What is the BRZ the same as?
The Subaru BRZ is the same basic car as Toyota’s 86 family, sold under different names in different markets. In the U.S. it was once known as the Scion FR-S (2013–2016) before the Scion brand was discontinued, and today the same coupe is marketed as the BRZ by Subaru and as the GR86 or 86 by Toyota in various regions.
Both cars were developed through a joint project between Subaru and Toyota, sharing most of their engineering, including the platform, chassis, and powertrain. The branding and some feature packages vary by market, but the core design remains a twin sports coupe delivered in distinct badges.
Shared origins and market naming
Below is a quick guide to how the BRZ relates to its Toyota-badged counterparts across markets.
- Scion FR-S (United States, 2013–2016) — US-market name for the joint-venture coupe before Scion was retired.
- Toyota GT86 / 86 (Europe, Asia, other markets) — European and global market names for the initial Toyota-branded version.
- Toyota GR86 (2022–present) — The modern Toyota badge for the refreshed joint-venture coupe with updated styling and powertrain tweaks.
- Subaru BRZ (global) — Subaru’s badge for the same twin, with market-appropriate equipment and trims.
In practice, these names point to the same two‑door sports coupe built from a shared Subaru/Toyota platform. Branding, trim levels, and dealership networks differ, but the underlying car is effectively identical.
Current generation and technical highlights
The modern BRZ and GR86 share a common path in today’s lineup. Since the 2022 refresh, both models use a 2.4-liter flat-4 engine and are offered with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic in many markets. The two cars remain closely aligned in dimensions, handling, and performance, with subtle tuning differences focused on market preferences and equipment.
Engine and drivetrain specifics
Current BRZ and GR86 specifications center on the 2.4-liter FA24 flat-4 engine, yielding about 228 horsepower and roughly 184 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices typically include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, with both brands aiming for a balanced, driver-focused feel rather than outright luxury.
Market differences and branding nuances
Branding and trim packages differ by region. Toyota tends to emphasize the GR86/86 branding and associated feature sets, while Subaru focuses on BRZ branding and its own equipment choices. Mechanically, the cars are nearly identical, with any discrepancies mostly in styling cues, interior finishes, and standard equipment depending on the market.
Summary
The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same car as Toyota’s 86/GR86 lineup—a twin sports coupe born from a joint development effort. Across generations and markets, the core platform and powertrain are shared, while branding and trim vary by region. For buyers, the choice often comes down to badge preference and dealer network rather than major mechanical differences.
