2026 Subaru BRZ vs. Toyota GR86: Are They Really the Same Car? If you've ever cross-shopped the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR86, you've probably noticed something unusual: these two sports cars are almost mechanically identical. They share the same engine, the same chassis, and even the same 0-60 time. So what actually separates them, and which one should you buy? Here's an honest breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Subaru to help you decide. Quick Comparison: 2026 BRZ vs. 2026 GR86 Starting MSRP BRZ: $37,055 GR86: $32,695 Engine BRZ: 2.4L Subaru Boxer H4, 228 hp / 184 lb-ft GR86: 2.4L flat-four (Subaru-built), 228 hp / 184 lb-ft — identical output 0-60 MPH BRZ: 6.1 sec (manual) / 6.6 sec (automatic) GR86: 6.1 sec (manual) / 6.6 sec (automatic) — identical Transmission BRZ: 6-speed manual (standard) or 6-speed automatic GR86: 6-speed manual (standard) or 6-speed automatic (+$1,100) Drivetrain BRZ: RWD with standard rear limited-slip differential GR86: RWD with standard rear limited-slip differential — identical Trim Levels BRZ: Premium, Limited, tS GR86: Base, Premium, Yuzu Edition (limited production) Why These Two Cars Are So Similar The BRZ and GR86 are the result of a joint development partnership between Subaru and Toyota, and the two companies didn't just share an engine platform — they built nearly the entire car together. Both use the same Subaru-designed 2.4L flat-four boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the same 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission, and the same rear-wheel-drive layout with a standard limited-slip differential. Performance figures are effectively identical: both hit 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds with the manual, and both top out around 140 mph. If you're looking for a meaningful power or performance gap between these two, you won't find one. Where the BRZ Actually Pulls Ahead: The tS Trim This is the real differentiator. The Subaru BRZ tS is a factory-built performance variant that the GR86 simply doesn't have an equivalent for. The tS adds STI-tuned suspension components and Brembo front brakes straight from the factory, sharpening the BRZ's already well-regarded handling into something genuinely track-capable without requiring aftermarket modifications. For enthusiasts who want the most focused version of this platform without a trip to a tuning shop, the BRZ tS is the only way to get there. To Be Fair: Where the GR86 Holds Its Own The most honest advantage the GR86 has is price. According to TrueCar, the GR86 starts at $32,695 compared to the BRZ's $37,055 starting point, a gap of roughly $4,000 that holds up across comparable trim levels. Toyota also offers the limited-production Yuzu Edition for 2026, giving GR86 shoppers a distinct special-edition option with its own unique styling touches. If getting into this platform at the lowest possible price is your top priority, the GR86 is the more accessible choice. The Verdict Since these two cars are mechanically identical, the decision really comes down to price versus factory performance hardware. If you want the lowest cost of entry into this platform, the Toyota GR86 saves you real money without giving up any of the driving experience. But if you want the option to step up to a factory-tuned performance variant with STI suspension and Brembo brakes, the 2026 Subaru BRZ tS offers something the GR86 lineup simply can't match. Either way, you're getting one of the purest, most affordable rear-wheel-drive sports cars still sold new today. See the 2026 Subaru BRZ for Yourself Visit John Kennedy Subaru to test drive the BRZ and see how it compares to the GR86 in person. View BRZ Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru is a convenient stop for BRZ shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Conshohocken, PA West Conshohocken, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA King of Prussia, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Subaru inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Subaru.com, Toyota.com, TrueCar, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Subaru for current pricing, incentives, and availability.

Fall Foliage Drives Near Plymouth Meeting, PA As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, the parks, trails, and back roads around Plymouth Meeting transform into one of the best fall foliage destinations in the Philadelphia area. Pennsylvania has one of the longest and most varied fall foliage seasons in the country, and you don't have to travel far to see it. Here's a local guide to the best fall foliage drives near Plymouth Meeting, brought to you by John Kennedy Subaru. Wissahickon Valley Park Just a short drive from Plymouth Meeting, Wissahickon Valley Park is consistently ranked among the best places in the region to see fall color. The park spans 1,800 wooded acres across both Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, with more than 50 miles of trails winding along Wissahickon Creek. The seven-mile Forbidden Drive is the easiest way to take it all in, leading to the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Philadelphia and one of the park's most photographed fall spots. Peak color typically arrives in the last week of October through the first two weeks of November. Fort Washington State Park Continuing north from the Wissahickon, Fort Washington State Park connects to the same forested corridor via the Wissahickon Trail, also known as the Green Ribbon Trail. It's a great add-on stop for a longer fall drive, with wooded hiking paths and an easy-to-reach overlook that puts a wide sweep of Montgomery County's fall color on display. Valley Forge National Historical Park A quick drive toward King of Prussia, Valley Forge National Historical Park pairs Revolutionary War history with some of the most photogenic fall scenery in the area. Its rolling fields and monuments are just as striking from behind the wheel as they are on foot, making it an easy loop to add to any fall day trip from Plymouth Meeting. Evansburg State Park A bit farther out near Skippack and Collegeville, Evansburg State Park offers a mix of forest trails and open meadows along Skippack Creek. It's a quieter alternative to the more heavily trafficked Wissahickon, with plenty of picnicking spots to enjoy the season at a slower pace. Green Lane Park For a bigger day trip, Green Lane Park is the largest park in Montgomery County at 3,400 acres, with a trail network ranging from easy, flat walks to higher-elevation hikes with sweeping views. It's one of the best spots in the county for both fall color and birdwatching in the same trip. The Cross County Trail For something closer to home, the Cross County Trail runs from Conshohocken directly into Plymouth Meeting as a spur off the Schuylkill River Trail, making it one of the most convenient fall color walks for anyone right in our own backyard. The Best Way to Take In the Season Whether you're winding through the Wissahickon, looping Valley Forge, or heading out to Green Lane Park for the day, a fall foliage drive is a lot more enjoyable in a vehicle built for changing conditions. Every Subaru comes with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, so wet leaves on a shaded back road or an early frost won't cut your foliage tour short. Get Fall-Ready with a Subaru from John Kennedy Subaru Whatever your route this fall, our team can help you find the right Subaru for the drive. Browse New Subaru Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru is a convenient stop for drivers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area heading out to enjoy the season. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Conshohocken, PA West Conshohocken, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA King of Prussia, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Lafayette Hill, PA Ambler, PA Fort Washington, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers before you hit the road this fall. Park hours, trail conditions, and seasonal offerings referenced above are subject to change. Please check with each destination directly for current hours and availability before visiting.

2026 Subaru Ascent vs. Honda Pilot: Which Three-Row SUV Fits Your Family? When it's time to find a three-row SUV for the whole family, the Subaru Ascent and the Honda Pilot are two of the most cross-shopped names in the segment. Both offer seating for up to eight, strong towing capability, and genuinely useful family features. But they take different approaches to all-weather capability, power, and everyday practicality. Here's a full breakdown from the team at John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting to help you decide which one truly fits your family. Quick Comparison: 2026 Ascent vs. 2026 Pilot Starting MSRP — Ascent: $40,795 | Pilot: $42,395 Standard Engine — Ascent: 2.4L Turbo Boxer, 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | Pilot: 3.5L V6, 285 hp / 262 lb-ft Drivetrain — Ascent: standard Symmetrical AWD on every single trim | Pilot: front-wheel drive standard, AWD optional on Sport/EX-L, standard only from TrailSport up Max Towing — Ascent: up to 5,000 lbs (every trim) | Pilot: up to 5,000 lbs with AWD, only 3,500 lbs with FWD Ground Clearance — Ascent: 8.7 inches | Pilot: up to 8.3 inches (TrailSport) Seating — Ascent: up to 8 passengers | Pilot: up to 8 passengers Max Cargo (rear seats folded) — Ascent: up to 75.6 cu ft | Pilot: up to 87–112 cu ft Standard Safety Suite — Ascent: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Pilot: Honda Sensing All-Wheel Drive: The Ascent's Biggest Advantage This is the single most important difference between these two SUVs. Every 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, no exceptions and no upcharge, across all seven trims. The Honda Pilot, by contrast, starts as a front-wheel-drive SUV on its base Sport and EX-L trims, with AWD offered only as a paid option — and even then, FWD Pilot models are limited to 3,500 lbs of towing versus 5,000 lbs with AWD. For Plymouth Meeting and Montgomery County families who deal with real winter weather, that means every single Ascent on the lot is already built for the conditions, while Pilot shoppers have to make sure they're looking at the right trim and drivetrain combination to get the same capability. The Ascent also holds a ground clearance advantage at 8.7 inches, edging out even the Pilot's off-road-focused TrailSport trim at 8.3 inches. Combined with standard X-MODE and Hill Descent Control, the Ascent is built to handle rougher terrain and worse weather right out of the box, on every trim — not just the priciest one. Power and Towing The Pilot's 3.5L V6 does produce more horsepower on paper (285 hp vs. the Ascent's 260 hp), and its smooth V6 character is a genuine strength. But the Ascent's turbocharged boxer engine actually delivers more torque (277 lb-ft vs. 262 lb-ft), which translates to strong low-end pulling power for merging, passing, and towing. Both SUVs top out at a useful 5,000 lbs of towing capacity — but the Ascent reaches that number as standard equipment on every trim, while the Pilot only hits its full 5,000-lb rating once you've added AWD. Space, Safety, and Family Features Subaru positions the Ascent as offering more overall passenger space than several competitors in this class, and it comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, along with available features like DriverFocus distraction mitigation and Cabin Connect, which lets the driver talk to third-row passengers without turning around. The Pilot counters with a genuinely spacious cabin of its own, a new-for-2026 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a larger maximum cargo capacity when both rear rows are folded flat — a real advantage for families who occasionally need to haul more gear than passengers. To Be Fair: Where the Pilot Holds Its Own The Pilot isn't without real strengths. Its 285-hp V6 is smooth and refined, its maximum cargo volume beats the Ascent's by a wide margin, and its new 12.3-inch touchscreen is a meaningful upgrade for 2026. The TrailSport trim also offers genuine off-road-oriented hardware and second-row captain's chairs for families who want a slightly different flavor of capability. If maximum cargo space and horsepower on paper matter most to you, the Pilot is a strong, well-rounded choice. The Verdict Both of these three-row SUVs are excellent choices for growing families. But for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive on every trim without paying extra, a higher ground clearance, and full towing capability regardless of which trim you choose, the 2026 Subaru Ascent comes out ahead. The Pilot remains a strong pick for families who prioritize maximum cargo room and V6 smoothness, but if all-weather confidence and standard capability across the entire lineup matter most, the Ascent is the stronger overall package. See the 2026 Subaru Ascent for Yourself Visit John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting to test drive the Ascent and see how it compares to the Pilot in person. View Ascent Inventory Schedule a Test Drive Proudly Serving Plymouth Meeting and the Surrounding Communities John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting is a convenient stop for Ascent shoppers throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. We're proud to serve drivers from: Plymouth Meeting, PA Norristown, PA East Norriton, PA West Norriton, PA Conshohocken, PA King of Prussia, PA Valley Forge, PA Blue Bell, PA Whitemarsh, PA Ardmore, PA Philadelphia, PA No matter which of these communities you call home, our Plymouth Meeting showroom is just a short drive away. Browse our full new Subaru inventory or visit our homepage to learn more about financing, trade-ins, and current offers. Pricing, specifications, and third-party data referenced above are current as of publication and sourced from Subaru.com, Honda.com, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, TrueCar, and Autoblog. Specs and pricing are subject to change by each manufacturer and may not include destination fees, taxes, title, or dealer charges. See John Kennedy Subaru of Plymouth Meeting for current pricing, incentives, and availability.