What is the Toyota version of the Subaru BRZ?

The Toyota version of the Subaru BRZ is the Toyota GR86 (often styled as GR86 in markets outside Japan).

These two cars were developed as a joint project between Toyota and Subaru, sharing most of their engineering while carrying distinct branding, tuning, and design language from their parent brands.

Origins and collaboration

The GR86 and BRZ trace their roots to a longstanding collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, often referred to by enthusiasts as the Toyobaru project. The first generation arrived in the early 2010s as a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe designed for engaging handling and a pure-driver experience. The current second generation continues the partnership, with Toyota branding added under the GR (Gazoo Racing) umbrella while Subaru remains the BRZ badge in other markets.

Badging and branding

Across markets, the cars look and feel very similar underneath; they diverge primarily in branding. The Toyota GR86 wears Toyota badge and GR performance cues, while the Subaru BRZ carries Subaru branding and styling elements. The branding choices reflect each company’s performance lineup and dealer networks.

What they share

Although sold under different badges, the GR86 and BRZ share most of their core engineering, which results in a similar driving character and performance footprint.

• Engine: 2.4-liter flat-four (FA24) in the current generation, delivering about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.


• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.


• Platform: A lightweight, rear-drive chassis tuned for nimble handling and a low center of gravity.


• Seating and packaging: Compact two-door layout with a 2+2 seating arrangement and driver-focused ergonomics.

These shared attributes explain why the GR86 and BRZ feel so similar in everyday driving and track-inspired performance, offering an approachable entry point into enthusiast motoring.

Differences in branding, trims, and market availability

While mechanically alike, the GR86 and BRZ diverge in branding, trim positioning, and market-specific equipment. The GR86 prioritizes Toyota’s design language, interior materials, and GR-branded features, whereas the BRZ emphasizes Subaru’s design cues and ergonomics. Availability, option packages, and trim names can vary by region, with both models typically offering manual and automatic transmissions and competitive pricing within the compact sports coupe segment.

Market specifics

In major markets such as the United States, Canada, Europe, and parts of Asia, both vehicles are marketed as part of their respective brands’ performance lineups. Regional variations may include different standard features, color options, and accessory packages.

Availability and current status

As of 2025, the GR86 remains Toyota’s contemporary entry in the affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe segment. It continues alongside the Subaru BRZ as the modern twin of the Toyobaru collaboration, offering similar powertrains, chassis dynamics, and a focus on driver engagement while wearing distinct brand identities.

Summary

The Toyota GR86 is the Toyota-branded counterpart to the Subaru BRZ — two closely related, driver-focused rear-wheel-drive sports coupes born from a joint Toyota-Subaru project. They share a modern 2.4-liter flat-four engine, similar performance, and a chassis tuned for agility, with differences largely in branding, interior details, and market-specific packaging. For buyers, the choice often comes down to brand affinity and dealer incentives rather than meaningful differences in daily driving capability.

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. 

What is the Toyota equivalent of the Subaru BRZ?

Toyota 86
The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, manufactured at Subaru's Gunma assembly plant.

Is the GR86 just a BRZ?

No, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are not the same, although they are built on the same platform and share many mechanical components. The key differences lie in their distinct tuning philosophies, which result in different driving experiences—the BRZ is more supple and stable, while the GR86 is tuned to be more aggressive and agile. They also have different exterior styling and interior accents.
 
This video explains the differences between the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86: 47sWhen Hann Meets CarsYouTube · May 9, 2025
Key differences

• Driving dynamics: Subaru tunes the BRZ for a more comfortable and compliant ride, while Toyota tunes the GR86 for a slightly more aggressive, track-focused feel. 
• Exterior styling: The cars have different front fascias, headlights, and bumpers. The GR86 often has a more pronounced ducktail spoiler. 
• Interior accents: The GR86 may feature red carpets and a "GR" logo on the start-stop button, while the BRZ has black carpets and a standard start-stop button. 
• Suspension: While the core components are shared, specific tuning differs, with slightly different spring rates, dampers, and sway bar setups. 
• Software and accessories: The GR86 comes with a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and access to a High-Performance Driving Experience. 
• Dealer experience: The availability of trims and the dealer experience itself can be a deciding factor. 

This video compares the Toyota GR86 Trueno Edition and the Subaru BRZ tS: 1mAutoGuide.comYouTube · Aug 30, 2024
Shared similarities

• Engine: Both models use the same 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine, producing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. 
• Drivetrain: Both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, with an automatic option available. 
• Chassis: They share the same basic chassis, with the same proportions and a low center of gravity that contributes to excellent handling. 

Is BRZ the same as Toyota GT86?

No, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 (and its successor, the GR86) are not the same car, but they are built on the same platform with many shared components like the chassis, engine, and gearbox. The main differences are in their styling, suspension tuning, and some interior features, giving each car a slightly different feel.
 
This video explains the differences between the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86: 24sWhitby SubaruYouTube · Feb 21, 2024
Similarities

• Platform: Both cars share a common platform. 
• Engine: They use the same Subaru boxer engine and Toyota fuel injection system. 
• Transmission: They share the same gearbox options. 
• Overall design: They are both rear-wheel-drive compact sports coupes designed for cornering. 

Differences

• Exterior Styling: The Toyota GT86 has a more aggressive front bumper and grille, while the BRZ has a more subtle and restrained design.
• Suspension Tuning: The BRZ is often described as having a more neutral or stable feel, with a firmer front and softer rear suspension, whereas the GT86 is tuned to be more eager to oversteer.
• Interior: While both have similar layouts, there are minor differences, such as the specific logos, dashboard trim (e.g., aluminum-look on the BRZ vs. carbon-fiber look on the GT86), and some seat variations depending on the trim level.
• Other details: There can be other minor differences like the design of the daytime running lights, mirrors, and steering wheels.