Toyota 86 vs Subaru BRZ

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.

2017–2020

Toyota 86

Minicompact Cars · 8 configurations

27mpg combined (best)
All Toyota 86 specs

2015–2027

Subaru BRZ

Minicompact Cars · 26 configurations

28mpg combined (best)
All Subaru BRZ specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricToyota 86Subaru BRZ
Best combined MPG27 mpg28 mpg
Best city MPG24 mpg24 mpg
Best highway MPG32 mpg33 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,800$2,700
Lowest CO2 output328 g/mi321 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI & PFISIDI & PFI
TransmissionsAutomatic (S6), Manual 6-spdManual 6-spd, Automatic (S6)
DrivetrainsRear-Wheel DriveRear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremiumPremium
EPA classMinicompact CarsMinicompact Cars
Years covered2017–20202015–2027
Configurations on record826

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

86 vs BRZ: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Toyota 86 or the Subaru BRZ?

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 86 and BRZ offer?

Toyota 86: SIDI & PFI. Subaru BRZ: SIDI & PFI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ as Minicompact Cars, so they compete directly.

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Comparison id: toyota-86-vs-subaru-brz