Subaru BRZ vs Toyota 86
The Subaru BRZ is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the Toyota 86, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Subaru BRZ leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Subaru BRZ | Toyota 86 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 27 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 33 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,700 ✓ | $2,800 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 321 g/mi ✓ | 328 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI | SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Minicompact Cars | Minicompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2017–2020 |
| Configurations on record | 26 | 8 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
BRZ vs 86: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Subaru BRZ or the Toyota 86?
The Subaru BRZ is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 27 mpg for the Toyota 86, a 1 mpg advantage and costs about $100 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Subaru BRZ runs about $2,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,800 for the Toyota 86 — a difference of roughly $100 per year.
What engines do the BRZ and 86 offer?
Subaru BRZ: SIDI & PFI. Toyota 86: SIDI & PFI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 as Minicompact Cars, so they compete directly.
More BRZ comparisons
Comparison id: subaru-brz-vs-toyota-86