The FR-S was redesigned and given a new name in North America after the Scion brand was phased out before the 2017 model year. The 2017 Toyota 86 received new front bumper and headlamp designs, new taillights, new wheels, and an updated interior with a new steering wheel design in addition to the new branding.
Minor technical improvements included an increase in horsepower and torque for vehicles with the manual transmission to 205hp and 156lb-ft. Stick shift vehicles also had a reduced final drive ratio and had their suspension settings significantly modified.
There were still limited edition versions available, such as the 2019 TRD Special Edition and the 2017 “860 Special Edition” with distinctive exterior appearance. A new “86 GT” model with more luxuries than the original vehicle but the same mechanical specifications was added to the lineup for 2018.
Naturally, the Toyota 86 costs more on the used market than the FR-S because it is newer and marginally upgraded. Looking through the ads reveals that prices for 2017 and later Toyota 86s start at roughly $20,000 and can increase from there depending on the vehicle’s mileage or whether it is one of the more sought-after special edition models.
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The Toyota 86 is it a FR-S?
The FR-S was rebranded as the Toyota 86 in North America for the 2017 model year and onward in August 2016 due to the Scion brand being discontinued.
Are the 1986 BRZ and FR-S equivalent?
There are some cars that, when compared to others, we generally agree are essentially the same. This occurs with cars that have a lot in common, appear alike, or have comparable attributes. When discussing vehicles like the Toyota Supra and how closely connected it is to the BMW Z4, we take a hard look at all of the components that were developed in conjunction with one another. It’s difficult to tell if a car has any distinctions when compared to another when we look at models like the BRZ and FRS.
BRZ and FRS Styling
The Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS look a lot alike from a visual standpoint. In fact, based just on the emblem, you may be tempted to confuse them if you didn’t know any better. Due to their identical headlamp designs, the BRZ and FRS can be difficult to tell apart in low light or at night. They don’t have identical front bumpers, but they aren’t far enough apart either. In fact, their front bumpers are so same that it appears as though they are various trim levels of the same vehicle.
Similar, though not identical, body lines extend from the sporty front ends of the BRZ and FRS over the rear of the vehicle and into the trunk. Both vehicles also come with nearly identical stock wheels, but due to their incredible customizability, many owners choose to replace them with aftermarket ones. Similar to the headlights, the car’s rear taillights are also quite similar, so if it were becoming dark outside, you probably couldn’t tell if you were approaching a BRZ or an FRS.
Additionally, they have identical rear bumpers, diffusers, exhaust tips, and trunk lids. The Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ appear to be identical twins from all angles, including the front, side, and back views. The emblem positioning on the trunk lid was moved by Subaru and Scion in the belief that we wouldn’t notice the alteration.
Okay, so they do have some differences
It is true that there are certain mechanical distinctions between the Scion FRS and Subaru BRZ. For instance, the BRZ handles bumps more smoothly than the FRS because its suspension is softer. The FRS, on the other hand, has a firmer suspension, making road imperfections more noticeable. Both vehicles’ chassis share a similar design and are produced at the same plant.
At least the interiors are undoubtedly different, you could be thinking. Sort of. The interiors appear to be identical since they have the same steering wheels and a comparable dashboard and center console design. Although the materials used on the dashboard and center console can differ in color options, the size of the climate control knobs, and the way the radio operates, they are otherwise relatively similar.
The Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS are essentially two distinct trim levels of the same vehicle. It is actually difficult to distinguish between the two since there are so few distinctions between them and those that do exist are so negligible.
Why are the BRZ and 86 in the FR-S the same?
First off, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are nearly identical vehicles since they were jointly produced by the two Japanese automakers after Toyota acquired a 10% interest in Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru.
Toyota wished to make use of the boxer engine and fundamental platform architecture of the previous-generation Impreza. Following the loss of vehicles like the Toyota Celica and Toyota Supra, the company spent a decade in a slump. The components were seen as crucial to reestablishing its sports car credentials.
As a result, the 86 and BRZ have the same mechanical design and are powered by the same 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, which, when paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission, generates 152kW at 7000 rpm and 212Nm between 6400 and 800 rpm.
Is the FR-S superior to the 86?
The 2.0-liter flat-four engine that powers both vehicles is essentially the same. Toyota, however, has adjusted the gear ratio on manual vehicles, bringing the total horsepower up by 5 to 205 hp. Additionally, the 2017 Toyota 86 receives certain cosmetic improvements, including a bigger front grille, a revised bumper, and LED turn signals. The renovations inside continue with new “Grandlux soft-touch material” covering the instrument panel surround and door trimmings. The 86’s seats now have silver stitching and are upholstered in a new material as well. To top it off, the Toyota 86 has larger paddle shifters for automatic variants and a redesigned sport steering wheel with radio controls.
Better, the BRZ 86 or the FR-S?
Since the Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are categorized as sports vehicles, it becomes sense to believe that they move quickly and very quickly. Both vehicles have comparable engine performance ratings, but the BRZ outperforms the 86 somewhat in terms of suspension performance.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine often found in Porsches powers both vehicles. With a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, this engine can provide 200 or 205 horsepower. The stiff sports suspension provides a well-balanced direct drive to the rear wheels.
Customers have the option of choosing the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) package, which improves the 86’s handling. Conversely, Subaru has superior control right out of the gate. Additionally, Brembo brakes are installed to support sudden vehicle stopping during emergencies.
What does Scion’s FR-S stand for?
Scion, Toyota’s youth-focused brand, has a brand-new sports vehicle called the FR-S that is entertaining and grips the road like it’s Velcroed to it. Additionally, it’s not too expensive.
Plus, with its bold fenders, slim profile, and forceful front end, it has one of the best looks of any Scion to date.
What does FR-S mean then? Officially, it denotes a front engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle that is sporty. However, it has also been described as For Retired Seniors and Fun but Really Slow by creative critics.
Is Subaru a Scion FR-S?
The Bentley Bentayga is a redesigned Audi Q7, and the GR Supra, which is based on the BMW Z4, Chevrolet, and GMC occasionally share parts or even complete vehicles. You get the point, but in each of these instances, each of the cars are distinguishable from one another and are distinctive in their own right.
Nevertheless, there was a time when Toyota was afraid to import a sports car to the US and chose to rebrand it. We are discussing the Scion FR-S. It was a Toyota GT86 underneath, which is also what the Subaru BRZ is, in case you were wondering.
The two are so similar that you can unintentionally confuse them. The BRZ and FR-S, however, differ from one another in a few key areas.
A BRZ or a FR-S?
More significantly, they essentially share the same automobile. The FR-S and BRZ share a platform, an engine, and a set of transmissions in addition to having been designed jointly.