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Sharing engine and body structure, the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are fundamentally the same, but they do have differences worth noting.

When it comes to affordable sports cars, the 2022 Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ are this year's notable choices. With solid specs, reasonable pricing, and nice aesthetic, these two models are practically no brainers. But the challenge here is picking one coupe over another.

At first glance, the 2022 Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ are the same. They share engines, transmissions, structures, and even styling elements, resembling so much that newbies may confuse them on the road. How can you know, therefore, which one is the better option for you?

The answer lies in looking under the surface and into specifics of these two coupes because there's indeed a difference between the 2022 Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ — however minor it may seem. Let's do that together, so you can make a better-informed decision when choosing between these two coupes.

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When we say the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ share mechanical specs, we mean they both offer a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four boxer engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. But we all know that the engine is not the only thing determining one ride's performance and handling.

Although each car manufacturer did its own engine tuning, the changes to the suspension, chassis, and steering system made a real difference. The 2022 Toyota GR86 uses a lower front and a higher rear spring. It also has a slightly thicker rear bar. The 2022 Subaru BRZ, on the other hand, uses a thicker hollow front sway bar and has different mounting points for the rear one. This means Subaru spent a few more bucks to shed some weight.

On the track, the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ feel more or less similar, though the former tends to speed up slightly quicker, and the latter has better stability in the corners. The more significant difference between them is noticeable during daily city rides, where the BRZ may be smoother than the GR86, which has that sporty feeling all the way.

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No, these are not two interior trims of the same car in the attached photos. The first is the 2022 Toyota GR86's interior, and the second is the 2022 Subaru BRZ's interior. Yes, we can easily play a spot-a-difference game here.

Basically, the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are the same inside. They offer the same cabin layout, including the infotainment system with a large center screen and a heads-up display, and quite similar entertainment and safety features. They both offer standard equipment such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, remote connectivity, and advanced sound systems. The latest safety and driver-assistance systems are also there.

In terms of tech, the differences are really minor, though they may be significant to some buyers. For instance, the GR86 has Vehicle Stability Control and Track Mode, and the BRZ has active front-seat head restraints and Quick-Ratio steering.

On the outside, the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are very similar but far from the same. The primary difference is visible in the front-end styling or the two grilles that enrich these coupes. While the GR86 went for a more sporty, simple mesh grille, the BRZ opted for an elongated nose and a line-alike elegant grille. It may be more challenging to spot the differences between these two in the rear, but the good thing is that the GR86 offers an optional lip spoiler that can set your ride apart from the BRZ.

Generally speaking, if you're looking for an affordable and fun new vehicle to buy in 2022, you won't go wrong whether you choose the GR86 or the BRZ. These two coupes are equally good performers and provide great styling for the price. However, they do differ in some significant aspects, such as an overall driving feeling and design, so don't make your decision lightly. Consider all the little details that differ between the 2022 Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ before purchasing one of them.

The good thing is that the pricing of these two sports rides is also similar. The 2022 Toyota GR86 comes at an MSRP of $27,900. The 2022 Subaru BRZ's MSRP is $28,595. Therefore, you can make your pick without the final price pressuring you or guiding your reasoning. We only recommend you spend your money wisely on the extra features during the car building because both the 2022 Toyota GR86 and the Subaru BRZ can quickly add up costs.

Suzana Mijatović is a Literary Critic secretly in love with all things automotive. You'll find her either reading Dostoevsky or under the hood, changing the transmission fluid and oil filters. She has a long experience in writing about car parts and automotive products, from brakes to seat cushions. Suzana is also an amateur poet and photographer.