Why do the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 look the same?
They look the same because they are essentially the same car wearing different badges. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (GR86 in some markets) were developed together, share the same platform and engine family, and were tuned to deliver a similar driving character, with branding and subtle styling tweaks creating distinct identities.
Origins of the collaboration
The two automakers launched a cooperative program in the early 2010s to deliver an affordable, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. Subaru and Toyota pooled engineering resources to create a lightweight, driver-focused machine, resulting in the first-generation BRZ and 86 in 2012. A second generation, introduced in the early 2020s, continued the joint development, aligning specs and capabilities while allowing each brand to market the car under its own badge.
Shared engineering and parts
Before outlining the specific elements, it helps to know what underpins both cars:
- Common platform and chassis configuration designed for a lightweight rear-wheel-drive layout.
- Similar overall dimensions that give the same stance and proportions.
- Engine family that has evolved to a 2.4-liter flat-four (FA24) in the latest generation, used in both BRZ and GR86.
- Independent suspension with front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link/double-wishbone setup, tuned for responsive handling.
- Nearly identical transmission options across trims, typically a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic in many markets.
These shared engineering choices produce a driving character that feels almost identical from behind the wheel, which is a hallmark of the collaboration.
Branding, styling and market positioning
Despite the near-identical hardware, Subaru and Toyota treat the cars as distinct products. Branding, visual cues, and available features are tailored to each marque, resulting in two models that are easy to confuse at a glance but reveal brand-specific details up close.
Visual cues and interior choices
Notes on what differentiates the look and feel:
- Badging and logos: BRZ bears the Subaru emblem, while GR86 wears Toyota branding and nomenclature.
- Front fascia and lighting: Subtle distinctions in grille shape, bumper design, and headlight detailing reflect each brand’s design language, even as the overall silhouette remains alike.
- Interior finishes and trim options: Seat fabrics, color palettes, and trim materials may vary to align with brand styling preferences.
- Infotainment and feature packages: Some trims or markets offer different standard features or options, though the core system is largely shared.
Even with these differences, the cars remain visually very similar in profile and stance, underscoring their twin origins.
What this means for buyers
For prospective buyers, the twin status means you can focus on value, incentives, and dealer support rather than hunting for a distinctly different driving experience. Both cars deliver comparable performance, handling, and everyday usability, with the choice often coming down to badge preference, styling angles you prefer, and the specific trims or packages available in your region.
Summary
In essence, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 look the same because they are the same car engineered through a joint Subaru-Toyota program. They share a common platform, the same engine family, and nearly identical driving dynamics, with only branding, minor styling tweaks, and interior choices distinguishing them. The result is two nearly identical sports coupes that offer a unified driving experience for fans of affordable, rear-wheel-drive performance.
