Subaru BRZ vs Toyota GR86
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru BRZ starts from $43,790 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR86 opens at $43,240. That makes the Toyota GR86 the more affordable entry point by $550.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $48,169 and $47,564 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota GR86 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru BRZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota GR86 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru BRZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Subaru BRZ and 7 in the Toyota GR86.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru BRZ features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota GR86 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Subaru BRZ lines up producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Toyota GR86 lines up making 174kW and 250Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru BRZ measures 4,265mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, matching the Toyota GR86 at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota GR86 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 284L in the Subaru BRZ and 150L in the Toyota GR86, giving the Subaru BRZ a 134L advantage.
0True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ and $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Toyota GR86.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Subaru BRZ) vs $2,679 (Toyota GR86). The Toyota GR86 saves you roughly $29 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Subaru BRZ) vs 5 years (Toyota GR86). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota GR86 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota GR86 will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru BRZ has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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