Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 Model Years (Ranked)
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (sold early on as the Scion FR-S) are the same lightweight, rear-drive sports coupe built on the Subaru-Toyota joint platform. Two generations exist: the first (2013-2020) with the 2.0-liter FA20 boxer, and the second (2022-present) with the larger 2.4-liter FA24.
The recipe never changed — a low center of gravity, a featherweight body, a naturally aspirated flat-four, and a slick manual gearbox — and that purity is exactly why enthusiasts keep buying them. The car was conceived as a modern interpretation of the affordable, balanced, rear-drive coupe, and across more than a decade of production it has never strayed from that mission.
Below are the ten best model years and trims to buy, ranked by driving quality, reliability, and used-market value.
Direct Answer
The best overall Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86 is the 2022-2024 second-generation car (FA24, 228 hp) — it cured the original's flat torque curve, kept the chassis magic, and is the sweet spot of power, refinement, and modern safety. The best value is the 2017-2020 first-generation 86 / BRZ (FA20, ~205 hp), which received the worthwhile performance update and now trades for well under $20,000 with strong reliability.
Enthusiasts chasing a special build should target the 2018 BRZ tS or the limited-run hardtop variants. Buyers wanting the cheapest entry should look at a clean 2013-2015 FR-S. Whichever you choose, the manual transmission and a fresh set of grippy tires transform the car from merely good to genuinely special.
1. 2022-2024 Subaru BRZ (Gen 2, FA24) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The second-generation BRZ swapped to a 2.4-liter FA24 flat-four making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, killing the infamous mid-range torque dip of the original. It runs 0-60 mph in about 5.4 seconds with the 6-speed manual, rides on a stiffer chassis with a 60-percent-stiffer body shell, and finally got a usable interior with a digital gauge cluster.
The steering is quicker, the front end bites harder, and the extra torque means you no longer have to wring it out just to keep pace in traffic. The driving position, pedal spacing, and shifter feel are all near the top of the affordable-sports-car class. Best all-around buy for anyone who wants the latest, most complete version.
Used prices sit around $28,000-$34,000.
2. 2022-2024 Toyota GR86 (Gen 2, FA24) 💎 BEST VALUE
Mechanically near-identical to the Gen 2 BRZ, the Toyota GR86 uses the same 2.4-liter 228-hp FA24 but tunes its suspension slightly firmer and adds the GR (Gazoo Racing) styling, including a more aggressive front fascia and a ducktail spoiler. It frequently sells for a few hundred dollars less than an equivalent BRZ and has the same stellar reliability, making it the smart-money pick in the modern generation.
The firmer tune rewards drivers who push hard, while the lower price tag leaves room in the budget for tires and track days. For buyers who care about the experience more than the badge, this is the rational choice. Expect $27,000-$33,000 used.
3. 2017-2020 Toyota 86 (Gen 1, updated FA20)
For the 2017 model year Toyota rebranded the Scion FR-S as the Toyota 86 and bumped the manual cars to 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft with revised gearing, a retuned suspension, and a standard limited-slip differential. The cabin got nicer materials and the styling was freshened front and rear with new bumpers and LED lighting.
This is the best first-generation car to drive and now sells for roughly $18,000-$23,000 — a genuine performance bargain with proven durability and a deep, affordable aftermarket that lets owners tailor the car to their taste.
4. 2017-2020 Subaru BRZ (Gen 1, updated FA20)
The matching post-update BRZ carries the same 205-hp FA20, the Performance Package option (Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers, 17-inch wheels), and Subaru's slightly softer ride tuning that some find more livable day to day. A BRZ with the Performance Package is the connoisseur's first-gen choice because the upgraded brakes and dampers transform behavior on a back road or track without hurting daily comfort.
Clean examples run $19,000-$24,000, and Performance Package cars command a deserved premium that they tend to hold at resale.
5. 2018 Subaru BRZ tS (STI-tuned)
The BRZ tS was a limited STI-developed special with SACHS dampers, a flexible V-brace, draw stiffeners, and 18-inch wheels plus a large adjustable rear wing. Power stayed at 205 hp, but the chassis is the sharpest of any first-gen car thanks to the additional body bracing and bespoke suspension calibration developed by STI engineers.
As a collectible enthusiast trim built in small numbers for the US market, it commands a premium — typically $26,000-$32,000 when one surfaces, and values have held firm as the model becomes harder to find.
6. 2024 Subaru BRZ tS (Gen 2, STI-tuned)
The Gen 2 tS brought back the STI badge with STI-tuned dampers, Brembo brakes (4-piston front / 2-piston rear), and unique 18-inch wheels over the 228-hp FA24, along with chassis tuning developed on track. It's the most capable factory BRZ ever and a future collectible, blending the bigger engine with the best brakes and dampers Subaru has offered on the platform.
The extra braking hardware alone is worth seeking out for anyone who does track days. New-ish examples sit around $34,000-$38,000.
7. 2013-2014 Scion FR-S (the original)
The car that started it all. The 2013-2014 Scion FR-S launched the platform with the 2.0-liter FA20 making 200 hp and a featherweight curb weight near 2,750 lbs. It's the cheapest way into the platform and a piece of history, with the lightest steering feel and the most analog character of any generation thanks to its minimal sound deadening and simple cabin.
High-mile cars can be found for $13,000-$17,000, making it the natural entry point for first-time sports-car buyers on a tight budget.
8. 2013-2016 Subaru BRZ (early Gen 1)
The early Subaru BRZ matched the FR-S mechanically but carried Subaru's badge, a Limited trim with leather and dual-zone climate, and slightly different suspension calibration aimed at a touch more compliance. It's a solid, reliable bargain coupe and the early Limited adds creature comforts that make it a better daily driver for buyers who want one car to do everything.
Pricing lands around $15,000-$19,000, and the Subaru dealer network makes parts and service easy to source nationwide.
9. 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0
Scion sold several limited Release Series color/equipment specials before the brand was retired and folded into Toyota. The 2016 RS 2.0 in Lightning Yellow (or the earlier blue RS 1.0) adds a fender badge, unique paint, HID lighting, and special interior accents. As a last-of-Scion collectible tied to the brand's wind-down, it draws modest premiums over a standard FR-S, typically $17,000-$21,000 for clean, low-mile examples with original paint.
10. 2022-2024 Toyota GR86 Premium (heated leather)
The GR86 Premium trim adds heated Ultrasuede/leather seats, an 8-speaker audio system, and adaptive LED headlights on top of the 228-hp base car, along with extra sound deadening and a few convenience features. For buyers who want a daily-usable sports car with creature comforts but the same FA24 thrills, the Premium is the most livable modern build and the easiest to recommend to someone using it as a primary vehicle through cold mornings and long commutes.
Used examples run $30,000-$35,000.
How to Choose
Decide first between the two generations. The Gen 2 FA24 cars (2022+) fix the original's mid-range torque sag and feel noticeably stronger from 3,000-4,500 rpm — choose them if you want the best driving experience and modern safety tech such as a stiffer body, improved airbags, and current infotainment.
The Gen 1 FA20 cars (2013-2020) are lighter-feeling, simpler, and far cheaper, with the 2017+ update being the one to find because of the power bump and standard limited-slip differential. Always prefer a 6-speed manual for engagement; the automatic blunts the car's character and resells for less.
Check for a clean uni-body with no track or crash damage and ask for documented oil-consumption history on early FA20 cars, which could burn a little oil if neglected.
On the ownership side, these are among the cheapest sports cars to run. Insurance is reasonable because the cars are inexpensive and not overpowered, consumables like brake pads and oil are cheap, and the aftermarket is enormous — coilovers, exhausts, intakes, and bracing are all readily available and well documented.
Budget for fresh tires above all else; both generations punish worn rubber and feel transformed on a quality summer or all-season performance tire, which is the single best money you can spend. Factor in fuel that is regular-grade on most trims, and remember that both Subaru and Toyota dealer networks support the platform, so service is never a problem no matter where you live.
That combination of low running costs, huge support, and a chassis that flatters every driver is why this twin remains the default recommendation for an affordable, reliable, rear-drive sports car.
It is also worth thinking about how you intend to use the car. As a weekend toy, almost any version delights, and the cheaper first-generation cars make tremendous sense because you can spend the savings on tires and seat time. As a daily driver, the Gen 2 cars and the comfort-oriented trims like the GR86 Premium and BRZ Limited earn their keep with heated seats, better sound deadening, and modern driver-assistance features.
For aspiring track-day enthusiasts, the cars with upgraded brakes and dampers — the Performance Package BRZ and the tS specials — are worth the premium because they handle heat and repeated hard stops far better than the base cars. Whatever your plan, these coupes depreciate slowly, attract a friendly and knowledgeable owner community, and rarely surprise you with big bills, which makes them one of the lowest-risk ways to own a genuine driver's car.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86? They are the same car built on a shared platform. Toyota leads the design and the Subaru factory builds both. Differences are limited to badging, suspension calibration, and minor trim or feature choices. Mechanically the engines and transmissions are identical within each generation, so you should choose based on price, styling preference, and which dealer network is more convenient for you.
Is the 2.4-liter Gen 2 worth the extra money over the Gen 1? For most buyers, yes. The 228-hp FA24 removes the dreaded torque dip and makes the car genuinely quick everywhere, plus you get modern airbags, infotainment, and a digital cluster. If budget is tight, the 2017+ 205-hp FA20 is still a joy and saves thousands, so the decision comes down to how much the extra grunt and refinement matter to you.
Are these cars reliable? Both generations are very reliable when maintained. Early FA20 engines could consume some oil — check records and watch the dipstick between changes. The FA24 has no widespread chronic faults.
Stick to regular oil changes and avoid cars that have been tracked hard without records, and either generation will run for well over 100,000 miles.
Should I buy the automatic or the manual? Buy the manual. The 6-speed is the heart of the experience and holds value better at resale. The automatic is fine for commuters but dulls throttle response and acceleration, and enthusiasts will always pay more for the stick — which also makes the manual the smarter financial choice over time.
Bottom Line
The 2022-2024 Subaru BRZ is the best all-around version thanks to the 228-hp FA24 and refined chassis, while the near-identical Toyota GR86 is the best value in the modern generation. On a budget, the 2017-2020 86 / BRZ with the 205-hp update is the smart used buy, and the 2013-2015 FR-S remains the cheapest entry.
For collectors, the BRZ tS specials stand out. Whichever you pick, get the manual, verify maintenance history, and put your savings into good tires.
Sources
- Subaru BRZ — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_BRZ
- Toyota 86 / GR86 — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_86
- Subaru of America official BRZ specifications and trim guide
- Toyota USA official GR86 specifications and pricing
- Car and Driver BRZ / GR86 instrumented testing and 0-60 figures
- Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds used-value ranges for BRZ / 86 / FR-S
- Motor Trend first-generation vs second-generation comparison testing