Toyota GR86 vs Subaru BRZ
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 Toyota GR86 starts from $43,240 before on-road costs, while the Subaru BRZ opens at $43,790. 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 $47,564 and $48,169 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 7 in the Toyota GR86 and 6 in the Subaru BRZ.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota GR86 features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru BRZ gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Toyota GR86 uses a Petrol 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 Subaru BRZ 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 Toyota GR86 measures 4,265mm long on a 2,575mm wheelbase, matching the Subaru BRZ at 4,265mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota GR86 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 150L in the Toyota GR86 and 284L in the Subaru BRZ, giving the Subaru BRZ a 134L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86 and $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Toyota GR86.
Estimated annual total: $2,679 (Toyota GR86) vs $2,708 (Subaru BRZ). 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 / 999,999km (Toyota GR86) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru BRZ). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You need more boot space, or prefer Subaru'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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ?
The Toyota GR86 is the cheapest at $43,240 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru BRZ by $550.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota GR86 uses the least fuel at 9.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Toyota GR86 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru BRZ has the largest boot at 284L.
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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