2025 Toyota GR86 Base vs 2025 Subaru Legacy Base
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a sports car or a midsize sedan. Key numbers: 228 vs 182 hp, 24 vs 30 MPG.
The GR86 Base leads on 46 more hp. The Legacy Base leads on $4,690 less, 6 MPG better. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Toyota GR86 Base | 2025 Subaru Legacy Base |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $31,500 | $26,810 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.4L flat 4 | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 27 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 30 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,450/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,851 lbs | 3,492 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 101.4" | 108.3" |
| Length | 167.9" | 191.1" |
| Width | 69.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 51.6" | 59.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 2yr/25k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base starts at $26,810, $4,690 less than the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base at $31,500. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $83/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base?
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base is the stronger pick when you want the 46 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps; your priority is driving engagement; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,690 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $350/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base or 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base rates 30 combined MPG, 6 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base or 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base produces 228 hp, 46 more than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base at 182 hp. The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base also leads in torque at 184 lb-ft vs 176 lb-ft. The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base runs a 2.4L flat 4; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. Drivetrains differ too: RWD on the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base, AWD on the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base.
Is the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base bigger than the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is 23.2″ longer at 191.1″ vs 167.9″. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base has a 6.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (sports car vs midsize sedan), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD, while the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base uses RWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
Can I cross-shop a sports car against a midsize sedan?
Yes, and many buyers do. A sports car and a midsize sedan solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: fuel efficiency and a smooth commute. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Toyota trims, Toyota GR86 trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Legacy trims
- 2025 Subaru Legacy Base Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
GR86 vs Legacy: What This Matchup Is Really About
A sports car against a midsize sedan is not a typical matchup, but buyers with flexible needs compare them more often than you might think. The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base ($31,500) and 2025 Subaru Legacy Base ($26,810) solve different problems at similar price points. The $-4,690 gap adds up to $83/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Under the Hood
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base runs a 2.4L flat 4; the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base has 46 more hp (228 vs 182), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base comes with AWD; the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base uses RWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: GR86 vs Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base saves roughly $350/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,750.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2025 Toyota GR86 Base is tuned for driving engagement over practicality. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is optimized for a comfortable daily commute and a low center of gravity. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base is 23.2″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base has a 6.9″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Base weighs 641 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2025 Toyota GR86 Base when you want the 46 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps. Choose the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base when you want to keep $4,690 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Legacy Base covers your needs.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Toyota or Subaru or any dealership.