What is the new name for the Scion FR-S?

The Scion FR-S was renamed Toyota 86 for its 2017 model year in the United States and most markets, and the current generation is marketed as the Toyota GR86 in many regions.

Looking back at the branding shift

The Scion FR-S debuted in 2012 as part of Toyota’s Scion sub-brand, a compact sports coupe developed with Subaru as the BRZ. When Toyota retired the Scion brand after 2016, the model was rebadged to align with Toyota’s global naming strategy. Over time, the lineage moved from the Toyota 86 branding to the GR86 branding with a second-generation design. These changes reflect Toyota’s broader branding strategy that uses the “86” lineage and, later, the Gazoo Racing (GR) designation for performance models.

Before we dive into the naming milestones, it’s important to note that regional naming varied. In Europe, the car has historically carried the GT86 name in some generations, while the US market used the Toyota 86 badge after Scion was dissolved. The latest generation in many markets carries the GR86 badge, signaling a link to Toyota’s GR performance line.

Here are the key naming milestones in a concise timeline:

• 2012–2016: US market sold as Scion FR-S; other markets used Toyota GT86 or FT-86 branding depending on region.


• 2017–2021: Scion brand retired in the US; the model was renamed Toyota 86 in the United States and continued as GT86 in some other regions.


• 2022 onward: Introduction of the second-generation model branded as Toyota GR86 in many markets, marking the shift to Gazoo Racing branding.

Conclusion drawn from the timeline: the FR-S’s direct successor name in the early post-Scion era was Toyota 86, and today the current generation is known as the GR86 in most markets.

Regional naming differences explained

Regional variations exist because Toyota used different brands and naming conventions around the world. While the US adopted Toyota 86 for the first post-Scion rebrand, Europe and other regions used GT86 or FT-86 names in earlier generations. The latest generation settles on GR86 in many markets, tying the model to Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance lineup.

What this means for enthusiasts and buyers

For new buyers, the “new name” you’ll encounter depends on model year and location. If you’re looking at a used car from 2017–2020, you’ll likely see Toyota 86 or GT86 branding. If you’re shopping for a current model, expect GR86 branding, with performance updates and the newer 2.4-liter engine lineage introduced with the GR86.

Summary

The Scion FR-S’s immediate renaming path was to Toyota 86 in 2017, reflecting the end of the Scion brand. Since then, the model evolved into the GR86, representing the current generation and Toyota’s Gazoo Racing lineage. In short: FR-S became Toyota 86, and today the ongoing model is known as GR86 in most markets.

Is the BRZ the same as FR-S?

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 FR-S the same as Toyota 86?

Yes, the Scion FR-S and Toyota GT86 are the same car, essentially a rebadged version sold under different names in different markets. The FR-S was sold under the Scion brand in the US and Canada, while the GT86 name was used in other regions, including Europe, before the Scion brand was discontinued and the name was changed to Toyota 86 in North America.
 
This video explains the differences between the Scion FR-S and Toyota 86: 1mMatt Maran MotoringYouTube · Aug 28, 2017
Key similarities

• Same platform: Both are built on the same rear-wheel-drive sports car platform and share most of the same mechanical components. 
• Engine: They are powered by the same 2.0-liter Subaru boxer engine. 
• Development: The car was a joint project with Subaru, which also produced its own version, the Subaru BRZ. 

Key differences

• Branding: The main difference is the brand name on the badge (Scion vs. Toyota). 
• Trim level: The FR-S was marketed as a more basic and affordable entry-level model, while the Toyota GT86 had a slightly more "premium" or basic trim in some configurations. 
• Minor details: There can be minor differences in features, such as headlights, suspension tuning, wheels, and interior trim depending on the specific model year and market. 

You can watch this video to see the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ in action: 1mOff The Line PerformanceYouTube · Jun 17, 2025

Are Scion FR-S still being made?

No, Scion no longer makes the FR-S because the Scion brand was discontinued in 2016. The car was then rebadged as the 2017 Toyota 86 and continues to be sold as the Toyota GR86 today, in partnership with Subaru's version, the BRZ.
 

• Scion discontinuation: Toyota phased out the Scion brand in 2016, and the FR-S was one of the models that transitioned to the main Toyota brand. 
• New name: For the 2017 model year, the car was rebranded as the Toyota 86. 
• Successor: The vehicle is now in its second generation and is called the Toyota GR86. 
• Partnership: The car was a joint project with Subaru, and its counterpart is the Subaru BRZ. 

When was Scion FR-S discontinued?

The Scion FR-S was discontinued in 2016 when Toyota phased out the Scion brand. It was rebadged as the Toyota 86 for the 2017 model year, continuing its production under a new name and branding.
 

• Brand Discontinuation: Toyota announced the closure of the Scion brand in February 2016. 
• Last Model Year: The final model year for the Scion FR-S was 2016. 
• Rebranding: As part of the brand transition, the FR-S was renamed the Toyota 86 for the 2017 model year and continued in the Toyota lineup.