What is the difference between 86 and BRZ?
The Toyota 86, now marketed as the GR86 in many markets, and Subaru's BRZ are essentially twins born from a joint development program. While they share most mechanicals and driving characteristics, branding, styling cues, and trim options create the primary differences for buyers today.
Shared DNA: what they are and what they share
Both cars originated from a cooperative project between Toyota and Subaru and have converged on a very similar mechanical foundation since the 2022 refresh. They run a 2.4-liter FA24 engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and they offer a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The chassis is closely shared, and both are rear-wheel-drive two-door coupes with a compact, practical 2+2 seating arrangement.
Key specifications and characteristics shared by both cars:
- Engine and performance: 2.4-liter FA24 four-cylinder; 228 hp and 184 lb-ft; available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
- Drivetrain and chassis: Rear-wheel drive; shared, sport-tuned chassis with similar weight distribution and handling characteristics.
- Body style and interior: Two-door coupe with a compact 2+2 layout; practical but small rear seats and cargo space.
- Market presence and pricing: Sold as a Toyota (GR86) or Subaru (BRZ) in most markets; starting prices around the same ballpark, with year- and trim-specific differences.
- Safety and technology: Driver-assistance and infotainment packages vary by trim and market; GR86 commonly ships with Toyota Safety Sense, BRZ with Subaru’s available suites depending on configuration.
Both cars are built to deliver a pure-driving experience focused on balance, steering feel, and driver engagement rather than high-end luxury or gadgetry.
Where they diverge in practice
Despite their shared foundations, several practical differences matter to buyers, especially around branding, aesthetics, and equipment. Here are the main differentiators:
- Branding and styling cues: The GR86 uses Toyota-specific design language, badges, and interior accents, while the BRZ features Subaru branding, grille geometry, and badge placement that reflect the brand’s design language.
- Trim packaging and standard features: Each brand offers its own trim lines and option lists; the availability and composition of features like advanced driver aids, infotainment interfaces, and upholstery can differ by market and year.
- Pricing and options: Sticker prices and available packages differ by region and model year, with promotions and incentives varying by dealer and country.
- Driving feel and tuning perceptions: Road tests show the two cars perform very similarly; any differences in steering feel, suspension tuning, or throttle response are typically modest and depend on the specific trim and configuration.
For most buyers, the choice comes down to badge preference, color options, and which trim/package aligns with their desired equipment and price.
Bottom line
In short: the Toyota GR86 (formerly known as the 86) and the Subaru BRZ are closely related, sharing the same 2.4-liter engine, horsepower, torque, drivetrain, and overall performance footprint. The differences are mainly cosmetic, branding, and package-level distinctions that influence styling, available features, and price. Your decision will likely hinge on which badge you prefer, the color and trim you want, and which dealer offers the better deal.
Summary
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are collaborative twins on a shared platform and engine. Since the 2022 refresh, they deliver near-identical performance with minor differences in styling, trim options, and pricing. If you want a quick guide: performance equals, branding differs; choose by badge, appearance, and the specific equipment you value most.
