Subaru BRZ vs Toyota GR86

Subaru performance has traditionally boiled down to three letters: WRX. But for almost a decade, Subaru fans have gotten familiar with another three-letter code: BRZ.

The Subaru BRZ is unlike anything else in the automaker’s lineup. Subaru is known for building practical cars with all-wheel drive (AWD) and turbocharged engines, but the BRZ throws all of that away. It’s a willfully impractical two-door coupe with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a naturally aspirated engine, aimed at providing the most satisfying driving experience.

The first-generation BRZ was introduced as a 2013 model, so the sports car was due for a redesign. The 2022 Subaru BRZ gets a restyled exterior and a more powerful engine, as well as more tech features than its predecessor. As before, the BRZ is twinned with a Toyota product. Its previous counterpart was the Scion FR-S; it's now the Toyota 86, which was renamed GR 86 as part of its redesign (and is covered in a separate review). Subaru is taking orders for the new BRZ now, but deliveries aren’t expected to begin until late October or early November.

Subaru keeps the 2022 BRZ lineup simple, with just Premium and Limited trim levels to choose from. We spent a day with the higher-tier BRZ Limited, driving it on winding Connecticut roads as well as the race circuit and autocross course at Lime Rock Park.

The 2023 Toyota GR86 is a love letter to performance enthusiasts everywhere. As the majority of the industry moves towards less connection to the road, the GR86 remains firmly planted, with just the right amount of technology to keep you informed, but not so much that it detracts from the driving experience.

As many automakers (including Toyota) look toward electrification and automation to change the way that people get around, sporty coupes like the GR86 are going to become increasingly rare. In fact, the ever-risk-averse Toyota shared responsibility for this car with Subaru, which sells the same car as the BRZ.

Verdict The 2023 Toyota GR86 delivers delightful performance in a stylish and inexpensive package. For shoppers looking for a fun car (and who don't need to cart around many passengers), it's a great option in an ever-shrinking sports-car market.