The Toyobaru Twins, aka the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, have taken the enthusiast segment by storm since their introduction in 2022. These two models have been praised for promoting a return to form to affordable sports cars, yet what exactly separates these two Japanese sports coupes from one another? Stick around as we will compare every major factor between these two models and determine which one is worth your hard-earned money.
While these two high-value sports cars may seem nearly identical at a glance, their differences become more apparent when we analyze them at a more granular level. Curious about the unique differences? Join us as we break down which of the Toyobaru Twins is the better buy in 2025.
GR86 Vs. BRZ: Performance
Engine And Acceleration
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ share the same Subaru-designed 2.4-liter FA24D flat-four engine that makes about 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque arriving at 3,700 RPM utilizing premium fuel. There is no difference in power or torque specifications between the two models, and these two sports cars are the only models that utilize this specific Subaru boxer engine. Both models accelerate to 60 MPH from a dead stop in about 6.1 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission and have a top speed of 140 MPH. Automatic-equipped models are slightly slower, with a 6.6-second 60 MPH sprint time.
Transmission Options
Both models are available with a six-speed manual transmission as standard or an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The 2026 Toyota GR86 is available with the six-speed automatic transmission at a $1,100 premium across all three available trims, including the special limited-production Yuzu Edition. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru BRZ can only be optioned with the automatic transmission in the mid-range Limited trim, where the addition is a $850 premium. Thinking about buying an automatic-equipped model? You aren’t alone. 47 percent of new Toyota GR86 buyers opt for the automatic, despite the increased cost.
GR86 Vs. BRZ: Handling
While sharing the same chassis and fundamental ideology, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 do have some differences in the way they feel on the road. Toyota intentionally tuned the GR86 to have a looser rear-end, encouraging easy rotation and oversteer qualities. The BRZ instead defaults to a more neutral setup, yet by no means understeer-inducing.
The Toyota GR86 achieves this dynamic difference by utilizing a stiffer front and rear sway bar, as well as a higher rear spring rate. Despite this, the Subaru BRZ can slide its rear around just as easily; it simply requires a bit more coercing. At the end of the day, both models are impressively responsive and can be made to react in any way desired within the hands of a capable driver.
Commuting Or Performance?
However, you do notice the increased stiffness of the GR86 in daily driving, and it is a bit less comfortable than the BRZ for commuting. Whether this will be a make-or-break factor for you may depend on whether this is your only car or not. Either way, if you are unhappy with the quality of your suspension setup, you can also opt for the top trim GR86 Yuzu Edition, which offers SACHS dampers at all four corners (also available with the optional Performance Package). Subaru is happy to oblige as well with the top trim BRZ tS, which offers STI-tuned sport suspension at all four corners.
GR86 Vs. BRZ: Features
The Most Important Shared Feature
One of the most critical standard features that brings both of the Toyobaru Twins to life is the Torsen limited-slip differential. If you turn off traction control and huck the GR86 into a corner, watch as the rear-end gracefully slides in perfect harmony with your throttle and steering inputs (this is assuming you know what you are doing). Why is that possible? The LSD. It’s safe to say that if your sports car doesn’t have an LSD, it isn’t as much of a sports car as you thought it was. Lucky for us, the twins are pure as it comes in 2025, and the standard LSD is an unsung hero that never gets the attention it deserves.
Unique Standard Features
What about features that aren’t shared between the two models? There aren’t many, but we can list a few notable ones. First, there are the available paint colors. While the Toyobaru Twins share nearly the same paint options (despite different names), the only truly exclusive color (excluding special editions) is “WR Blue Pearl”, a slightly lighter blue than Sapphire Blue Pearl, which is the Subaru equivalent of Trueno Blue. This isn’t exactly a “feature”, but all Toyota GR86 models come with a complimentary one-year NASA membership, including a free HPDE event, while Subaru offers no comparable perk.
Optional Packages
Next up are optional packages, of which there is none available for the 2025 BRZ Premium, while there is one (the $2,020 Performance Package) available for the 2026 Toyota GR86. The Performance Package is an aptly-named option, featuring Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers, and 18-inch matte-black wheels at all four corners.
Optional Accessories
However, once you get to the optional accessories, you really start to see some different and unique options pop up between the two brands. Toyota offers, by far, the most accessories of the two brands. One of the most notable (only available on the GR86) is the $799 10-inch Powered Subwoofer, which comes equipped with a custom molded enclosure powered by a 200W amplifier. Amazingly so, the sub can be easily removed in desperate need of trunk space with simple thumb screws and a single wire connection.
Toyota-Specific Accessories
Other Toyota-specific accessories are the $75 GR Air Filter, $159 GR Fender Vent Inserts, $1,700 GR Performance Exhaust in Black, $1320 GR Performance Stabilizer Bars, and the $640 GR Performance Strut Tie Brace. Another notable accessory is the $1,850 17-inch Forged GR wheels in Flat Bronze, which increase track width by 10mm over stock. The optional Brembo calipers cannot be fitted with these 17-inch wheels and require an 18-inch wheel.
Subaru-Specific Accessories
Some Subaru-specific accessories are the $430 STI Flexible V-Bar, $130 Mud Flaps, $210 Footwell Illumination Kit, $699 Rear Bumper Diffuser, $350 Trunk Spoiler, $144 Vortex Generator, and $495 STI short-throw shifter.
GR86 Vs. BRZ: Pricing And Value
MSRP Costs Compared
Which of the two Toyobaru Twins is the more expensive? The Subaru BRZ. As pricing currently stands, the 2025 Subaru BRZ Premium (the base model) goes for $33,210, while the 2026 Toyota GR86 (the base model) goes for $30,800. That is a $2,410 difference between the two entry models, and this price increase is reflected as you go through the trim levels as well.
The mid-range 2026 GR86 Premium starts at $33,400, while the mid-range 2025 Subaru BRZ Limited starts at $35,860. At the very top of the trim level for Toyota is the $36,365 2026 Yuzu Edition, while Subaru offers the $38,360 2025 BRZ tS.
The Significant Consideration Of Dealership Experience
While the advertised price of the Subaru BRZ is listed as higher than that of the Toyota GR86, does that mean that exact standard will apply to your local dealership? Absolutely not. For example, we researched both the Toyota and Subaru dealers nearest to us and took a look at both brands’ respective inventory. The facts were revelatory, to say the least.
Our local Subaru dealer only had a single 2026 BRZ Premium with an Automatic Transmission for $40,263. Why is it so expensive? This particular GR86 has $4,568 worth of options added, including the $2,240 GR Wheel Package and $1,700 GR Performance Exhaust in Black.
For comparison, our local Subaru dealer had five different new BRZ models available, and every single one (despite all being limited-edition models) was discounted by at least $2,000 off MSRP. Yes, there are currently five BRZs at this dealership, four of them being limited-edition 2025 Series. Purple models (only 500 made) and one top-trim tS model.
Which One Do You Buy?
The short answer to this question is always the same: whichever you can get cheaper. Yet, based on the information we provided you, which brand do you think is likely to offer you a better deal? The answer should be obvious. Let’s not forget that MSRP is only a guideline, and if you are a shrewd negotiator, you may be able to get thousands of dollars off a new car with nothing more than good conversation skills.
In 99.9 percent of car negotiations, the ball is always in the court of the buyer, not the seller, and the entire function of the dealership is to convince you otherwise of this fact. So, whatever you do, make sure you have your finances planned out ahead of time because the dealership wants you to make a rash, emotional decision so they can secure a sale, while you need to ensure the exact opposite happens by being prepared, having limits, and doing your own research. Happy hunting out there, and we hope this helps!