Subaru BRZ & Toyota 86 Exhaust: MagnaFlow vs Borla

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 (and its Scion FR-S twin) were built to be modified, and a cat-back exhaust is one of the first upgrades most owners bolt on. The naturally aspirated FA20 boxer four makes 200 hp in the 2013–2016 cars and 205 hp with 156 lb-ft in the 2017–2021 refresh — numbers that reward every ounce of breathing improvement and every extra decibel of engine note. In this comparison we put two of the most popular brands, MagnaFlow and Borla, against each other across four real-world Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 exhaust systems that we stock and ship from our Tampa, FL shop.

Why Upgrade the FA20 BRZ & 86 Exhaust?

A cat-back exhaust upgrade on the BRZ/86 is primarily about sound, weight, and character — not big dyno numbers. On the naturally aspirated 2.0L FA20, a quality cat-back typically frees only a few horsepower (roughly 3–8 whp in the mid-range) because the factory catalytic converters and headers stay in place. What it does deliver is a fuller, sportier note, less restrictive 2.5in mandrel-bent piping in place of the pinched OEM tubing, and larger polished tips that finish the rear diffuser. For a chassis this light (around 2,800 lb), the reduced backpressure and crisper throttle response are exactly what enthusiasts are after.

The four systems below split into two clear camps: full cat-back exhausts that replace everything from the cats rearward (MagnaFlow NEO, Borla S-Type, MagnaFlow Street Series), and an axle-back rear section (Borla Touring) that only swaps the last stage for a simpler, quieter install. Prices run from about $1,098 for the Borla Touring to roughly $2,280 for the flagship MagnaFlow NEO.

MagnaFlow NEO vs Borla S-Type: The Head-to-Head

These two aggressive cat-backs are the heavy hitters. The MagnaFlow NEO is the newest design and the most versatile fitment; the Borla S-Type is the enthusiast benchmark for the classic gen-1 FR-S/BRZ growl.

The MagnaFlow NEO Series #19595 runs 2.5in fast-flowing, mandrel-bent main piping through a straight-through muffler and a dedicated NDT resonator, exiting as a dual rear outlet with 4.5in polished tips. Its signature feature is No Drone Technology (NDT), which tunes out the boomy resonance that plagues four-cylinder cars at highway cruise. Crucially, it is the only kit here that spans generations — it fits the 2013+ BRZ, 2017–2020 Toyota 86, 2013–2016 Scion FR-S, and even the 2022+ GR86 — making it the safe choice if you are not sure which chassis you have.

The Borla S-Type #140496 is built from aerospace-grade T-304 stainless steel and uses Borla's patented straight-through, multi-core technology to deliver the unmistakable "Sound of Power." It is the aggressive-but-refined choice: notably louder than stock, with a hard-edged rasp under throttle that gen-1 FR-S/BRZ owners love. At around $1,290 (down from $1,444.99) it undercuts the MagnaFlow NEO by roughly $1,000, but its listed fitment is narrower — the 2013–2015 FR-S and 2013 BRZ — so confirm your exact year on the product page before ordering. Like every Borla, it is backed by the Million-Mile Warranty.

Budget & Quiet Alternatives: MagnaFlow Street & Borla Touring

Not every 86/BRZ owner wants maximum volume or a $2,000+ price tag. These two systems cover the value and low-drone ends of the range.

The MagnaFlow Street Series #15157 is the value cat-back at about $1,161. It shares the same 2.5in mandrel-bent piping as the NEO but runs two straight-through mufflers into a dual split rear exit capped with 4in polished, welded double-wall, angle-cut tips. MagnaFlow rates it as moderate exterior and mild interior sound — a noticeable step up from stock without shouting on the highway. It is the pick for owners who want a genuine stainless cat-back and MagnaFlow's Lifetime Warranty on a tighter budget.

The Borla Touring #11937 is a rear-section (axle-back) system for the 2017–2020 BRZ and Toyota 86, priced around $1,098 (down from $1,229.99). "Touring" is Borla's quietest tune, so this is the mildest of the four — a clean tone bump and a set of polished tips without the drone or volume of a full cat-back. Because it only replaces the last section of the exhaust, it is the simplest install here and the best fit for a daily-driven 86/BRZ that still needs to be commuter-friendly.

Subaru BRZ & Toyota 86 Exhaust Comparison

Sound: Aggressive vs Moderate vs Mild

Sound is the number-one reason 86/BRZ owners upgrade, and these four systems cover the full spectrum. The Borla S-Type and MagnaFlow NEO are the most aggressive; the S-Type leans raspy and race-bred, while the NEO delivers the same aggression outside but uses No Drone Technology to keep the cabin livable at 70 mph. The MagnaFlow Street Series sits in the middle with a moderate exterior and mild interior tone, and the Borla Touring is the mildest — a subtle deepening rather than a shout. If highway drone is your worry, the NEO and the Touring are the two to shortlist; if you want the classic FR-S/BRZ growl at every pull, the S-Type is the one.

Installation & Fitment Notes

All four systems are bolt-on, direct-fit designs that reuse the factory hangers and slot into the OEM catalytic-converter flanges, so no cutting or welding is required. A cat-back like the MagnaFlow NEO or Borla S-Type is a straightforward two-to-three-hour DIY job on a lift or jack stands; the Borla Touring axle-back is even quicker since it only swaps the rear section. Because these are cat-back and axle-back systems, they retain the factory catalytic converters and do not disturb the car's emissions equipment.

Fitment is the one place to slow down. The MagnaFlow NEO is the broadest, spanning 2013–2016 FR-S, 2013+ BRZ, 2017–2020 Toyota 86, and 2022+ GR86. The Borla S-Type and MagnaFlow Street are listed for the early gen-1 (2013-era) cars, and the Borla Touring is a 2017–2020 BRZ/86 fitment. Always verify your exact year and trim on the product page before checkout — our team in Tampa can confirm fitment for your VIN if you are unsure. For more suspension and handling upgrades to pair with your new exhaust, browse our suspension collection, or see the full exhaust collection for other applications.

Which BRZ or 86 Exhaust Should You Buy?

Choose the exhaust that matches your priorities. Buy the MagnaFlow NEO if you want the best overall package — an aggressive tone, No Drone Technology for livable highway cruising, and the flexibility of a system that fits everything from a 2013 FR-S to a 2022+ GR86. It is our top pick and the one we recommend most often to customers who plan to keep the car and want a do-it-once upgrade backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

Pick the Borla S-Type if you own a gen-1 (2013–2015) FR-S or BRZ and chase the classic, raspy "Sound of Power" — it delivers the most character per dollar at around $1,290, plus the Million-Mile Warranty. Choose the MagnaFlow Street Series at roughly $1,161 when you want a real stainless cat-back on a budget with a moderate, drama-free tone. And go with the Borla Touring rear section (about $1,098) if your 2017–2020 86/BRZ is a daily driver and you want the simplest install and the quietest, most refined result. Whichever you choose, all four ship free on select brands from our Tampa, FL warehouse and clear the OEM catalytic converters for a bolt-on fit.