The 2023 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ appear to be the same car. Both have identical engine sizes, horsepower and torque outputs, and even the same fuel economy. These sports cars also provide similar infotainment features, including 8.0-inch touchscreens, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. There’s also a tiny price difference between the two. So, which model is worth your money? Here are a few advantages the 2023 Toyota GR86 has over the Subaru BRZ.

1. The 2023 Toyota GR86 comes with a free National Auto Sport Association (NASA) membership

When you get a 2023 GR86, Toyota gives you a chance to drive on a controlled test track. NASA locations also host various competitions, including road races and time trials. Members even enjoy discounts from companies such as Hagerty Motorsports and FTspeed.

Furthermore, your NASA membership includes one free High-Performance Driving Experience (HPDE) in your vehicle of choice. During your HPDE, an expert driving instructor will be your copilot and help you polish your handling techniques.

You can take on trickier courses without supervision once you’ve acquired enough skills. All HPDE participants (including other passengers) must be at least 18 and wear helmets.

2. The GR86 offers more trim levels than the BRZ

The 2023 Toyota GR86 is available in three trims, while the Subaru BRZ offers two. Subaru says the BRZ Premium provides many standard features, while the Limited has better interior accommodations and some tech upgrades. 

The base Toyota GR86 has similar features, but its Premium trim offers some added benefits. You get genuine leather instead of imitation leather seats, performance tires, and a rear spoiler.

In addition, Toyota offers a 2023 GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition with a distinctive orange paint color. The exterior also sports GR badging and an exclusive cat-back exhaust. Only 860 units are available at $34,360 each.

3. The 2023 Toyota GR86 has a lower base price than the BRZ

Both of the 2023 Toyota GR86 models are cheaper than their BRZ counterparts. Toyota states that the standard GR86 costs $28,400, and the Premium starts at $31,000. Meanwhile, the 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium starts at $28,595, and the Limited costs at least $31,095.

Both cars also let you upgrade to a six-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard manual. However, it’s cheaper to add to the GR86 than the BRZ ($675 versus $1,500 on the base trim). Respectively, adding the automatic gearbox to the higher trim levels costs $1,500 and $1,700.

4. Toyota provides free trials to connected services

Regardless of trim level, a new 2023 Toyota GR86 comes with a free one-year subscription to Toyota’s Remote Connect service. It lets you start your vehicle remotely, check its parked location, unlock the doors, and more using any device with Google Assistant. This service is also compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Furthermore, you get enrolled in Safety Connect and Service Connect for one year. Safety Connect includes expedited roadside assistance and a feature that automatically notifies emergency personnel in an accident. Service Connect sends you important tune-up reminders and vehicle health reports to keep you up-to-date with your car’s maintenance schedule. 

5. The 2023 Toyota GR86 has a highly adjustable suspension

The GR86 has a multilink rear suspension, while the BRZ has a double wishbone setup. According to Car and Driver, you get enhanced “separation between handling and ride-quality attributes” with multilink suspensions. Additionally, double wishbone suspensions are heavier and can sometimes make a car’s ride uncomfortably rigid.

Despite their mechanical differences, both cars are a blast to drive. However, the 2023 Toyota GR86 offers several advantages that make it a great value.