Scion FR-S vs. Subaru BRZ: Head to Head

2016 Subaru BRZ vs. 2016 Scion FR-S: Which Coupe Comes Out on Top?

Before Toyota integrated Scion’s product line-up into their stable and introduced the 2017 Toyota 86, there was a working agreement between Subaru and Toyota. That agreement helped develop the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ, and gave both companies the right to sell the car.

Because the vehicle is the product of a joint venture, there are often questions about how different the sports cars are from each other. Should you buy a Subaru BRZ or a Scion FR-S? This slideshow will take a closer look at the 2016 models of both cars to help you decide.

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Acceleration and Power

Winner: Tie (Details Below)

The Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S are mechanically identical. Each has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood. The power plant yields 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque.

Both models come with a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The manual transmission is easy to shift and the clutch pedal only requires a light touch.

The engine offers drivers plenty of access to power, giving a peppy experience off the line. However, its 200-horsepower engine can feel a bit lacking on the highway according to some reviewers. 

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Fuel Economy

Winner: Tie (Details Below)

Because the two models have the same engine and transmissions, they achieve the same fuel economy. The manual transmission achieves 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. As an automatic, both vehicles get 24 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. Their fuel tanks are the same size. 

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Handling and Braking

Winner: Tie (Details Below)

The Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S are tuned slightly differently, though you’ll have to really push them to their limits to feel a difference. Both models feature McPherson struts and a stabilizer bar on the front end, a double-wishbone suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar in the rear, and the same brakes.

The BRZ has a slightly smaller turning circle but has a higher coefficient of drag. Subaru’s model weighs more than the FR-S with either transmission.

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• Read the 2016 Scion FR-S Full Review
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Interior Quality

Winner: 2016 Subaru BRZ (Details Below)

The BRZ and FR-S are all about budget-friendly performance, which means you won’t be blown away by the number of standard features or wowed by the hard plastic materials that make up the cabin. The differences between the two models are minimal in terms of their quality offerings, but the features of the BRZ help it to look less cheap overall, giving it the nod in this category.

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Seating

Winner: Tie (Details Below)

Both models offer seating that is comfortable and supportive, even on long drives.  Technically both models seat four, but you’ll have a hard time fitting an adult in the back seat of either model. Cloth seating is standard in the BRZ and FR-S. 

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• Read the 2016 Scion FR-S Full Review
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Interior Features

Winner: 2016 Subaru BRZ (Details Below)

Inside the cabin is where the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S differ the most. While the Scion model offers a larger standard touch screen, bumping up the BRZ to the Limited trim gives owners more than the Scion offers in other areas, including dual-zone automatic climate control (FR-S has manual controls), illuminated push button start, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. The Scion FR-S only comes in one grade.

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• Read the 2016 Subaru BRZ Full Review
• See 2016 Subaru BRZ Photos
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Cargo

Winner: Tie (Details Below)

Neither the Subaru BRZ nor the Scion FR-S offers good cargo space, something that is typical for a small sports car. They both have 6.9-cubic feet of storage space in the trunk, which is just barely enough to fit three large grocery bags. Both models feature a folding rear seat allowing owners to expand the cargo space to fit up to two golf bags.

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Safety

Winner: Tie (Details Below)

2016 models of the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S achieved high marks for their safety. In testing done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), they both received Good marks in moderate overall front, side impact, rear crash, and roof strength tests. The FR-S achieved an Acceptable rating in the small overlap front test, but the 2016 BRZ is unscored in that category. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave both models a 5-Star Overall safety rating.

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Warranty

Winner: 2016 Subaru BRZ (Details Below)

When purchased new, each model comes with a good set of warranties but Subaru’s offerings are slightly better. The Subaru BRZ gets a three-year/36,000-mile Limited Warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. It also has a three-year/36,000-mile Wear Item Limited Warranty and a five-year Rust Perforation Limited Warranty.

The Scion FR-S comes backed by the automaker’s three-year/36,000-mile Comprehensive, five-year/60,000-mile Powertrain, and a five-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Perforation warranties. 

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Reliability

Winner: 2016 Subaru BRZ (Details Below)

Because the two models share so many components, it’s not surprising that they share the same level of reliability. J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study has rated the two vehicles as The Rest, its lowest score given.

However, the Scion FR-S has been the subject of three NHTSA safety recalls, the Subaru BRZ has not. The FR-S’ recalls involve labels, tires, and the automatic transmission.

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Options

Winner: 2016 Subaru BRZ (Details Below)

Scion sells the FR-S in one grade. Additional components are available for sale by dealerships but are considered aftermarket add-ons.

The Subaru BRZ comes in base and Limited grades, giving buyers more of an option to get what they want from their purchase. The Limited grade adds a number of convenience features including Alcantara seat inserts with leather bolsters, dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless Access with push-button start, rear trunk spoiler, and security system.

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The Winner Is …

2016 Subaru BRZ

This contest is tough to call because of how similar the vehicles are, but with its list of optional features and two grades to choose from, the Subaru BRZ takes the trophy.

Buying an FR-S versus a BRZ largely comes down to what aesthetic appeals most to the owner. Buyers may also want to consider the reputation of the dealership they’ll be receiving service at when deciding between the models.

For the 2017 model year, both the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ have been redesigned, with the FR-S now known as the Toyota 86. If there are 2016 models left on the lot, they may be your best chance for a good deal.

• Find 2016 Subaru BRZ For Sale
• Read the 2016 Subaru BRZ Full Review
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• See Sports Cars Rankings

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