2023 Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ Which Vehicle is the Best Sports Car?

Powering down the straightaways is easy in both vehicles. The Toyota GR86’s 2.4L Boxer Horizontal4 engine gives you 184 pounds of torque and 228 hp. The Subaru BRZ’s 2.4L Subaru Boxer Horizontal4 engine delivers the same performance. Drivers aren’t deserted in the curves: both models feature a front engine, RWD design that delivers classic race car handling.

The 2023 Toyota GR86 has been put through its paces when it comes to stability and traction. This track-tested model earned the Gazoo Racing badge. The 2023 Subaru BRZ has a track-tuned suspension system for similar performance on the road.

When it comes to estimated fuel costs, these sports cars will hit your wallet comparably. EPA estimates for the Toyota GR86 are 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the 6-speed manual. When it’s equipped with the automatic transmission, the EPA estimates are 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Compare that to the Subaru BRZ, which has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 in the city and 30 on the highway.

The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ feature a number of active and passive safety features. The automatic transmission models of the Toyota GR86 come with Toyota’s GR86 Active Safety Suite, which includes Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure Warning with Sway Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and other features. Compare that with Subaru’s EyeSight™ active safety system on the Subaru BRZ which includes many of the same features.

The Toyota GR86 also includes a full suite of passive safety features. It’s equipped with driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag systems, outboard seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, front and rear side curtain airbags, and a driver-side knee airbag. The Subaru BRZ features similar safety features, including the Subaru advanced frontal airbag system and several other airbags.

Both cars are equipped with anti-theft security systems, including both an alarm and an immobilizer.

You’re only as safe as the road ahead, so it’s important that you can see it. That’s why the Toyota GR86 comes with auto-leveling projector-type LED headlights, with available Automatic High Beams and other features. Upgrading the Subaru BRZ lets you get LED Steering Responsive Headlights.

Each of these sports cars offers comfort you can slide into. The Toyota GR86 interior comes standard with all-black leather-trimmed touchpoints, including a leather-wrapped parking brake handle and leather-wrapped steering wheel, for luxurious feel and durability. Heated front seats are standard on the Subaru BRZ, and you can get them on the Toyota GR86 with an upgrade to the Premium. The Subaru BRZ also comes standard with cloth upholstery and red accents on the shifter handle. For extra good looks, the Toyota GR86 comes with contrast-stitched interior accents.

Entertainment options are abundant in the interior of these cars. The Toyota GR86 Audio system boasts six speakers, an 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay® compatibility. It’s also Android Auto™ compatible, and upgrading to the Toyota GR86 Premium, gets you eight speakers. In comparison, the Subaru BRZ comes with a 7-inch LCD display, eight speakers, and STARLINK® 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus.

While you’re zipping about town in one of these fun sports cars, you may need to grab some groceries. The Toyota GR86 makes it easy with 6.26 cubic feet of cargo space in the truck. The Subaru BRZ also makes it easy with 6.3 cubic feet of cargo space.