Best Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 Model Years (Ranked) in 2027
By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Direct answer
The best year for the Subaru BRZ is 2019: 1 NHTSA complaint, 1 recall campaign, KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $18,850 and a KBB reliability score of 4.6 out of 5. The best BRZ model overall is the first generation (2013-2020, 2.0-liter FA20), which takes five of the top six spots; the second generation (2022 and later, 2.4-liter FA24) has 228 hp but costs from $23,700. The Toyota twin is the Scion FR-S (2013-2016), Toyota 86 (2017-2020) and GR86 (2022 and later); the best of those is the 2020 Toyota 86 with 1 complaint.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $10,150 for the 10 Series (originally $29,430) up to $12,650 for the FR-S (originally $24,930)
Buyers who want the cheapest car here, from $10,150
Pick by what you want
Best BRZ year
2019 Subaru BRZ (ZC6)
Best second generation
2023 Subaru BRZ (ZD8)
Best Toyota twin
2020 Toyota 86 (ZN6)
Best GR86
2024 Toyota GR86 (ZN8)
Cheapest
2013 Scion FR-S (ZN6)
The ranking
1
2019 Subaru BRZ (ZC6)
Photo: Guillaume Vachey from Chalon sur Saone, France / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best first-generation BRZ.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,850 for the Limited (originally $29,530) up to $24,100 for the Series.Gray (originally $31,025)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 2019 BRZ (a fuel pump campaign shared with other Subaru models)NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2019 BRZOwner reliability: KBB shows 4.6 out of 5 for reliability on its 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ pages, from 37 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 205 hp and 24 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2019 Subaru BRZ is a late first-generation (ZC6) car with the 2.0-liter FA20 engine, from $18,850 for the Limited to $24,100 for the Series.Gray. NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 1 recall campaign, a fuel pump campaign shared with other Subaru models. KBB gives 205 hp and 24 combined mpg and a reliability score of 4.6 out of 5 shared by the 2013-2020 pages.
Go ifBuyers who want a late first-generation BRZ with 1 complaint and 1 recall
Skip ifYou want the 2.4-liter engine of the 2022 and later cars
Why #1 over #2: It lists 1 complaint and 1 recall against 1 complaint and 2 recalls for the 2018, and costs from $18,850 versus $17,100.
2
2018 Subaru BRZ (ZC6)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe same 1 complaint as the 2019, with 2 recalls.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $17,100 for the tS (originally $34,355) up to $17,850 for the Limited (originally $29,305)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2018 BRZ (a fuel pump campaign and a rear camera display software campaign)NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2018 BRZOwner reliability: KBB shows 4.6 out of 5 for reliability on its 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ pages, from 37 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 205 hp and 23-24 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2018 Subaru BRZ is the same car with the same 1 complaint, from $17,100 for the tS to $17,850 for the Limited. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns, a fuel pump campaign and a rear camera display software campaign. KBB gives 205 hp and 23-24 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a first-generation BRZ from $17,100
Skip ifYou want the fewest recalls
Why #2 over #3: It lists 1 complaint versus 1 for the 2023 BRZ, which has a recall count that could not be confirmed, and it costs from $17,100 versus $23,700.
3
2023 Subaru BRZ (ZD8)
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best second-generation BRZ.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $23,700 for the Premium (originally $29,615) up to $25,200 for the Limited (originally $32,115)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 2023 BRZ, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2023 BRZOwner reliability: KBB shows 3.3 out of 5 for reliability on its 2022-2025 Subaru BRZ pages, from only 16 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 228 hp and 22 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2023 Subaru BRZ is the second-generation (ZD8) car with the 2.4-liter FA24 engine, from $23,700 for the Premium to $25,200 for the Limited. NHTSA lists 1 complaint, but its recall count could not be confirmed because the lookup returned no results, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB gives 228 hp and 22 combined mpg and 3.3 out of 5 for reliability from only 16 reviews, shared with the other 2022-2025 BRZ years.
Go ifBuyers who want the second-generation 2.4-liter BRZ with the fewest complaints
Skip ifYou want a confirmed recall record or the higher KBB reliability score of the first generation
Why #3 over #4: It lists 1 complaint versus 1 for the 2020 Toyota 86, though the 2020 86 costs from $20,600 versus $23,700.
4
2020 Toyota 86 (ZN6)
Photo: Dmartin969 / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best Toyota 86 by complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $20,600 for the 86 (originally $28,775) up to $23,400 for the Hakone Edition (originally $31,585)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 2020 Toyota 86, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Toyota 86Owner reliability: KBB shows 4.0 out of 5 for reliability on its 2017-2020 Toyota 86 pages, from 21 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 200-205 hp and 27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2020 Toyota 86 is the last year of the Toyota-badged first-generation twin, from $20,600 for the 86 to $23,400 for the Hakone Edition. NHTSA lists 1 complaint; its recall count could not be confirmed because the lookup returned no results, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB gives 200-205 hp and 27 combined mpg and 4.0 out of 5 for reliability from 21 reviews, shared with the 2017-2020 pages.
Go ifBuyers who want the last Toyota 86 with a Toyota badge
Skip ifYou want a confirmed recall record
Why #4 over #5: It lists 1 complaint versus 2 for the 2017 Toyota 86, and costs from $20,600 versus $17,250.
5
2017 Toyota 86 (ZN6)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first Toyota-badged 86.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $17,250 for the 86 (originally $27,860) up to $17,700 for the 860 Special Edition (originally $30,760)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2017 Toyota 86 (an ignition campaign on automatic cars and a spare tire pressure campaign)NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Toyota 86Owner reliability: KBB shows 4.0 out of 5 for reliability on its 2017-2020 Toyota 86 pages, from 21 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 205 hp and 27 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2017 Toyota 86 was the first Scion FR-S successor sold with a Toyota badge, from $17,250 for the 86 to $17,700 for the 860 Special Edition. NHTSA lists 2 complaints and 2 recall campaigns, an ignition campaign on automatic cars and a spare tire pressure campaign. KBB gives 205 hp and 27 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the first car sold as a Toyota 86 in the US, from $17,250
Skip ifYou want 1 complaint or fewer
Why #5 over #6: It lists 2 complaints and 2 recalls versus 2 complaints for the 2020 BRZ, which has a recall count that could not be confirmed, and costs from $17,250 versus $21,800.
6
2020 Subaru BRZ (ZC6)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last of the ZC6 BRZ.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $21,800 for the Limited (originally $29,745) up to $22,400 for the tS (originally $32,395)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results for the 2020 BRZ, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 BRZOwner reliability: KBB shows 4.6 out of 5 for reliability on its 2013-2020 Subaru BRZ pages, from 37 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 205 hp and 23-24 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2020 Subaru BRZ is the last first-generation BRZ, from $21,800 for the Limited to $22,400 for the tS. NHTSA lists 2 complaints; its recall count could not be confirmed because the lookup returned no results, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. KBB gives 205 hp and 23-24 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the last first-generation BRZ
Skip ifYou want a confirmed recall record or a lower price
Why #6 over #7: It lists 2 complaints versus 3 for the 2024 GR86, and costs from $21,800 versus $28,000.
7
2024 Toyota GR86 (ZN8)
Photo: TaurusEmerald / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best GR86, at a high price.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $28,000 for the GR86 (originally $31,495) up to $33,800 for the TRUENO Edition (originally $36,915)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 2024 GR86 (a labels campaign shared with other Toyota models)NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 GR86Owner reliability: KBB shows 4.0 out of 5 for reliability on its 2022-2025 Toyota GR86 pages, from only 11 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 228 hp and 25 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2024 Toyota GR86 is the second-generation (ZN8) Toyota with the 2.4-liter engine, from $28,000 for the GR86 to $33,800 for the TRUENO Edition. NHTSA lists 3 complaints and 1 recall campaign, a labels campaign shared with other Toyota models. KBB gives 228 hp and 25 combined mpg and 4.0 out of 5 for reliability from only 11 reviews.
Go ifBuyers who want a nearly new GR86 with 3 complaints
Skip ifYou want a used price under $25,000
Why #7 over #8: It lists 3 complaints and 1 recall versus 3 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2016 FR-S, though the FR-S costs from $14,950 versus $28,000.
8
2016 Scion FR-S (ZN6)
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best Scion FR-S.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $14,950 for the Release Series 2.0 (originally $31,405) up to $16,050 for the FR-S (originally $27,200)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2016 FR-S (a park/neutral interlock campaign and two load label campaigns)NHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 FR-SOwner reliability: KBB shows 4.8 out of 5 for reliability on its 2013-2016 Scion FR-S pages, from 80 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 200 hp and 28 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2016 Scion FR-S is the last Scion-badged car, from $14,950 for the Release Series 2.0 to $16,050 for the FR-S. NHTSA lists 3 complaints and 3 recall campaigns, a park/neutral interlock campaign and two load label campaigns. KBB gives 200 hp and 28 combined mpg and the highest reliability score on this list, 4.8 out of 5 from 80 reviews, shared with the 2013-2016 pages.
Go ifBuyers who want the last Scion FR-S with the highest KBB reliability score, 4.8
Skip ifYou want fewer than 3 recalls
Why #8 over #9: It lists 3 complaints versus 21 for the 2022 GR86, and costs from $14,950 versus $26,000.
9
2022 Toyota GR86 (ZN8)
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first GR86, with 21 complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $26,000 for the GR86 (originally $30,225) up to $28,000 for the Premium (originally $32,825)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 2022 GR86 (a rear turn signal campaign shared with the 2022 BRZ)NHTSA complaints: 21 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 GR86Owner reliability: KBB shows 4.0 out of 5 for reliability on its 2022-2025 Toyota GR86 pages, from only 11 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 228 hp and 25 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2022 Toyota GR86 is the first year of the second-generation Toyota, from $26,000 for the GR86 to $28,000 for the Premium. NHTSA lists 21 complaints and 1 recall campaign, a rear turn signal campaign shared with the 2022 BRZ. KBB gives 228 hp and 25 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the first GR86 year and its 2.4-liter engine
Skip ifYou want fewer than 21 complaints
Why #9 over #10: It lists 21 complaints versus 179 for the 2013 FR-S, and costs from $26,000 versus $10,150.
10
2013 Scion FR-S (ZN6)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictCheap, with 179 complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $10,150 for the 10 Series (originally $29,430) up to $12,650 for the FR-S (originally $24,930)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2013 FR-S (engine valve springs, an automatic transmission interlock, an owners manual error and labels)NHTSA complaints: 179 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 FR-SOwner reliability: KBB shows 4.8 out of 5 for reliability on its 2013-2016 Scion FR-S pages, from 80 consumer reviews (one score shared by those model years)Power and economy: 200 hp and 28 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2013 Scion FR-S is the first model year of the Toyota twin and the cheapest pick, from $10,150 for the 10 Series to $12,650 for the FR-S. NHTSA lists 179 complaints, the most on the list, and 4 recall campaigns covering engine valve springs, an automatic transmission interlock, an owners manual error and labels. KBB gives 200 hp and 28 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the cheapest car here, from $10,150
Skip ifYou want few NHTSA complaints
How we ranked these
We ranked ten model years of the Subaru BRZ and its Toyota twin: NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns, then Kelley Blue Book owner reliability ratings, with prices from KBB. The BRZ and the Toyota 86 are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru and built at the Subaru Gunma plant. The first generation (ZC6/ZN6, 2013-2020) uses the 2.0-liter FA20 flat-four and was sold in the US as the Subaru BRZ, the Scion FR-S for 2013-2016 and the Toyota 86 for 2017-2020. The second generation (ZD8/ZN8) uses the 2.4-liter FA24 flat-four, rated at 228 hp by KBB, and is sold as the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86 from 2022. The first generation is best overall here: it takes five of the top six spots with 1 or 2 complaints each, at KBB prices from $10,150, while the second generation costs from $23,700. NHTSA files each name separately, so we counted complaints and recalls under BRZ, FR-S, 86 and GR86 for each year. For the 2023 BRZ, the 2020 BRZ and the 2020 Toyota 86, the NHTSA recall lookup returned no results, so their recall counts could not be confirmed; we ranked them on complaints only, behind years with the same complaint count and a known recall record. KBB reliability is one score shared by several model years: 4.6 out of 5 for the 2013-2020 BRZ, 4.8 for the 2013-2016 FR-S, 4.0 for the 2017-2020 86, 3.3 for the 2022-2025 BRZ and 4.0 for the 2022-2025 GR86, from 37, 80, 21, 16 and 11 reviews. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so mileage matters as much as year. Prices change weekly. Performance figures are from KBB only, and a first-generation 0-60 time could not be confirmed. For other affordable sports cars see our Mazda MX-5 Miata model years at /cars/best-mazda-mx-5-miata-model-years-2027/ and our roadsters at /cars/best-roadsters-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best year for the Subaru BRZ?
The 2019 BRZ is the best year here: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA, 1 recall campaign, KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $18,850, and a KBB reliability score of 4.6 out of 5 shared by the 2013-2020 pages. The 2018 BRZ also has 1 complaint but 2 recalls, and the 2023 BRZ has 1 complaint with a recall count that could not be confirmed.
What is the best BRZ model, first or second generation?
By this data the first generation (2013-2020, ZC6, 2.0-liter FA20) is the better used buy: it holds ranks 1, 2 and 6 with KBB reliability at 4.6 out of 5 and prices from $17,100. The second generation (2022 and later, ZD8, 2.4-liter FA24) has 228 hp against 205 hp, but KBB shows only 3.3 out of 5 for reliability from 16 reviews and prices start at $23,700. The 2023 BRZ is the one second-generation BRZ year ranked, with 1 complaint.
Are the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 the same car?
Essentially, yes. The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are 2+2 sports cars jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru and built at the Subaru Gunma assembly plant. In the US the Toyota version was sold as the Scion FR-S for 2013-2016, as the Toyota 86 for 2017-2020, and as the Toyota GR86 from 2022. NHTSA files complaints and recalls under each name separately, so this page counts each twin under its own name.
What is the difference between the FA20 and FA24 engines?
The first generation uses the 2.0-liter FA20 flat-four, rated at 200 hp in 2013-2016 and 205 hp in 2017-2020 by KBB. The second generation uses the 2.4-liter FA24D flat-four, rated at 228 hp by KBB, with 184 lb-ft of torque at lower revs. KBB measured 0-60 mph at 6.0 seconds for the manual and 6.5 seconds for the automatic 2022 BRZ; a first-generation 0-60 time could not be confirmed from a source we cite.
Lowest KBB Fair Purchase Price on the cited page (USD) at a glance
2013 Scion FR-S (ZN6)$10,150
2016 Scion FR-S (ZN6)$14,950
2018 Subaru BRZ (ZC6)$17,100
2017 Toyota 86 (ZN6)$17,250
2019 Subaru BRZ (ZC6)$18,850
2020 Toyota 86 (ZN6)$20,600
2020 Subaru BRZ (ZC6)$21,800
2023 Subaru BRZ (ZD8)$23,700
2022 Toyota GR86 (ZN8)$26,000
2024 Toyota GR86 (ZN8)$28,000
Lowest KBB Fair Purchase Price on the cited page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
