It’s Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 Again in Car&Driver’s 10 Best Cars of 2025, But Which One Is the Best?

Should you buy the 2025 Subaru BRZ?

If you want the best sports car value in America, Car&Driver, in its annual 10Best Cars of 2025, says the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2025 Toyota GR86 sport coupes are the best you can buy.

I cover the C&D awards yearly here; this is the coupe's fourth consecutive award. Car&Driver editors note its performance and value among higher-priced competitors.

C&D says, "While sports cars tend to be prohibitively pricey as well as impractical, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 defy convention."

How does C&D pick the ten best cars?

They say, "Since 1983, we've been conducting this exercise: We identify the very best of what's available, not merely our favorite new models introduced for a given year. An onslaught of new or significantly redesigned contenders vies with the winners from the previous year for one of the ten coveted spots. These days, the price cap is $110,000."

For all ten Car&Driver's 10 best of 2025, check them out here. 

What sets the BRZ and GR86 apart?

Car&Driver says they are a welcome on-ramp to automotive enthusiasm. 

"Starting at $32,265 and $31,085, respectively, the two attainably priced coupes combine Mazda MX-5 Miata–rivaling driving dynamics, a pair of vestigial rear seats, and a sizable cargo hold capable of carrying three carry-on-size suitcases." 

"This versatility gives these two sports coupes the ability to take on daily driving duties with minimal compromise. Mostly, though, it's the driving experience of this duo that lands them on our 10Best Cars list for the fourth year in a row."

Which is better, the Subaru BRZ or the Toyota GR86?

Car&Driver doesn't give their opinion on which model to buy; they say, "The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 prove that fun and practicality can coexist if you just know where to look."

So here is my viewpoint.

The two sports cars are a collaboration between the Japanese automakers but aren't created equal. They have many similarities, but there are also significant differences. 

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 were completely redesigned from the ground up in 2022 and look almost identical. However, they each have unique features that set them apart. The second-generation sports cars share the same 2.4-liter Subaru Boxer engine, the same six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, and identical Subaru Global Platform. They are both built at the Subaru factory in Japan.

Subaru positions the BRZ as a versatile vehicle that can serve as the primary mode of transportation for many of its owners. If you're looking for a sports car that can handle daily driving with ease, the BRZ might be the better choice for you. 

Here's why.

Consumer Reports provides a detailed comparison of the driving experiences of the two cars. The GR86, with its raw and precise steering, jarring stiffness, and excellent road-holding abilities , is more suited for spirited driving on the track. However, this also means it might not be the most comfortable option for daily use.

Consumer Reports bought a Subaru BRZ and a Toyota GR86 for its fleet to test drive. So we'll look at what an owner of both has to say.

CR says even though the BRZ and GR86 look similar, there is a "slight difference" in the driving dynamics between the brands. The GR86's dynamics may be more dialed in for the track with a firmer suspension and more fun to drive, but it won't be the easiest to live with daily.

CR says, "The Toyota feels rawer, with precise steering, jarring stiffness, and exquisite road-holding abilities. The Subaru is a bit more friendly, with those attributes dialed back a hair. In the process, it stands as the easier car to live with every day."

"The BRZ has a more compliant suspension, making it more suitable for daily driving. The GR86 is firmer and more entertaining on the Consumer Reports test track, and its enthusiast focus makes it a better weekend car," says CR.

If you want a sports car that will be your daily driver, you'll like the 2025 Subaru BRZ more than the Toyota GR86. If you want a weekend sports car, the Toyota GR86 may be the better pick. 

If you own the Toyota GR86, you'll likely keep it in the garage and drive your truck or SUV during the week. It's great for the weekends, but you'd rather drive the 2025 Subaru BRZ as a daily commuter. Either way, you'll get the best sports car value in America. 

Consumer Reports says, "Date the GR86, marry the BRZ." Check out my Toyota Vs. Subaru report here. 

Let's hear from BRZ and GR86 owners.

Which model do you own and what do you like or dislike about it? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tucson Subaru