The 2023 Subaru BRZ is an excellent affordable sports car, but it has some stiff competition. One of the BRZ’s most compelling rivals — the 2023 Toyota GR86 — is actually related to it. Despite the two cars’ striking similarities, the Subaru BRZ boasts three advantages over the Toyota GR86.

The 2023 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are alike in many ways

At first glance, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are almost identical. That’s by design. After all, Subaru and Toyota worked closely to produce these two sports cars. As a result, they share many parts, including what’s under the hood. Both pack a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine harnessing 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

In addition, the 2023 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 have rear-wheel drive and the same transmission options. And because both models’ bodies are essentially the same, too, their gas mileage is identical: 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined. 

The two cars also share many interior features. However, the interior is where the two models diverge. It’s also where the BRZ demonstrates several advantages over the GR86.

1. The 2023 Subaru BRZ has a higher-quality interior than the Toyota GR86

Overall, the 2023 Subaru BRZ has a much nicer interior than the GR86. In fact, in the categories where U.S. News scores both cars, the interior is the only area where the two models differ. U.S. News reviewers gave the BRZ an interior score of 7.1 out of 10, while the GR86 received a 6.1.

That difference in interior scores ultimately gave the BRZ a higher overall score of 8.7 out of 10, compared to the GR86’s 8.3. The two cars’ interiors are similar in many ways, with “well-built” cabins. However, the main difference is that Subaru used more higher-end materials than Toyota.

2. The BRZ also boasts a quieter cabin than the GR86

Thanks to the two cars’ similarities, they have almost the same pros and cons. But one difference is cabin noise. According to U.S. News, the GR86 has a noisy cabin. Riders must endure plenty of wind and road noise in the Toyota sports car, making using the car’s audio features frustrating. On the other hand, although the 2023 Subaru BRZ has some noise issues, they’re less noticeable than those in the GR86.

3. The range-topping 2023 Subaru BRZ provides more features

Another advantage the 2023 Subaru BRZ has over the Toyota GR86 involves tech features, but only on the top trim. The range-topping BRZ Limited gets some advanced driver assists as standard equipment, but these features aren’t standard on the highest GR86 trim.

For example, buyers who purchase the BRZ’s top trim will get blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. 

In addition, the BRZ Limited has a rear parking aid as a standard feature, but that perk isn’t standard on the GR86’s top trim. However, the GR86’s top model has some standard features that the BRZ doesn’t provide, such as reverse automatic braking.