Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Compact sports cars like the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 used to be far more common a few years ago, now they are part of a rare breed of analog driving machines that rely on handling finesse and driver engagement to wow customers instead of headline-grabbing horsepower figures.There are a few rivals left, though, with the Mazda MX-5 being the closest, while the front-wheel-drive Honda Civic Si, and entry-level EcoBoost Ford Mustang offer slightly different routes to dishing out affordable driving pleasure.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Subaru and Toyota, though, are the only two-door, manual, non-turbo, rear-wheel drive coupes out there. They were essentially separated at their mechanical birthplace, but even though they share a platform, an engine, and an assembly line, each claims to have a subtly different personality. So let's examine whether this is simply a case of cut-and-paste engineering, or whether each of these sports cars offers something unique to the consumer in 2026.Subaru BRZSubaruView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleSubaru has almost completed its transformation into an SUV-only manufacturer, but there remain a few sporty models in its range. The BRZ being the one that you'd least likely associate with a brand that made its name through rally-bred all-wheel drive turbocharged sedans. It's the only rear-wheel drive model it sells, and one of only two that can still be had with a manual transmission.It may be mostly a Toyota underneath, inside and outside, but the bit under the hood is all Subaru, and if you believe the heart of a sports car is its engine, then the Subaru badge certainly deserves its place on this car.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe current lineup offers two main trims: the Limited and track-ready tS, and while each variant adds a few additional features, base is best for most intents and purposes. If you are planning to track your BRZ, the tS trim offers STI-tuned sport suspension and a Brembo brake upgrade. Both trims have the same 228-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, send their power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and come standard with a limited-slip rear differential. Perfect.There is space for four, but the rear seats are best reserved for luggage rather than people. The modest 6.3-cubic feet of trunk space should be enough for a weekend away for two.Toyota GR86ToyotaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThe Toyota GR86 offers much the same recipe in a slightly different exterior wrapper. There are three trims for 2026, ranging from the base GR86 to the mid-spec Premium and eye-scorchingly yellow Yuzu edition. You get the same 8-inch infotainment screen and 7-inch digital gauge cluster as the Subaru, as well as the same token rear seats and small trunk.AdvertisementAdvertisementAn automatic option is available for both models, but unless you have a medical condition that requires opting for it, the manual is the only way to experience these cars. Aside from some very minor trim differences, both Toyota and Subaru regularly report that they have tweaked, retuned, and otherwise fiddled with the suspension, steering or shock absorbers from time to time.Deciphering manufacturer press releases, the BRZ is tuned to be slightly more stable and forgiving, making it potentially easier to push hard on a twisty road. The GR86, on the other hand, features a stiffer rear suspension setup, making it slightly more eager to step its tail out and rotate if you plant the throttle in a corner.Subaru BRZ vs Toyota GR86: Price, Performance, And PowerToyotaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleWhen it comes down to the bare specifications, these two are virtually mirror images of each other. Both utilize the same Subaru-sourced 2.4-liter boxer engine, and the same transmission and suspension layout.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe new engine is a big improvement over the older 2.0-liter unit found in the first gen models, but it still requires revving to get the most out of it, and its lack of mid-range torque will have turbocharged hatchback fans wondering if something is broken. But the charm of both the BRZ and the GR86 is in its revvy nature, and the need to keep the engine on the boil with liberal use of the six-speed manual transmission.A 0-60mph time of under 6.0 seconds is certainly not slow, but you need to work the car to achieve that figure, and the real fun is in the way you interact with the controls. Every control is well weighed, requiring purposeful inputs and a basic understanding of how a naturally aspirated RWD car responds when pushed.Make and ModelSubaru BRZToyota GR86Engine2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-fourPower228 hp228 hpTorque184 lb-ft184 lb-ft0-60 mph5.4 - 6.0 sec est5.4 - 6.0 sec estFuel economy22 mpg combined (Manual) / 25 mpg (Auto)22 mpg combined (Manual) / 25 mpg (Auto)Base trim MSRP$35,860 (Limited)$31,400 (GR86)Mid trim MSRPn/a$34,000 (GR86 Premium)Top trim MSRP$38,360 (tS)$36,365 (GR86 Yuzu Edition)2025 Sales Volumes2,882 units8,090 unitsSubaru BRZ vs Toyota GR86 ReliabilitySubaruBecause these cars roll off the exact same assembly line and are essentially identical under the skin their reliability scores are also virtually identical. Consumer Reports has consistently ranked both of these models at the top end of the sports car reliability scale, being beaten in recent years only by the BMW 2 Series. Reliability Score (Consumer Reports)Subaru BRZToyota GR86202464 / 10064 / 1002025n/an/a2026 (Predicted)69 / 10068 / 100Despite their overall reliability being above average, there have been some issues, especially among track-day enthusiasts who push their cars harder than most. One problem some have come across is the potential for excess RTV silicone sealant from the factory to break loose and partially clog the oil pickup tube, which can lead to oil starvation under extreme high-G cornering. Aside from that, some owners have also reported minor rattles in the cabin and occasional glitches with the wired smartphone mirroring setup.Which is Best?View the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementAll things considered, both of these sporty two-door coupes offer a driving experience so similar that you'd have to drive them back-to-back to tell the difference. The slight suspension tuning changes can make a difference when pushing these cars to their limits, but when things are this evenly matched the choice comes down to pricing, and this is where the GR86 wins hands down.Starting at $34,000 for the base GR86 versus $35,860 for the very similarly specced BRZ Limited makes the cheaper Toyota the default choice for many. In fact, the Toyota GR86 outsold the Subaru BRZ 4:1 in 2025, clearly buyers are highly price sensitive at this end of the market. Part of this sales discrepancy may also be attributed to convenience, there are twice as many Toyota dealerships across the US than Subaru ones. But whichever badge you choose, you'll be driving one of the best entry-level sports cars of the decade, built to a formula that may never be repeated again.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.