2023 Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ Premium AT Coupe

Comparison

It’s a tight race when comparing the 2023 Toyota GR86 and 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium AT Coupe. The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ both come in seven bold colors, but the hues are different for each brand. Manual or automatic transmission is available with both vehicles. Pricewise, the 2023 Toyota GR86 has a slightly lower starting MSRP compared to the 2023 Subaru BRZ - of $27,900 for the GR86 versus $28,595 for the Subaru BRZ. So, let’s put these sporty roadsters against each other by comparing some key features.

Highlighted Features

2023 GR86

2023BRZ

Adaptive cruise control

No

Yes

Engine

2.4L BOXER Horizontal4

2.4L Subaru Boxer Horizontal4

Horsepower

228

228

Estimated Combined (MPG)

22

25

Speakers

6

6

Base MSRP

$28,400

$30,095

Whole vehicle warranty months / (miles)

36 / 36000

36 / 36000

Roadside assistance months / (mi)

24 / 9999999

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Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990-2023. All Rights Reserved. For comparison purposes only. JATO has been diligent in providing accurate and complete information. However, JATO does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the data, and the information may not be comprehensive or use the same terminology as used elsewhere on this site. For additional details, see vehicle's "Full Specs" on Toyota.com or contact your Toyota dealer.

Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ

Safety & Convenience Comparison

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 Active Safety Suite. 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, including 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.
  • 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.
Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ

Performance Comparison

Powering down the straightaways is easy in both vehicles. Drivers aren’t deserted in the curves: both models feature a front engine, RWD design that delivers classic race car handling.

  • The track-tested 2023 Toyota GR86 has been put through its paces when it comes to stability and traction, earning the Gazoo Racing badge. The 2023 Subaru BRZ has a track-tuned suspension system for similar performance on the road.
  • 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’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.
Available Models (3)
Model image
GR86
$28,400
Base MSRP
20/27
Est. MPG
  • 2.4L 4-cylinder boxer engine with 228 hp and 184 lb.-ft. of torque
  • 7-in. Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) GR digital gauge cluster with LCD Multi-Information Display (MID)
  • Complimentary 1-year NASA membership, including one free High-Performance Driving Experience (HPDE)
Model image
GR86 Premium
$31,000
Base MSRP
20/27
Est. MPG
  • 18-in. matte-black-painted alloy wheels with Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 tires
  • Color-keyed duckbill rear spoiler
  • Complimentary 1-year NASA membership, including one free High-Performance Driving Experience (HPDE)
Model image
GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition
$34,360
Base MSRP
20/27
Est. MPG
  • 18-in. matte-black GR forged wheels with Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 tires
  • GR cat-back dual exhaust with black chrome tips
  • Complimentary 1-year NASA membership, including one free High-Performance Driving Experience (HPDE)
Dashboard and steering wheel showcasing the interior technology of the 2023 Toyota GR86. Toyota GR86 vs. Subaru BRZ

Technology Comparison

Each of these sports cars offers comfort you can slide into.

  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • The Toyota GR86 makes it easy with 6.26 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk. The Subaru BRZ also makes it easy with 6.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Conclusion

The competition is hot when it comes to the 2023 Toyota GR86 vs. 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium AT Coupe. Both the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ have front engines with RWD for performance-level handling, give or take a few mph, and the fuel economy estimates on these vehicles are similar. Each is a strong contender when it comes to driver-centric features like performance on the road.

  • The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for the Toyota GR86 in the city is 20 mpg compared to 21 mpg in the city for the Subaru BRZ.
  • The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings comparison for highway driving is 27 mpg for the Toyota GR86 versus 30 mpg on the highway for the Subaru BRZ.
  • You can get both vehicles in seven vibrant brand exterior colors.
  • The Subaru BRZ has a track-tuned suspension, while the Toyota GR86 is track-tested and has earned the Gazoo Racing badge.
  • The Toyota GR86 edges ahead of the Subaru BRZ thanks to a lower starting MSRP and a complimentary 1-year NASA® membership that sweetens the deal for buyers of this sports car.

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Published on February 01, 2023