2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru BRZ explodes onto the scene as the purest expression of lightweight RWD handling, offering 228 hp for a spirited entry point starting at $33,210. Contrast this with the muscular 2026 Toyota GR Corolla, a turbocharged AWD hooligan boasting a phenomenal 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, demanding an MSRP of $39,920. While the BRZ remains razor-sharp with its diminutive 167.9-inch length and focused 20/27 MPG, the GR Corolla brings practicality, offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the BRZ's meager 6.3 cu ft. The GR Corolla dominates on raw performance metrics, holding a decisive 72 hp advantage, yet the BRZ delivers accessible, involving RWD fun for those prioritizing chassis feel over sheer output.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ offers a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 22 MPG versus the GR Corolla's 24 MPG, though both require premium fuel.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla wins due to its vastly superior 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft, making it far more usable for passengers and gear.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla is the undeniable performance king, delivering an extra 72 horsepower (300 hp total) and significantly more torque (295 lb-ft) paired with AWD grip.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The BRZ offers an intoxicating rear-wheel-drive experience for $6,710 less than the GR Corolla, representing better access to pure driving fun.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- You prioritize the visceral connection of a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive platform, focusing on handling purity.
- Your budget is strict, as the BRZ starts $6,710 lower than the GR Corolla at $33,210 MSRP.
- You desire a smaller footprint for nimble city driving, indicated by the BRZ's 167.9-inch length.
Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...
- You need serious power, as the GR Corolla unleashes 300 hp compared to the BRZ's 228 hp.
- All-weather capability and tenacious grip are essential due to the GR Corolla's All-Wheel Drive system.
- You require meaningful space, utilizing the GR Corolla's substantial 17.8 cu ft of cargo volume.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru BRZ | Toyota GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 167.9" | 173.6" |
| Width | 69.9" | 72.8" |
| Height | 51.6" | 57.2" |
| Wheelbase | 101.4" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 264.0/356.4 mi. | 277.2/369.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 160W |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 33.5 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.2 in. | 45.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 215/45R | 235/40R18 |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.
How much more power does the GR Corolla have than the BRZ?
The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla generates 300 horsepower, providing a significant 72 hp advantage over the 2025 Subaru BRZ's 228 horsepower rating. This extra power, combined with 295 lb-ft of torque, translates to much faster acceleration.
Is the extra cost of the GR Corolla worth it over the BRZ?
The GR Corolla costs $6,710 more, but you receive 72 more horsepower, All-Wheel Drive, and nearly three times the cargo capacity (17.8 cu ft vs. 6.3 cu ft). If utility and brute force matter, the premium is justifiable.
Which car is better for daily commuting, considering fuel economy?
While both demand premium fuel, the GR Corolla edges out slightly with a combined 24 MPG versus the BRZ's 22 MPG combined. However, the BRZ's smaller size might make city parking easier.
What is the main difference in drivetrain setup?
The BRZ adheres to tradition with a focused Rear-Wheel Drive layout, optimizing steering feel and handling balance. Conversely, the GR Corolla utilizes a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive system for maximum traction from its higher power output.
How does the size difference affect practicality?
The GR Corolla is both longer (173.6 inches vs. 167.9 inches) and wider, but its hatchback body results in significantly more usable space, especially the cargo area which is nearly triple that of the BRZ coupe.
Are both cars available with a manual transmission?
Yes, both exciting driver's cars come exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, ensuring an engaging, hands-on driving experience for both the RWD BRZ and the AWD GR Corolla.
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