Toyota Explains The Differences Between 2022 GR 86 And Subaru BRZ, Announces Gazoo Racing Parts

We recently drove the 2022 Toyota GR 86 and there’s a lot to talk about.

While we’ve already covered a ton of things in our review, there are a handful of other items worth mentioning.

One of the more interesting is the availability of Toyota Gazoo Racing accessories in the United States. The company didn’t mention pricing, but confirmed plans to offer 17-inch wheels with a bronze finish as well as 18-inch wheels with a black finish. Owners will also be able to purchase gloss black front fender vent inserts, vinyl side graphics and a “GR 86 logoed rear bumper applique.”

Driven: The 2022 Toyota GR 86 Packs A More Powerful Punch And Looks Good Doing It

Moving inside, there will be GR branded all-weather floor mats and a shifter with an etched GR logo. Speaking of the latter, Toyota will offer a quick shift kit for models equipped with manual transmissions.

To improve performance, there will be GR front brake pads and a GR performance air intake kit that includes a performance air filter as well as a larger airbox. Customers will also be able to order a bolt-on strut tie brace, a performance stabilizer, and a cat-back dual exhaust system with black chrome tips.

What Separates The 86 From The BRZ?

One of the most commonly asked questions is what separates the Toyota GR 86 from the Subaru BRZ. That’s understandable as the cars were jointly developed and are largely identical.

However, there are an assortment of changes that give each model its own unique identity. While the styling differences are obvious, there’s more happening underneath the skin.

As chief engineer Yasunori Suezawa explained, “Initially, we were trying to realize the driving taste for both GR 86 and BRZ, only by differentiating the specifications of the absorber setting and power steering setting.” However, that was eventually expanded to include unique front knuckles, springs, stabilizers, bushings and ECU software.

Suezawa summed things up by saying Toyota focused on engine response, while Subaru focused more on comfort. However, he noted both cars have great handling even though the changes allow them to have their own “unique taste in response and power.”

As a refresher, the 2022 Toyota GR 86 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in November and start under $30,000. The BRZ, on the other hand, will arrive this fall and begin at $27,995.