2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Toyota GR86

$33,210 · Coupe

$30,800 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru BRZ and the 2026 Toyota GR86 are kindred spirits, offering pure, rear-wheel-drive thrills, both boasting an identical 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from their naturally aspirated flat-four engines. The BRZ excites with Subaru's distinct branding and reliability ethos, even though its starting MSRP of $33,210 is slightly higher than the GR86's $30,800 entry point. Both cars share the same nimble dimensions (167.9 inches long and 69.9 inches wide) and the mandatory requirement for premium unleaded fuel, delivering an identical combined 22 MPG. The nearly identical specifications, including the 6-speed manual transmission and minimal 6.3 cu ft of cargo space, mean the decision hinges on price difference and subtle tuning characteristics, as neither offers practicality as a primary selling point.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota GR86

The GR86 wins for commuters due to its lower starting MSRP of $30,800 compared to the BRZ's $33,210.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru BRZ

Both vehicles are strictly enthusiast coupes with tiny 6.3 cu ft cargo capacities, making neither suitable for families, but we arbitrarily award it to the BRZ for perceived reliability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru BRZ

While the core mechanics are the same, the slight difference in suspension tuning often cited by reviewers gives the edge to the BRZ for handling purity.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota GR86

The 2026 Toyota GR86 offers the exact same performance metrics (228 hp, 22 MPG combined) for $2,410 less than the BRZ.

Choose the Subaru BRZ if...

You prioritize the distinct handling feel associated with Subaru's specific damper and spring tuning.
You prefer the Subaru badge and the associated dealer network experience.
You are willing to spend the extra $2,410 premium for the BRZ's setup over the GR86.

Choose the Toyota GR86 if...

You want the absolute lowest entry cost for this chassis, starting at just $30,800.
You need the marginal fuel economy advantage on the highway (27 MPG vs 26 MPG for the BRZ).
You prefer the Toyota badge and alignment with their sports car heritage.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru BRZ	Toyota GR86
Length	167.9"	167.9"
Width	69.9"	69.9"
Height	51.6"	51.6"
Wheelbase	101.4"	101.4"

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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp @ 7000 rpm	228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
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	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	264.0/356.4 mi.	264.0/343.2 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	✓	—
Dual Vanity 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	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	53.6 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 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	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Rear Head Room	33.5 in.	33.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.9 in.	29.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.7 in.	51.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.2 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	215/45R	215/45R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 GR86.

Are the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Toyota GR86 mechanically different?

Despite sharing the fundamental chassis and engine producing 228 hp, they are tuned differently. The BRZ typically features softer front springs and firmer rear springs, influencing how it reacts on track compared to the GR86.

Which car has better fuel economy?

Both vehicles achieve a combined 22 MPG, requiring premium unleaded fuel. However, the BRZ technically edges out the GR86 slightly on the highway rating, achieving 27 MPG versus the GR86's 26 MPG.

What is the major price difference between the two models?

The 2025 Subaru BRZ has an MSRP of $33,210, while the 2026 Toyota GR86 starts lower at $30,800, presenting a significant $2,410 saving for the Toyota.

How practical are these rear-wheel-drive coupes for daily tasks?

Neither vehicle offers much utility; both are constrained by their small dimensions (167.9 inches in length) and feature a very limited 6.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Do both cars come standard with a manual transmission?

Yes, both the 2025 BRZ and the 2026 GR86 are specified here with the highly desirable 6-speed manual transmission, emphasizing their focus on driver engagement.

Since the power output is identical, will acceleration times vary significantly?

Because both cars produce the exact same 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, their straight-line acceleration figures will be virtually indistinguishable, centering the driving excitement on cornering dynamics.