Is the Toyota GR86 the same as the Subaru BRZ?

No—the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are not identical, but they are essentially two versions of the same car under the skin, born from a joint development program and sharing most mechanical underpinnings.

Both are two-door rear-wheel-drive sports coupes built around a 2.4-liter flat-four engine, offered with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, and they share a common chassis. Yet Toyota and Subaru apply different styling cues, interior finishes, and driving-tuning choices that give each model a distinct character that appeals to different brand loyalists.

Shared foundations

Here's what the two cars share in common at the core of their design and engineering.

• Engine and performance: a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) engine delivering roughly 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.


• Drivetrain options: both offer a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.


• Platform and chassis: a rear-wheel-drive layout with a shared, lightweight chassis aimed at nimble handling and balanced dynamics.


• Dimensions and weight: very similar overall size and curb weight, contributing to comparable driving feel.


• Performance feel: both models target engaging, driver-focused performance with straightforward, responsive dynamics.

These shared elements underpin the cars’ similar handling character and driving experience, even as each badge presents its own flavor.

Styling, branding, and differentiation

Beyond the shared bones, Toyota and Subaru tailor the GR86 and BRZ to their brand identities, which affects exterior design, interior ambiance, and available features.

• Exterior design and branding: distinct front-end grilles, lighting shapes, and overall facial language reflect each brand’s design language.


• Interior details: different dashboards, trims, gauge clusters, and material choices give each car a unique cabin vibe.


• Equipment and options: standard features and packages vary by market and brand, resulting in slight differences in what you get for a given trim.


• Drive-tuning and feel: while both are built for light, engaging handling, each brand calibrates aspects of the suspension and steering to deliver a subtly different driving character.


• Market positioning and pricing: pricing, availability, and dealership networks differ by region, influencing the buying experience even if the cars are closely related.

In short, the cars share almost all the core engineering, but branding, styling, and tuned character create two distinct identities that reflect Toyota and Subaru’s markets and philosophies.

Choosing between them

For most buyers, the decision comes down to brand preference, styling cues, and which dealer network you trust, rather than raw performance. If you value Toyota’s brand ecosystem and a certain design aesthetic, the GR86 is a natural pick. If you prefer Subaru’s design language and a cabin feel that leans toward the brand’s active-yet-practical identity, the BRZ is compelling. A hands-on test drive of both is the best way to detect subtle differences in ride feel, steering response, and interior ergonomics.

Summary

The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are not the same badge, but they share the same essential DNA: a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe built around the same 2.4-liter flat-four engine with similar performance figures and a joint development history. The real distinctions lie in styling, interior details, brand-specific tuning, and available features. For enthusiasts, the choice often comes down to brand affinity and personal feel after a proper test drive.

How much is the Toyota GR86 compared to the Subaru BRZ?

The Toyota GR86 generally has a slightly lower starting price than the Subaru BRZ, though pricing varies by model year and trim. For example, the 2025 GR86 starts around $31,135, while the 2025 BRZ starts at approximately $32,380. Both cars are considered affordable performance vehicles, with the final decision often coming down to specific features and long-term value.
 
You can watch this video for a comparison of the 2026 GR86 and BRZ, including their performance and price: 32sByteBuzz InovationsYouTube · May 7, 2025
Starting price comparison

• Toyota GR86: Starts at approximately $31,135 for the 2025 model year.
• Subaru BRZ: Starts at approximately $32,380 for the 2025 model year. 

Factors to consider

• Features: While the GR86 has a lower base price, the BRZ includes features like Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on automatic models, which may appeal to those prioritizing safety, notes Ken Ganley Subaru Wickliffe. 
• Long-term value: The BRZ has a reputation for strong resale value, while the GR86 is reported to have a lower 5-year depreciation rate. 
• Trim levels: Pricing for higher trim levels can be different, with the 2023 BRZ Limited starting at $31,095 and the 2023 GR86 base model starting at $28,400. 

This video discusses the value of BRZ and GR86, including potential price appreciation: 47sThatSubaruDudeYouTube · Aug 4, 2025

Are the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 identical?

While they look almost identical from the rear, there are some slight tweaks at the front. For example, Toyota uses a more aggressive-looking bumper and grille design, and the Subaru has softer lines. It's also worth mentioning the placement of the daytime running lights, which are on all the time.

Are the BRZ and GR86 the same?

Is the Toyota GR86 the same as the Subaru BRZ? The Toyota GR86 is a more aggressive-looking, slightly lighter version of the Subaru BRZ that offers more trim levels and exclusive perks like a one-year National Auto Sport Association membership6 and a High-Performance Driving Experience.

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.