Home FAQ

Is a FR-S a Subaru?

No. The FR-S is not a Subaru-badged model; it is a Toyota-developed sports coupe created in collaboration with Subaru. In the United States it was sold as the Scion FR-S from 2013 to 2016, and after Scion was discontinued it was rebranded as the Toyota 86. Subaru offers a closely related sibling called the BRZ.

Origins of the FR-S and BRZ

The FR-S stands for Front-engine, Rear-wheel-drive, Sport. It emerged from a joint Toyota–Subaru program to produce a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe that could compete with the Mazda MX-5 and Nissan 370Z. Toyota’s version was badged FR-S (and later Toyota 86); Subaru’s version was the BRZ. In markets outside the US, the car is commonly known as the Toyota GT86 (or simply 86) and, within Subaru’s catalog, as the BRZ.

Branding and naming

In practice, the two cars are twins with subtle differences in styling cues and equipment. The FR-S badge belongs to Toyota/Scion, while the BRZ badge belongs to Subaru. Since 2016 the global Toyota lineup labels the car as the Toyota 86 (and more recently the GR86 in some markets), and Subaru markets the BRZ as its standalone model.

Key similarities and differences

Below is a concise comparison of how the two cars relate, highlighting where they align and where branding diverges.

Shared platform and drivetrain: both use a front-mounted, flat-4 engine and rear-wheel drive, designed as two sides of the same coin.

Performance parity: early FR-S/BRZ models produced around 200 horsepower; newer generations (86/GR86 and BRZ 2022) use larger 2.4-liter engines with about 228 horsepower.

Styling and features: exterior design cues differ by badge; interiors are largely similar but tailored to each brand’s trim levels and options.

Branding and market naming: FR-S is Toyota/Scion; BRZ is Subaru; current global branding centers on Toyota 86/GR86 and BRZ respectively.

In essence, the FR-S is not a Subaru; it was a Toyota product built in partnership with Subaru, and the BRZ is the Subaru counterpart. The latest generations have moved to the GR86 and BRZ branding, maintaining twin-type engineering.

Shopping considerations

When shopping for these vehicles, check the badge and model year to understand which tuning and equipment apply, and verify the engine displacement and horsepower, which changed with newer GR86/BRZ models. Parts compatibility is generally good across the twins, but service and warranty under different brands can vary.

Summary

The FR-S is not a Subaru; it is a Toyota-developed, Subaru-assisted collaboration that produced a twin to Subaru’s BRZ. Over time, branding evolved to Toyota 86/GR86 and Subaru BRZ, while the FR-S name became historical in most markets. Buyers today most often encounter Toyota 86/GR86 and Subaru BRZ as the twin, branded cars.

What brand is an FR-S?

The FR-S was a sports car from the defunct brand Scion, which was a joint venture between Toyota and Subaru. When Scion was discontinued in 2016, the car was rebranded as the Toyota 86 (or Toyota GR86 in later years) and is also closely related to the Subaru BRZ.

Scion FR-S: This was the original name for the car in the North American market from 2012 to 2016.
Toyota 86/GR86: After the Scion brand was discontinued, the FR-S was rebadged and sold under the Toyota name starting in 2017.
Subaru BRZ: The Subaru BRZ was the sister car to the FR-S, developed as part of the same joint project between Toyota and Subaru.

Is FR-S Toyota or Subaru?

Scion FR-S
In the United States and Canada, the GT86 was initially sold under Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand, with its name derived from a description of the platform: Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport.

Is the Scion FR-S the same as the Subaru BRZ?

Yes, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ are essentially the same car, developed jointly by Toyota and Subaru, with almost identical chassis, engines, and transmissions. The primary differences are subtle tuning variations, like the BRZ's slightly softer springs for a more neutral feel and the FR-S's stiffer rear springs for a more tail-happy nature, along with differences in standard features and trim levels.

This video explains the mechanical and performance differences between the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ: 58sMatt Maran MotoringYouTube · Sep 4, 2013
Shared characteristics

Platform: The two cars share the same chassis and were built in the same factory.
Engine: Both are powered by a 2.0-liter Subaru boxer engine, producing 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.
Transmission: Both were offered with a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.
Drivetrain: They are both rear-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential.
Design: They have a very similar overall silhouette and interior layout, though trim and equipment can vary.

Key differences

Suspension tuning:
- Scion FR-S: Stiffer rear springs for a more "tail-happy," agile feel.
- Subaru BRZ: Slightly softer springs for a more neutral and predictable handling characteristic.
Features and trims:
- The BRZ was offered in different trim levels (Premium and Limited) and included standard features like HID headlights and a navigation system that were not available on the FR-S.
- The FR-S was positioned as a more affordable base model, with some of these higher-end features available only as aftermarket upgrades.
Styling: While the overall shape is the same, there are minor styling differences, such as the front and rear bumper designs.

You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, including features and specs: 59sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Jun 15, 2015
Which one to choose

For a more affordable, potentially more agile car: The Scion FR-S may be the better choice, especially on the used market, as it was priced lower initially and has the more playful suspension setup.
For a more premium feel with standard features: The Subaru BRZ might be more appealing due to its available standard features, though it was slightly more expensive at launch.
Ultimately: The driving experience is very similar, and both are excellent sports cars. A test drive of both is recommended to see which one's tuning and features best suit your preference.

Is Scion Toyota or Subaru?

Scion is neither Toyota nor Subaru, but rather a defunct brand owned by Toyota. In 2016, Toyota discontinued the Scion brand and folded its models into the main Toyota lineup, while some vehicles, like the FR-S (which became the Toyota 86), were developed in partnership with Subaru.

Scion was a Toyota brand: Scion was created by Toyota in 2003 as a brand aimed at a younger demographic and was absorbed back into Toyota in 2016.
Partnering with Subaru: Some Scion and Toyota sports cars, like the Scion FR-S (which became the Toyota 86), were co-developed with Subaru and are very similar to the Subaru BRZ.
Discontinuation: After the brand was discontinued, most Scion models were either rebadged as Toyotas or were discontinued.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.