Are the brz and 86 the same engine?
Yes—on the current generation, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 share essentially the same 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering about 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. In earlier generations, both cars used a smaller 2.0-liter engine, so they did not share the same powerplant back then.
The relationship between these two beloved rear-wheel-drive sports coupes has evolved with time. This article explains the engine history, what the current models use, and how, despite sharing a heart, the BRZ and GR86 still offer distinct driving flavors for enthusiasts.
Engine history and evolution
Background: Boxer engines in the Toyota/Subaru collaboration
For the first generation of these twin sports cars, Toyota and Subaru relied on a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) engine. That FA20 engine powered both the BRZ and the Toyota 86 (also known as GT86 in some markets) from its introduction in 2012 until the mid- to late-2010s in many markets. By the 2020s, the pair shifted to a larger displacement in a new generation.
The following points summarize how the powerplant shifted across generations.
- 2012–2020: First-generation BRZ and Toyota 86/GT86 used a 2.0-liter FA20 boxer engine, with roughly 200–205 horsepower depending on market and transmission.
- 2022–present: Second-generation BRZ and GR86 switch to a 2.4-liter FA24 boxer engine, delivering about 228 horsepower and around 184 lb-ft of torque.
- Shared evolution: In the 2022+ models, both cars adopt the FA24-based setup, marking a shift from a shared engine to a shared engine family.
These shifts reflect a broader goal: improve mid-range torque, rev capability, and overall responsiveness while maintaining the light, balanced handling that defines the pair.
Current-generation engine specifics
Core specs shared by BRZ and GR86 (2022–present)
To give a clear picture of what the two cars now share, here are the key engine details that apply to both models in the current generation.
- Displacement and layout: 2.4-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine (FA24)
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Power output: Approximately 228 horsepower
- Torque: About 184 lb-ft
- Engine family: Subari-derived FA24, used across both brands in this generation
- Market variations: Minor calibration and tuning variations exist between the Toyota and Subaru versions, affecting exhaust tone and throttle mapping
In practice, the two cars deliver very similar performance numbers, with differences mainly arising from tuning choices, transmission options, and equipment levels rather than a fundamentally different engine design.
Differences and similarities beyond the engine
How the engines are tuned, and what else distinguishes the cars
While the core powerplant is the same in the current generation, several other factors shape each car’s character and driving experience. The following points highlight the practical distinctions enthusiasts notice on the road and track.
- Transmission options and gearing: Both offer a six-speed manual and an automatic option in most markets, but gear ratios and shift feel can differ between BRZ and GR86 configurations.
- Exhaust and intake: Calibrations and exhaust routing can produce subtly different exhaust notes and throttle response between the two models.
- Chassis tuning and weight: The two cars are tuned to emphasize slightly different handling traits, which can affect cornering feel, steering weight, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
- Interior and trim: Beyond the engine, distinct styling cues, materials, and available features can influence ownership experience and perceived performance.
These differences mean that even with the same engine, the BRZ and GR86 offer unique flavors. Prospective buyers often test both to see which chassis and character they prefer, even though the underlying powerplant is shared.
Historical context: Earlier generations
Understanding where they came from helps explain why the engine question matters. The first-generation BRZ and Toyota 86 relied on a 2.0-liter FA20 engine, which limited peak power and torque compared with the newer 2.4-liter setup. The 2.4L transition marks a clear divide between the initial pairing and the current generation.
- 2012–2020: BRZ and Toyota 86/GT86 used the FA20 2.0L boxer engine with around 200–205 hp, depending on market.
- 2022–present: BRZ and GR86 adopt the FA24 2.4L boxer engine, delivering about 228 hp and 184 lb-ft, with improved mid-range performance.
- Conclusion: The two cars are no longer bound to separate engine platforms in the current generation; they share the same engine family and core architecture.
For buyers, the takeaway is simple: if you’re looking at a 2022+ BRZ or GR86, you’re essentially comparing two cars built around the same engine technology, with differences centered on tuning, trim, and overall driving character rather than a fundamentally different powerplant.
Bottom line for prospective buyers
In today’s market, the BRZ and GR86 fundamentally share their powertrain. The engine itself is the same FA24 2.4-liter flat-four in the current generation, with similar peak outputs. The practical differences you’ll notice come from calibration, exhaust tone, gear ratios, and available features rather than a different engine design. If engine equivalence is a major factor in your decision, you can rely on comparable performance and maintenance profiles between the two.
Summary
The BRZ and GR86 are no longer defined by separate engines. In the current generation, they run the same 2.4-liter FA24 boxer engine, producing roughly 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Earlier generations used a smaller 2.0-liter FA20, so the engines were not the same then. Beyond the engine, the cars diverge in tuning, exhaust character, and available equipment, giving each its own driving personality while sharing a common mechanical foundation.
