The Reality of Owning a BRZ or GR86: A Comprehensive Guide
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Owning a Subaru BRZ or Toyota GR86 offers a unique experience that blends driving pleasure with practical challenges. These compact, low-slung coupes have carved out a niche among enthusiasts, but their smaller size and sporty focus come with specific considerations. Here’s an in-depth look at the reality of living with one of these cars, including their strengths, limitations, and quirks.
1. Compact Dimensions in a Big Vehicle World
One of the first things to adjust to with a BRZ or GR86 is its small size. On American roads dominated by large trucks like the Ford F-150, these coupes can feel almost invisible. This is a potential safety concern, especially in areas where oversized trucks are common.
To counter this, investing in visibility-enhancing accessories like a blinking F1-style brake module can be a game changer. These modules ensure your brake lights grab attention, reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. After all, these cars are among the most commonly rear-ended vehicles, often due to inattentive drivers in much larger vehicles.
2. Cargo Space: Limited but Practical
While cargo capacity is not a selling point, it’s not as dire as critics suggest. The boot and foldable rear seats offer surprising utility. Owners can carry essentials like:
- A full-size spare wheel.
- Camera gear.
- A skateboard or even a compact camping setup.
For minimalist adventurers, camping in a BRZ or GR86 is viable, with enough space for an air mattress in the back. If your lifestyle involves hauling larger loads or multiple passengers regularly, however, a larger vehicle might be better suited.
3. Interior Comfort and Features
Despite its compact size, the BRZ/GR86 interior punches above its weight. Designed for driver engagement, the cabin layout is ergonomic, with controls easily within reach. Highlights include:
- Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.
- Adaptive cruise control for stress-free highway driving.
- Hill assist to simplify manual gear shifts on inclines.
While the cabin is small, for those who primarily drive solo or with one passenger, it’s more than adequate. The car does sacrifice rear-seat usability for its sleek profile; the back seat is better suited for storage than passengers.
4. Performance and Driving Dynamics
The BRZ and GR86 shine in driving enjoyment. They are lightweight, agile, and offer a visceral connection to the road. The low centre of gravity and sharp steering make navigating twisty roads a joy. Practical features like snow tyres make them usable year-round, even in snowy areas like Flagstaff, Arizona.
The vehicles deliver respectable fuel efficiency for sports cars, with an average of around 29 mpg. While snow performance isn’t ideal without proper tyres, equipped with snow tyres, they handle well enough for most winter conditions.
5. Ergonomics and Usability
The interior design reflects thoughtful planning:
- The steering wheel, shifter, and infotainment system are within easy reach.
- For those who use their cars for side hustles like food delivery, this layout enhances convenience.
However, visibility remains a notable drawback. While the car is more noticeable than a Mazda Miata or a BMW Z4, it’s still lower than the average vehicle on the road. Drivers must remain vigilant and consider defensive driving strategies to stay safe.
6. Sacrifices Worth Making
Many owners find the sacrifices required to live with these cars insignificant. Critics often cite limited space and practicality as disadvantages, but most owners rarely use all the space available in larger vehicles. For the daily commuter or weekend enthusiast, the BRZ or GR86 offers everything needed without excess.
Additionally, modern amenities like push-to-start ignition, climate control, and following distance adjustment make the car a practical daily driver. For larger family needs, many owners keep a second, larger vehicle for backup.
7. A Lifestyle Choice
Owning a BRZ or GR86 isn’t just about the car; it’s a lifestyle decision. It appeals to those who prioritise driving experience over sheer utility. The car’s compact dimensions, responsive handling, and sporty character resonate deeply with enthusiasts. While some may eventually upgrade to a more practical vehicle like a Subaru WRX, many owners cherish the unique charm of these coupes for years.
Final Thoughts
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 are perfect for drivers seeking a fun, affordable sports car that balances modern conveniences with engaging dynamics. While they aren’t ideal for every scenario, they excel at delivering driving pleasure without unnecessary bulk. With thoughtful preparation—like investing in snow tyres for winter or brake light modules for safety—they can serve as versatile daily drivers.
For those willing to embrace their quirks and limitations, these cars offer a rewarding ownership experience that’s hard to match.
Want more? Click here for Best Used 4WDs Under $50K in Australia – Tech Drive Play
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
