wears either BRZ or GR86 branding depending on which dealer network sells it.
Joint development and badges
The cars share a common platform and powertrain, earning the nickname Toyobaru in automotive circles. Subtle differences in exterior styling and interior trim exist to align with each brand’s design language, but the underlying hardware is the same.
Naming conventions by market
Across regions you’ll see Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ sold side by side in some markets, while other areas may market the car primarily as Toyota 86 or simply GR86. The BRZ name is Subaru’s badge for the same car, and the “86” lineage is a nod to the traditional collaboration and the model’s Japanese nickname “Hachi-Roku” (8-6).
What they share
Both models hinge on a shared engineering package designed for lively, driver-focused performance. The following points highlight the core commonalities.
- Chassis and layout: lightweight, front-mid engine with rear-wheel drive
- Engine: a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) engine developed for both, delivering roughly 228 horsepower and around 184 lb-ft of torque
- Drivetrain dynamics: balanced handling with a near-50/50 weight distribution and available limited-slip differentials in certain trims
- Transmission options: six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
- Performance character: a focus on engaging, agile handling and everyday usability
Before listing the shared essentials, note that the two badges converge on most major mechanical features.
In short, the core mechanical recipe is the same in BRZ and GR86, delivering similar performance, handling and driving experience.
What distinguishes BRZ from GR86
While the two cars are fundamentally the same, branding and market-specific packaging can create noticeable differences for buyers.
- Badging and styling cues: each badge uses distinct branding, logos, and sometimes unique exterior trim details or wheel options
- Interior trim and color palettes: subtle variations in color schemes and option packages tailored to each brand
- Equipment and packages: standard features or available options can differ by market and trim level
- Availability and incentives: pricing, warranty terms, and promotional incentives may vary by badge and region
Before the list, here’s where you might notice distinctions that can influence your choice.
Overall, the driving experience and mechanical performance are largely the same; the primary differences come down to branding, trim choices, and regional specifications.
Market availability and naming
For shoppers, knowing how the car is named and what’s included can matter, because branding can affect dealer options and local specs.
- North America: typically sold as Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, with similar performance specs
- Europe and other markets: may be marketed as GR86 in some countries and BRZ in others, depending on the local importer strategy
- Japan and several Asian markets: often marketed as Toyota 86, continuing the historical naming from earlier generations
Before the list, a quick note on regional naming patterns:
Always verify the exact badge, features, and options with your local dealer, as regional marketing strategies can shift between model years.
Summary
BRZ and 86 are two names for the same compact, rear-drive sports coupe born from a Toyota-Subaru collaboration. They share the same chassis, 2.4-liter flat-four engine, and core performance characteristics, delivering a similar driving experience. The primary differences are branding, available features, and market-specific packaging. For buyers, the key is to compare the exact trim and equipment at your local dealer, rather than assuming every BRZ is different from every GR86.
What does a BRZ stand for?
BRZ stands for Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive, and Zenith. It is the name of a sports car made by Subaru, and the letters represent the key features of the vehicle: the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine, the rear-wheel drive system, and "Zenith," which represents the peak or highest point of performance and a lofty goal for the car.
- Boxer engine: The "B" refers to the horizontally-opposed engine, which is a signature feature of many Subaru vehicles and is known for its low center of gravity.
- Rear-wheel drive: The "R" signifies that the car is rear-wheel drive, a departure from Subaru's traditional all-wheel drive and a common feature in sports cars.
- Zenith: The "Z" stands for Zenith, meaning the highest point or peak, and symbolizes Subaru's aspiration for the car to be the ultimate driving experience.
Which is more reliable, BRZ or 86?
Subaru's BRZ has a predicted reliability score of 78. That's higher than the Toyota's score, so the Subie triumphs in this section of our head-to-head. Both cars are protected by a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Why is GR86 being discontinued?
The Toyota GR86 is being discontinued in some markets, particularly Europe, due to new safety regulations that would require major, costly redesigns to comply. While there were also initial concerns about emissions regulations in Japan, the primary reason for the discontinuation in regions like Europe was the inability of the current design to meet new safety standards without significant changes. However, a new third-generation model is expected to be developed and will likely be a hybrid.
Key reasons for discontinuation
- New safety regulations: Upcoming European safety regulations, such as Euro NCAP's General Safety Regulation 2, are the main reason for the discontinuation.
- Cost and engineering challenges: To meet these new standards, the GR86 would need to be completely re-engineered, which is not economically viable for a low-volume sports car like the GR86.
- Impact on design: Compliance with the new regulations would detrimentally affect the car's dynamic and performance-oriented character.
- Vehicle compatibility: The current GR86 design, particularly the windscreen, is reportedly incompatible with new technology required by the new safety rules, such as traffic light recognition systems.
- Market-specific issue: This issue is primarily affecting the European market, where the car will be discontinued in 2024. Other markets may be less affected or have a slightly different timeline.
- Manual vs. Automatic: In some markets, like Australia, the manual versions may be discontinued if they cannot be fitted with the mandatory autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which is not equipped on manual versions of the car.
Future outlook
- Third-generation model: The discontinuation does not signal the end of the GR86 nameplate. Toyota is reportedly moving forward with developing a third-generation model, possibly under its own in-house development team without Subaru's collaboration.
- New powertrain: The new model is rumored to have an electrified, turbocharged powertrain.
Is the Toyota 86 a Subaru engine?
The 86's engine, known by the Toyota code 4U-GSE and Subaru code FA20, is a naturally aspirated engine that uses Subaru's flat-four engine design, with the addition of Toyota's D-4S injection system, which uses Gasoline direct injection (GDI).
