Is a Toyota GR86 a Supra?
No. The GR86 is not a Supra. It is a separate entry-level rear-wheel-drive sports coupe developed (with Subaru) as the successor to the Toyota 86/GT86, while the Supra is a distinct, higher-performance model developed with BMW and positioned as Toyota's halo sports car.
Bottom line: how the GR86 and Supra differ
The main differences center on platform, powertrain, performance, seating and market positioning.
- Platform and engineering: GR86 is built on the Toyota/Subaru 86/BRZ platform with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout; the Supra uses a BMW-developed platform co-engineered with Toyota, and it shares components with the BMW Z4.
- Engine and power: GR86 uses a 2.4-liter flat-four (FA24) producing about 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque; Supra offers turbocharged inline-four options (2.0L around 255 hp, 295 lb-ft; or 3.0L around 382 hp).
- Performance figures: GR86 0-60 roughly 6.0–6.1 seconds (manual or automatic); Supra 2.0 around 5.0–5.2 seconds, Supra 3.0 around 3.9–4.2 seconds depending on variant.
- Seating and practicality: GR86 is a compact 2+2 with relatively small rear seating; Supra is a two-seat (with limited rear space in some configurations) sport coupe.
- Pricing and positioning: GR86 is an affordable, entry-level sport coupe; Supra targets a higher price tier with more power and premium features.
These differences illustrate why the GR86 and Supra are distinct models within Toyota's sports-car lineup rather than variants of the same car.
Shared elements and branding
Despite their differences, the two cars share some elements as part of Toyota's Gazoo Racing (GR) strategy.
- GR branding: Both carry the GR badge, signaling performance-focused engineering and driving dynamics.
- Rear-drive ethos: Both cars emphasize a light, responsive chassis and driver engagement rooted in rear-wheel drive.
- Heritage and collaboration: The GR86 inherits the Toyota/Subaru 86/BRZ lineage, while the Supra is a high-performance model developed with BMW to deliver broader power and luxury.
Even with these shared elements, the two cars are designed for different buyers and price tiers within Toyota's sports-car ecosystem.
Historical context
Development and platform decisions
The Toyota GR86 traces its roots to the jointly developed 86/BRZ platform, created to deliver lightness, balance and a driver-focused experience. It launched in the early 2020s as Toyota's affordable sport coupe option, with a focus on manual transmission availability and engaging handling. The Supra, by contrast, stems from Toyota's GR performance lineage and BMW's engineering input, presenting a more powerful, premium sports car with track-ready variants and higher price tags.
Market positioning over time
Over the years, Toyota has positioned the GR86 as a gateway into sporty driving—approachable, affordable and engaging. The Supra has been positioned as a halo model with more power, more luxury features and a broader performance envelope, appealing to buyers seeking high-speed acceleration and track-capable performance.
Summary
The Toyota GR86 is not a Supra. They are distinct models within Toyota's GR lineup: the GR86 is a lightweight, entry-level rear-wheel-drive coupe developed with Subaru as the successor to the Toyota 86/GT86, while the Supra is a higher-performance, BMW-developed halo car with stronger powertrains and premium features. Both share design cues and brand philosophy, but they target different buyers and price tiers.
What kind of car is the Toyota GR86?
Sports car
Toyota 86
| Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ | |
|---|---|
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-door fastback coupé |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
What is the Toyota GR86 based on?
The Toyota GR86 is based on a joint development project with Subaru, resulting in the GR86 and its twin, the Subaru BRZ, which share a chassis and Subaru's Boxer engine. It is the spiritual successor to the Toyota GT86 (and its earlier incarnation as the Scion FR-S) and is also spiritually inspired by the classic Toyota AE86.
Joint development with Subaru
- The GR86 and Subaru BRZ were created through a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.
- They share the same basic platform and are both powered by a Subaru Boxer engine.
- Subaru manufactures the vehicles, which are then sold with Toyota and Subaru branding.
- While they are mechanically very similar, the cars have different tuning, electronics, and styling to differentiate them.
Heritage and inspiration
- The GR86 is the successor to the Toyota GT86 and Scion FR-S, which were also developed with Subaru.
- The original Toyota 86 lineup was inspired by the classic Toyota AE86, a rear-wheel-drive sports car from the 1980s.
- Toyota's design for the original GT86 also paid homage to the 1960s Toyota 2000GT.
How much is the GR86 vs Supra?
For a new model, the Toyota GR Supra's price is between $62,376 and $74,920, with the Toyota GR86 priced between $32,263 and $39,514. Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota GR Supra loses 32.1 percent of its value and the Toyota GR86 loses 24.9 percent of its value.
Is GR86 the same as Supra?
No, a GR86 is not a Supra; they are two different Toyota sports cars. The GR86 is a more affordable, lightweight, and agile car, while the Supra is a more powerful and luxurious GT car. They are developed with different partners: the GR86 is a joint project with Subaru, using a Subaru engine, while the Supra was co-developed with BMW and uses a BMW engine.
You can watch this video to learn the differences between the Toyota GR86 and GR Supra: 58sRevMatchTVYouTube · Oct 14, 2022
GR86
- Engine: A naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine from Subaru.
- Price: More affordable, starting around $28,400.
- Performance: Lighter and more nimble, prioritizing handling over straight-line speed.
- Passenger capacity: Seats four passengers.
- Development: A collaboration between Toyota and Subaru.
Supra
- Engine: A turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine developed with BMW.
- Price: More expensive, starting around $62,376.
- Performance: More powerful with quicker acceleration, a more premium and refined feel, and a more comfortable ride.
- Passenger capacity: A strict two-seater.
- Development: A collaboration with BMW.
