The Toyobaru Twins, also known as 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 for affordable sports cars, but what exactly separates these two Japanese sports coupes? Stick around as we’ll compare every important factor between these two models and determine which one is worth your hard-earned money.
Although these two high-performance sports cars appear virtually identical at a glance, their differences become more apparent when we analyze them at a more detailed 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 produces approximately 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque coming in at 3,700 rpm and using premium fuel. There is no difference in power or torque specifications between the two models, and these two sports cars are the only models to use this specific Subaru boxer engine. Both models accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in around 6.1 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox and have a top speed of 240 km/h. Automatic-equipped models are slightly slower, with a sprint time of 6.6 seconds to 100 km/h.
Shipping options
Both models are available with a six-speed manual transmission as standard or with an optional six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 2026 Toyota GR86 is available with the six-speed automatic transmission for a $1,100 premium for all three available trims, including the special limited-edition Yuzu Edition. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru BRZ can only be optioned with the mid-range Limited automatic transmission, with the addition coming at an $850 premium. Are you thinking about buying a model with automatic equipment? You’re not alone. 47 percent of new Toyota GR86 buyers opt for the automatic, despite the higher costs.
GR86 vs. BRZ: Treatment
Although they share the same chassis and basic ideology, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 have some differences in the way they feel on the road. Toyota deliberately tuned the GR86 to have a looser rear end, which promotes easy rotation and oversteering qualities. The BRZ instead opts for a more neutral setup as standard, which, however, in no way causes understeer.
The Toyota GR86 achieves this dynamic difference by using a stiffer front and rear stabilizer bar, as well as a higher rear spring rate. Despite this, the Subaru BRZ can slide its rear end around just as easily; it just requires a little more force. Ultimately, both models are impressively responsive and, in the hands of a capable driver, can respond in any way desired.
Commuting or performance?
However, you will notice the increased stiffness of the GR86 in daily driving and for commuting it is somewhat less comfortable than the BRZ. Whether this will be a make-or-break factor for you may depend on whether this is your only car or not. Anyway, if you’re not satisfied with the quality of your suspension, you can also opt for the top-spec GR86 Yuzu Edition, which offers SACHS dampers on all four corners (also available with the optional Performance Package). Subaru is also happy to participate with the top version BRZ tS, which offers an STI-tuned sports suspension on all four corners.
GR86 vs. BRZ: Features
The most important shared function
One of the most critical standard features that brings both Toyobaru Twins to life is the Torsen limited slip differential. When you disengage the traction control and throw the GR86 into a corner, watch as the rear end slides gracefully in perfect unison with your throttle and steering inputs (assuming you know what you’re doing). Why is that possible? The LSD. It’s safe to say that if your sports car doesn’t have LSD, it’s not as much of a sports car as you thought. Luckily for us, the twins are pure as they come in 2025, and the standard LSD is an unsung hero that never gets the attention it deserves.
Unique standard features
What about features that are not shared between the two models? There aren’t many, but we can name a few that stand out. First, there are the available paint colors. Although the Toyobaru Twins share almost 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, the Subaru equivalent of Trueno Blue. This isn’t exactly a “feature,” but all Toyota GR86 models come with a free one-year NASA membership, including a free HPDE event, while Subaru offers no similar benefit.
Optional packages
The following are optional packages, none of which are available for the 2025 BRZ Premium, while one (the $2,020 Performance Package) is available for the 2026 Toyota GR86. The Performance Package is an aptly named option, with Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers and 18-inch matte black wheels on 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 (available only on the GR86) is the $799 10-inch Powered Subwoofer, which features a custom die-cast enclosure powered by a 200W amplifier. Amazingly, the sub can be easily removed when trunk space is desperately needed, with simple thumbscrews and a single wire connection.
Toyota-specific accessories
Other Toyota-specific accessories include the $75 GR air filter, $159 GR fender vent inserts, $1,700 GR Performance exhaust in black, $1,320 GR Performance sway bars, and the $640 GR Performance strut brace. Another notable accessory is the $1,850 17-inch Forged GR wheels in Flat Bronze, which increase the track width by 10mm compared to standard. The optional Brembo brake calipers cannot be installed on these 17-inch wheels and require an 18-inch wheel.
Subaru-specific accessories
Some Subaru-specific accessories include the $430 STI flexible V-Bar, $130 mud flaps, $210 footwell lighting kit, $699 rear bumper diffuser, $350 trunk spoiler, $144 Vortex generator and $495 STI short-throw shifter.
GR86 vs. BRZ: Prices and Value
MSRP costs compared
Which of the two Toyobaru Twins is the most expensive? The Subaru BRZ. As prices currently stand, the 2025 Subaru BRZ Premium (the base model) costs $33,210, while the 2026 Toyota GR86 (the base model) costs $30,800. That’s a $2,410 difference between the two entry-level models, and this price increase is also reflected as you move up the trim levels.
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 important consideration of dealer experience
Although the advertised price of the Subaru BRZ is listed higher than the Toyota GR86, does this mean the exact standard will apply at your local dealer? Absolutely not. For example, we researched the Toyota and Subaru dealers closest to us and looked at the respective inventory of both brands. The facts were revealing, to say the least.
Our local Subaru dealer had just one 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.
By comparison, our local Subaru dealer had five different new BRZ models available, and each one (despite all being limited edition models) was discounted at least $2,000 off the MSRP. Yes, there are currently five BRZs at this dealership, four of which are from the limited edition 2025 series. Purple models (only 500 made) and one top of the line tS model.
Which one do you buy?
The short answer to this question is always the same: whichever one you can get cheaper. But based on the information we’ve provided you, which brand do you think is likely to give you a better deal? The answer should be clear. Let’s remember that MSRP is just a guideline, and if you’re a smart negotiator, you might be able to get it thousands of dollars off a new car with nothing more than good conversational skills.
In 99.9 percent of car negotiations, the ball is always in the buyer’s court, not the seller’s court, and the dealer’s entire function is to convince you otherwise. So whatever you do, make sure you have planned your finances in advance, because the dealer wants you to make a hasty, emotional decision so they can secure a sale, while you need to make sure the exact opposite happens by being prepared, setting boundaries and doing your own research. Have fun hunting out there, and we hope this helps!
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