Subaru Liberty vs Toyota GR86
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 Liberty features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota GR86 gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Liberty stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Toyota GR86. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Liberty uses a FB25 Boxer producing 129kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.6 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.
The Toyota GR86 has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 129kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR86 is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Liberty measures 4,795mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 530mm longer than the Toyota GR86 at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Liberty generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 493L in the Subaru Liberty and 226L in the Toyota GR86, giving the Subaru Liberty a 267L advantage. The Subaru Liberty seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,081/year for the Subaru Liberty and $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Liberty.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Subaru Liberty) vs $2,679 (Toyota GR86). The Subaru Liberty saves you roughly $598 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Liberty if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Liberty takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Subaru Liberty will save you roughly $598 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Liberty has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Liberty and Toyota GR86?
The Toyota GR86 is the cheapest at $43,240 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Liberty uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Liberty all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Liberty has the largest boot at 493L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Liberty has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR86 makes the most power at 174kW. The Toyota GR86 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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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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