Summary
- The joint project between Toyota and Subaru produced reliable and fast sports cars, the Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ, which won't break the bank for speed enthusiasts.
- The Subaru BRZ tS fell short of expectations for some die-hard Subaru enthusiasts who were hoping for more STI performance and qualities.
- The Toyota GR86 Trueno received better reviews and checked more boxes in terms of consumer expectations with its throwback nature, cosmetic flair, and aftermarket upgrades, compared to the BRZ tS.
The joint project between Toyota and Subaru, which birthed the Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ, proved to be a strong collaboration for the two experienced Japanese manufacturers, as they both produced reliable and fast sports cars that won’t bankrupt the average speed enthusiast.
The twin coupes share many similarities including engine, transmission, and near-identical interior and exterior design elements, with a few distinct differences, and in those easily overlooked details, we find the true fingerprint of each manufacturer.
Many thought that the performance-oriented BRZ’s tS trim would likely be more akin to the award-winning STI models that Subaru produced in the years prior to the BRZ tS, yet the 2024 BRZ tS left die-hard Subaru enthusiasts feeling underwhelmed by the lack of STI performance and qualities.
Toyota recently unveiled the 2024 GR86 Trueno, a homage to the iconic Toyota AE86 series of the mid and late 80s, which features the Corolla Levin and the Sprinter Trueno. The 2024 Trueno features cosmetic and performance upgrades not available on previous GR86 models and is the Toyota equivalent of Subaru's BRZ tS, as both models feature interior and performance upgrades from their base trims.
Though very similar in many respects, the Subaru BRZ tS and the Toyota GR86 Trueno received different reviews due to Subaru buyers expecting more from the BRZ tS, as Subaru marketed it as being “STI-tuned”. Its Toyota twin however checked more boxes in terms of consumer expectations, earning it better reviews with its throwback nature, as well as its cosmetic flair and aftermarket upgrades.
The Difference Between The Subaru BRZ tS And Toyota GR86 Trueno
When pointing out the differences between the two sports coupes, one must go through each vehicle's specifications with a fine-toothed comb and understand each manufacturer's design and performance sentiments. With aftermarket parts and specific qualities residing in each model, it is also important to know how these upgrades affect the performance and drive quality.
Subaru’s performance models have historically good handling and road manners, with standard large rotors and aftermarket Brembo brakes being common in the Subaru community. As such, the 2024 BRZ tS offers superior handling and driver control when compared to the base BRZ. Featuring an “STI-tuned” suspension, performance brakes and tires, and a hollow front sway bar, the BRZ tS is able to contain itself on tight corners.
Toyota opts for a funner outcome when cornering. Though it features standard performance brakes, tires, and tuning, it also boasts a bigger rear sway bar than the BRZ tS, a lower front spring, and higher rear spring rates. The GR86 Trueno offers a less tight cornering ability than the BRZ tS with more drift capabilities and looser tuning.
The upgraded brake kits on both the BRZ tS and the GR86 Trueno feature aftermarket Brembos, with both Subaru and Toyota employing Brembo four-piston front, and two-piston rear brakes with 12.8-inch front rotors and 12.4-inch rear rotors. For reference, the base Toyota GR86 features two-piston steel front floating calipers with 11.6-inch rotors, and single-piston steel rear floating calipers with 11.4-inch rotors.
While the performance brake kits are similar, the suspension tuning differs, as Subaru has put more focus on tight and responsive steering. Including Hitachi dampers as a standard feature, The BRZ tS feels more stable under pressure. The Trueno features upgraded dampers provided by ZF SACHS, allowing it better composure and control than its base model.
The exterior of the two sports coupes differs slightly, as the GR86 Trueno edition features a throwback two-tone color scheme available in either red or black. The GR86 Trueno also sports more aggressive and sharper grill and bumper features, while the BRZ tS appears smoother and more rounded off on the lip, with a smaller duck bill spoiler on the trunk.
Sportier Cockpits On Both Models
The interior of the two models differs in design details, with the 2024 BRZ tS featuring blue color-matched stitching, tS badges, and microsuede upholstery inserts to contrast the soft-touch molded material and leatherette dash. The 2024 GR86 Trueno cabin is almost identical, save for the red color scheme and stitching, and the special Trueno badges that commemorate each individual unit as one of 860.
The BRZ tS, as well as the GR86 Trueno, feature a standard eight-speaker audio system. A keen difference in the interior of the two sports coupes can be found in the seating, as the BRZ tS features bucket seats, while the GR86 Trueno features sports seats.
Subtle differences in tuning, aftermarket parts, and manufacturer-specific parts make the BRZ tS and GR86 Trueno their own unique machine, despite their similarities. The most important element, and ultimately the deciding factor to most, will be the buyer themselves, as each driver possesses his or her own personal preferences, as well as experience.
Subaru BRZ tS Didn't Satisfy STI Enthusiasts
Some Subaru enthusiasts expected the BRZ tS to outshine the GR86 Trueno, even if by a small margin. They were sorely disappointed when the BRZ tS hit the market with less-than-exciting specs and performance.
Though many were happy with what the BRZ tS offered, especially being one of the few sports car models with a starting price of less than $30,000, some were left wanting more. Upon hearing of the “STI-tuning”, Subaru fans' hearts skipped a beat as they began reminiscing over the Subaru WRX STI, an award-winning race and rally car made famous by modern drivers and popular culture.
Sadly, when the 2024 BRZ tS arrived, it featured very few STI attributes. With fewer horsepower, lower top speed, and no turbocharged engine options, Subaru buyers began reeling in their excitement, as they waited for a proper STI.
The 2.4-liter Boxer engine featured in the 2024 BRZ tS and the 2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno makes 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Subaru’s most recent STI model, the 2021 Impreza WRX STI, features a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 305 horsepower and 290-pound-feet of torque. To illustrate, the 2024 BRZ tS holds a top speed of 135 MPH, while the 2021 WRX STI can reach 159 MPH. The 2024 BRZ tS also takes almost a second longer to reach 60 MPH from 0.
2021 Subaru WRX STI Performance Specs
0-60 MPH | 5.3-Seconds |
Top Speed | 159 MPH |
Horsepower | 305 |
Torque | 290 Pound-Feet |
Curb Weight | 3,451-Pounds |
Layout | Front engine, 2.5-liter Turbocharged Flat-Four All-wheel drive, four-door, six-speed manual transmission |
The BRZ’s standard Brembo brakes are painted Subaru gold, a throwback to the iconic gold Brembo brakes on the WRX STI, though the 2021 WRX STI can feature STI six-piston front brakes, while the BRZ only features four-piston Brembo front brakes. The WRX STI also features all-wheel drive traction, elevating its handling and cornering, while the BRZ comes standard with rear-wheel drive, like the Toyota GR86.
Even if the 2024 Subaru BRZ ts doesn’t match the performance of an STI, the trim packages still offer quality equipment and respectable performance. Along with its physical twin, the 2024 Toyota GR86 Trueno, the BRZ tS secures a spot in the sports and performance car market with competitive prices and aftermarket flair, making either model a great budget choice for speed enthusiasts.
Subaru’s reputation as a high-level competitor on the speed scene still holds true, no matter the shortcomings of the 2024 BRZ tS, as dedicated “Subies” continue to hold out hope with rumors of WRX STI hitting markets in 2028.