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2025 Subaru BRZ vs Toyota GR86: What To Buy?
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, close siblings in the automotive realm, embody the essence of an affordable sports car. Both feature a 228-hp 2.4L flat-four engine, delivering spirited performance. The BRZ, with its lightweight and nimble design, emphasizes driving engagement and practicality. Its manual transmission and responsive handling make it a formidable weekend warrior. Complemented by interior storage, rear jump seats, and a sizable trunk. The GR86, a rarity in the realm of affordable RWD coupes, shares the same engine and manual transmission preference. While not designed for carpooling, its rear seats enhance cargo space. With sharp steering and adept handling. The GR86 provides an enjoyable driving experience at a reasonable price, standing out in a market dominated by crossovers and SUVs.
| Subaru BRZ | Toyota GR86 | |
| Dimensions | 167.9 in x 69.9 in x 51.6 in | 167.9 in x 69.9 in x 51.6 in |
| Engine | 2.4L NA flat-4 | 2.4L NA flat-4 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 228 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.4 sec | 5.4 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 13.6 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Top-Speed | 140 mph | 140 mph |
Subaru BRZ
Engine & Performance
The BRZ packs a naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four engine, churning out 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a choice of either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The ride quality leans towards the firm side, adding to the car’s playful nature. Each model comes with a standard limited-slip rear differential. With the Premium variant sporting 17-inch wheels, and the higher-performance Limited rocking 18 inches. The top-tier tS trim takes it up a notch with a specially tuned suspension system and upgraded brakes. Contributing to an overall enhancement in road manners.
Price & Mileage
The Subaru BRZ kicks off at $31,315 for the Premium, reaching $36,465 for the top-tier tS variant. Opting for the Limited, priced in between, gets you appealing additions like 18-inch aluminium wheels, summer tires, and blind-spot monitoring. According to EPA estimates, the most fuel-efficient BRZ is the automatic transmission model. Boasting 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. For those who prefer the six-speed manual, the estimates are slightly lower. Coming in at 20 mpg for city driving and 27 mpg for highway cruising.
Acceleration & Features
The 2.4L engine in the BRZ shows more responsiveness compared to the previous 2.0L model. Although it doesn’t turn the BRZ into the speediest car in town. Nevertheless, it notably enhances acceleration times. In the case of the Subaru BRZ tested with the manual transmission, it hit 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. Almost a whole second quicker than the previous-gen BRZ tS. Each BRZ is equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard. Serving as the command centre for its infotainment system. The display, fortunately, doesn’t rely solely on touch inputs. It includes physical knobs for volume and tuning functions, along with several hard buttons. The system comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to SiriusXM satellite radio.
Toyota GR86
Engine & Performance
Each GR86 comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four, delivering 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. This marks a significant boost of 28 hp and 33 lb-ft compared to its predecessor’s 2.0L flat-four when paired with an automatic transmission. The GR86’s new engine truly stands out in how it deploys power. Whether it’s coupled with a manual or automatic gearbox, the GR86 truly shines when the road starts to twist and turn. The coupe’s precise steering provides excellent feedback, empowering the driver to confidently explore the limits of traction.
Price & Mileage
The slight bump in cost for the Toyota GR86 Premium is definitely justified. The starting price for the Toyota GR86 is anticipated to hover around $30,000 for the Base model, reaching up to $38,000 for the Trueno Edition. According to EPA estimates, the Toyota GR86 equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission can achieve 21 mpg in the city and an impressive 31 mpg on the highway. Opting for the six-speed manual trims down the numbers a bit, with EPA figures standing at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
The acceleration of the previous generation was reasonably quick at 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, but the latest GR86 has shown significant improvement with a 5.4-second time to 60 mph and a quarter-mile achievement in 14.0 seconds. Interestingly, the six-speed automatic lags behind the manual by 0.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. Standard features include an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, complemented by a 7.0-inch digital gauge display that can be customized with Normal, Sport, and Track modes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are standard, and all models come with SiriusXM satellite radio, offering a complimentary three-month trial. The base model boasts a six-speaker stereo, while the upgraded Premium trim elevates the audio experience with an eight-speaker setup.