Toyota and Subaru's Sports Cars Are Back With a Vengeance
The Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are frighteningly similar, cheap sports cars. But there’s a reason for their likeness. The good news for consumers is that you can’t go wrong with either ride.
The two cars are notable not just for their affordability but also for their uncanny similarities in terms of design and spec. But what's the story behind these twin cars produced by otherwise rival manufacturers? Read on to learn more about the 2022 models of these intriguing sports cars.
Why did the manufacturers team up on the 2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86?
The similarities between the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86 are surprising to most consumers. After all, it's not often that rival car manufacturers produce vehicles that are so nearly identical.
So what's the deal with these twin cars? Unsurprisingly, the answer comes down to money.
explains, Toyota originally wanted to market an entry-level sports car of the type more typically produced by Subaru. Because Toyota didn't have the setup necessary to get up and running with economically manufacturing such a product, it enlisted the help of Subaru.
The latter, apparently, couldn’t really say no, largely due to Toyota's part ownership in its parent company. In a gesture of good faith, though, Subaru was permitted to market the car under its own name, softening some of the blow it might otherwise have felt.
Here are the specs on the 2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86
have noted some of the most important specs you'll find on these two entry-level sports cars. And it’s clear that they take inspiration from some of the performance traits found on the
For example, they both come with a 228 hp engine, and a 6-speed transmission available in either automatic or manual. And they also share the same acceleration numbers, zooming from 0 to 60 in 5.4 seconds.
They’re almost identical in more practical terms, too, both averaging between 22 to 25 miles per gallon.
If you're deciding between the two cars and price is a factor, the Toyota will likely help you save a bit—albeit marginally. The MSRP for the Subaru starts around $28,955, while the Toyota starts at around $28,725.
Car and Driver's surprising gripe with the interiors of these two cars
Although both cars are pleasant and exciting to drive, they aren’t without their faults. One strange criticism made by Car and Driver highlights an issue that few think about: both cars have inconvenient cup holders.
Specifically, they’re located in a position so that they cannot be used at the same time as the armrest—something of an annoyance for drivers who like their coffee on their daily commute. Still, it might be a minor inconvenience—especially for the price and quality of car buyers get.
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