Subaru BRZ vs Toyota GR86
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru BRZ starts from $49,190 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR86 opens at $43,240. That makes the Toyota GR86 the more affordable entry point by $5,950.
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 $54,109 and $47,564 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru BRZ features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Toyota GR86 gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru BRZ gets leather upholstery while the Toyota GR86 offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Subaru BRZ uses a Petrol producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Toyota GR86 responds with a Petrol 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 2,575mm wheelbase, matching the Toyota GR86 at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 201L in the Subaru BRZ and 226L in the Toyota GR86, giving the Toyota GR86 a 25L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,508/year for the Subaru BRZ and $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Subaru BRZ.
Estimated annual total: $2,508 (Subaru BRZ) vs $2,679 (Toyota GR86). The Subaru BRZ saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru BRZ) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR86). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota GR86 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru BRZ will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86?
The Toyota GR86 is the cheapest at $43,240 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru BRZ by $5,950.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru BRZ uses the least fuel at 8.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota GR86 has the largest boot at 226L.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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