What is the Difference Between the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ?

So what if you really like the look and want one, which do you go for? In this article we will try and help you make your decision by reviewing both and comparing them for you. It should be noted that they are the same car at the most basic level but there are differences which may help sway you one way or the other.

What Are the Differences?

As mentioned outwardly the cars look very similar although the Toyota has a more sporty look compared to the Subaru’s more plain looking front end. Most of the differences are not as obvious at a glance.

Price

Well the first difference is in terms of price and in the grand scheme of things it is not a vast gulf of a difference. The Toyota 86 starts at around $30,000 whereas the Subaru BRZ starts at $31,000 so just a few hundred dollars more expensive.

We should note at this point that both of these models came out in 2017 at which point they were priced just $500 apart with the Subaru still being more expensive. Also these prices may fluctuate depending on where you are buying the vehicle. In some countries the Toyota may be fractionally more expensive than the Subaru.

Exterior

As mentioned there is not much separating the two cars in looks with the exception of a sportier front end on the Toyota 86. This includes a honey-comb style grille, angular fog lights and daylight LEDs. The side indicators are also differently located on these cars.

Interior

When it comes to the interiors again you will see a lot of similarities although they are far from identical. Leather and other soft materials are used by both manufacturers to replace the cheap plastic fixtures and fittings. They are also both tricked out with the latest technologies.

In terms of interior space all things are pretty much equal with ample driver and front passenger space but both are lacking in the rear passenger section making life hard for taller backseat travelers. They are great driving cars but not so much for the passengers.

We do start to see some differences inside though as the Subaru BRZ ups the luxury ante with Alcantara inserts on the seats while the Toyota goes with fabric. Both packed with dashboard tech the Toyota has a slightly larger touch screen at 7 inches compared to the Subaru's 6.2 inches.

Performance

These two cars are both considered sports cars and they do both live up to this classification. In terms of engine performance there is little to set them apart but the Subaru BRZ does have slightly better suspension. This gives it a smoother ride while you test out that extra engine power.

Both have the 2.0-liter four cylinder boxer engine from Porsche with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. This gives them both horsepower between 200 – 205 depending on the transmission you choose.

It should be noted that straight from the factory the Subaru has better control at speed from the very start. You would have to add the optional Toyota Racing Development package to the 86 to relevel the playing field. This would obviously increase the price of the Toyota.

Warranty

Both vehicles have a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile warranty which separately covers the powertrain. There is no difference when it comes to the warranty cover.

Fuel Economy

This is another very close run contest but we do have a marginal winner in this category. Due to its superior suspension the Subaru can just nudge ahead when it comes to fuel economy over the Toyota.

Toyota 86 offers 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway

Subaru BRZ offers 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway

So out on the open highway you can get an extra mile give a take per gallon which is a saving that could add up over time.

Which Car Is Best?

This is a very close run contest with many of the differences being subtle at best

Category Toyota 86 Subaru BRZ Winner
Price $30k $31k Toyota 86
Exterior Sportier Look More Basic Your Choice
Interior Larger touchscreen Extra luxury seats Your Choice
Performance Improved handling optional extra Better suspension as standard Subaru BRZ
Warranty 3-year/36,000-mile warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile warranty for powertrain only 3-year/36,000-mile warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile warranty for powertrain only Equal
Fuel Economy 21 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway 21 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway Subaru BRZ

As the table above attests the two vehicles are very close in terms of which is best. The BRZ rolls out of the factory with better suspension whereas the Toyota needs an optional extra kit to match up. In basic trim the BRZ has slightly better highway gas economy which is something that adds up.

When it comes to other categories we reach points that will speak to your own personal preference for example do you want more luxury seats over a larger touchscreen? Would you rather the sportier looking front end or the more reserved BRZ?

We would love to tell you which is best between the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ but in truth it is too close to call. This is because some of the elements would speak to personal preference. If long term costs are a consideration then the more economic BRZ would be the best bet. That said, in the short term if you want to spend less out of the door then the Toyota is the right choice.

Conclusion

We may not have given you a concrete answer but hopefully we have been able to highlight the main differences between the two vehicles for you. Armed with this new information you can hopefully now make an educated decision based on your needs and preferences.

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  • What is the Difference Between the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ?. Tow Ratings. Retrieved from http://towratings.net/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-the-toyota-86-and-the-subaru-brz/.