Toyota Vs. Subaru - Consumer Reports Says Date The GR86, Marry The BRZ

The 2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 were completely redesigned from the ground up and look almost identical. 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 even built at the same Subaru factory in Japan.

But there is a difference in driving dynamics, and Consumer Reports says you should “Date the Toyota GR86 and marry the Subaru BRZ.” Here’s why and which is the best two-door sports coupe for you?

Subaru says the BRZ is the only vehicle for many of its owners, so it’s a daily driver. For buyers who don’t own another car, the BRZ will be your best pick between the BRX and GR86.

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.”

If you own a hard-core sports car, you likely keep it in the garage and drive your sedan or SUV during the week. It’s great for the weekends, but as a daily commuter, you’ll drive your other vehicle.

Consumer Reports’ bottom line

“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.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru BRZ?

The new 2022 Subaru BRZ Premium with a 6-speed manual gearbox has a starting price of $28,955. BRZ Premium with an automatic transmission starts at $30,555. The Limited (6-speed manual) has a starting MSRP of $31,455. The Limited with an automatic transmission starts at $33,255. All pricing includes destination and delivery fees.

What is the 2022 BRZ fuel mileage?

The EPA rates the 2022 Subaru BRZ with a 6-speed automatic 21/30 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The 2022 BRZ 6-speed manual gearbox model gets an EPA estimated 20/27 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg.

If you use your two-door sports coupe as a daily driver, CR says the 2022 Subaru BRZ is your best pick. If you want slightly more spirited driving dynamics, the 2022 Toyota GR86 is a good choice.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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