Verdict
The Subaru WRX is the more usable Malaysian all-rounder: four doors, five seats and a 411-litre boot make a real difference over the Toyota GR86’s two-door, four-seat layout and 226 litres. Its turbocharged 2.4 litre produces 271 hp and 375 Nm, 37 hp and 125 Nm ahead of the naturally aspirated GR86, while AWD adds another clear distinction. The GR86 counters with a 1,291 kg kerb weight, 219 kg below the WRX, rear-wheel drive and a claimed 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time. WRX acceleration is not stated, so do not assume a winner there.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you need five seats, a 411-litre boot and 271 hp with all-wheel drive in one manual sedan.
Pick the Toyota GR86 if you want the lighter 1,291 kg rear-wheel-drive manual coupe and can live with two doors and four seats.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru WRX RM286,245; Toyota GR86 RM296,000.
- Power and torque: WRX 271 hp and 375 Nm; GR86 234 hp and 250 Nm.
- Driveline: WRX all-wheel drive; GR86 rear-wheel drive.
- Kerb weight: WRX 1,510 kg; GR86 1,291 kg.
- Boot space: WRX 411 litres; GR86 226 litres.
- Fuel tank: WRX 63 litres; GR86 50 litres.
WRX
- 271 hp and 375 Nm from its turbocharged 2.4 litre engine.
- Five seats, four doors and a 411-litre boot.
- All-wheel drive and a 63-litre fuel tank.
- 1,510 kg kerb weight is 219 kg higher than the GR86.
- Space-saver spare instead of the GR86’s full-size spare.
- No blind-spot information system, which the GR86 has.
GR86
- 1,291 kg kerb weight and rear-wheel drive.
- Claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds and 226 km/h top speed.
- Full-size spare, plus blind-spot information and rear cross traffic alert.
- 234 hp and 250 Nm trail the WRX by 37 hp and 125 Nm.
- Two doors and four seats versus the WRX’s four doors and five seats.
- 226-litre boot is 185 litres smaller than the WRX’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM286,245✓ | RM296,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Segment | C-Segment | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767 | RM767 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 271 hp✓ | 234 hp |
| Torque | 375 Nm✓ | 250 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 12.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed manual | 6-speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | Toyota |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 226 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,669 mm | 4,265 mm |
| Width | 1,826 mm | 1,775 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,310 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,672 mm | 2,575 mm |
| Weight | 1,510 kg | 1,291 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 411 litres✓ | 226 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/40R18 | 215/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Rear Limited Slip Differential |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Headlamps |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 split folding | Foldable |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 Front USB | 1 Front, 2 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 8" Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Driver and Passenger One Touch Auto Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used WRX & GR86 for sale
WRX vs GR86 FAQ
Is the Subaru WRX or Toyota GR86 better?
The WRX is better as a single car for performance and passenger or luggage duties, with AWD, 271 hp, five seats and a 411-litre boot. Choose the GR86 for its 219 kg lower weight, rear-wheel drive and coupe format.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota GR86 costs RM296,000 and the Subaru WRX costs RM286,245, so the GR86 is RM9,755 more expensive.
Which is more practical for daily use?
The Subaru WRX is decisively more practical. It has four doors, five seats, a 411-litre boot and a 63-litre tank, against the GR86’s two doors, four seats, 226 litres and 50 litres.