Sports cars often come with hefty price tags and impractical designs. However, the 2025 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 challenge this notion. These twin coupes offer an accessible entry point for automotive enthusiasts. Their combination of engaging driving dynamics, surprising versatility, and approachable pricing makes them truly unique. This is why they have earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars list for the fourth consecutive year.
Sometimes, it feels like an affordable car is hard enough to find, nevertheless a fun one. Toyota and Subaru’s flat-four twins let you have that cake and eat it too.
Affordability Meets Versatility
The BRZ and GR86 stand out for their exceptional value.
Price Point and Practicality
Starting at just $32,265 for the BRZ and $31,085 for the GR86, these coupes are remarkably affordable. Despite their sporty nature, they offer more than just performance. They feature a pair of small rear seats. These are surprisingly useful for occasional passengers. A sizable cargo hold can accommodate up to three carry-on suitcases. This practical design allows them to serve as daily drivers with minimal compromise.
The Unrivaled Driving Experience
The true essence of the BRZ and GR86 lies in their engaging driving dynamics.
Rear-Wheel Drive and Manual Transmission
Both models feature rear-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard. This classic combination makes every drive a delight. The cars are light and agile. Even routine cruising is enjoyable. This is thanks to their surprisingly comfortable ride. Standard adaptive cruise control further enhances comfort on longer journeys.
Potent Power and Performance
The real excitement begins on winding roads. Under the hood lies a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine. This “boxer” engine revs eagerly towards its 7000-rpm power peak. With 228 horsepower, it effortlessly motivates the sub-3000-pound coupes. Peak torque arrives at a low 3700 rpm. Manual-equipped models can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 5.3 seconds.
Opting for the available six-speed automatic transmission adds a full second to this acceleration time. For the purest driving experience, the manual is highly recommended.
Engaging Manual Shifter
Choosing the three-pedal route provides additional control. It allows drivers to fully exploit the engine’s powerband. The manual shifter features short throws and well-defined gates. This makes full-throttle gear changes a genuine pleasure.
Chassis, Steering, and Overall Fun
Regardless of the transmission choice, the BRZ and GR86 share core attributes.
Playful and Communicative Handling
Both the BRZ and GR86 boast the same playful and communicative chassis. The steering offers low effort. Yet, it provides excellent tactile feedback. On twisty roads, these twins are incredibly fun to drive. They deliver immense enjoyment even when driven at half their limit. Pushing them to the edge of their capabilities brings even more exhilaration.
Affordable Fun Redefined
The ability of these twin coupes to generate such amusement is remarkable. They appeal to drivers of all skill levels. They also offer practical features like seating for two passengers and ample luggage space for a weekend getaway. All of this comes for just over $30,000. This combination makes them a true rarity in today’s automotive landscape. They deserve widespread celebration.
Young driving enthusiasts might mistakenly believe a true sports car experience is unaffordable. However, the era of the affordable sports car is far from over. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 definitively prove that fun and practicality can coexist. You just need to know where to look. They offer a welcoming on-ramp to automotive enthusiasm for a new generation.
2025 Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86: Key Specifications
- Base Price: $31,085 – $37,415
- Power: 228 hp
Performance:
- 0-60 mph: 5.3 – 6.3 seconds
- EPA Combined Fuel Economy: 22 – 25 mpg
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