2025 Acura TLX vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura TLX offers a sophisticated blend of near-luxury comfort and strong daily drivability, boasting 272 hp from its potent powertrain and achieving a respectable 25 MPG combined efficiency. Its substantial 194.6-inch length grants it a stable, executive presence on the road. Contrasting sharply is the 2026 Toyota GR86, an uncompromised sports coupe built purely for driver engagement, featuring a snappy 6-speed manual transmission and a lower $30,800 MSRP. While the TLX emphasizes refinement and practicality with 13.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the GR86 champions lightweight agility with only 228 hp and significantly less bulk. The $14,600 gulf in pricing highlights this choice: opulent daily transport versus raw, track-ready fun.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura TLX
The Acura TLX offers superior refinement and better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined for daily driving ease.
2025 Acura TLX
The TLX is a four-door sedan with vastly superior 13.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86's rear-wheel-drive layout and standard 6-speed manual transmission deliver a purer, more thrilling driving experience.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 provides an accessible sports car experience for only $30,800, significantly undercutting the TLX's $45,400 starting price.
Choose the Acura TLX if...
- You prioritize comfort and need four doors, as the TLX offers a much larger sedan footprint.
- You desire a quieter, more refined commute, benefiting from the 10-speed automatic transmission and higher horsepower (272 hp).
- Your driving involves more highway cruising where the 31 MPG highway rating provides tangible savings over time.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your definition of driving excitement mandates a rear-wheel-drive platform paired exclusively with a manual gearbox.
- You seek maximum performance engagement per dollar, given the GR86's $14,600 lower starting MSRP.
- You primarily drive solo or with one passenger and value agile handling over cargo capacity or rear-seat comfort.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura TLX | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.6" | 167.9" |
| Width | 75.2" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.4" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 272 hp @ 6500 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/31 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 349.8/492.9 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| ELS Studio Speakers | ✓ | — |
| Speaker System | 13 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.8 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.9 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | P255/40R | 215/45R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura TLX and 2026 Toyota GR86.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 TLX and the 2026 GR86?
The TLX holds a substantial advantage with 272 horsepower compared to the GR86's 228 horsepower, meaning the Acura has 44 more horses to pull its larger frame.
Is the Toyota GR86's required premium fuel usage a cost factor compared to the Acura?
Both vehicles require premium fuel, but the TLX mitigates this slightly with better efficiency, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the GR86's 22 MPG combined.
Which vehicle is better suited for carrying luggage for a weekend trip?
The Acura TLX is the clear winner for utility, offering 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more than double the GR86's meager 6.3 cubic feet.
Does the TLX offer the same direct driver engagement as the manual-only GR86?
No, the TLX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which prioritizes smooth shifts over the raw, clutch-pedal interaction offered by the GR86's mandatory 6-speed manual.
Given the size difference, how much easier is the GR86 to park and maneuver in tight city spaces?
The GR86 is significantly smaller and more nimble, measuring 167.9 inches long and 69.9 inches wide, whereas the TLX is a full 26.7 inches longer at 194.6 inches.
Is the significantly higher price of the TLX justified by its features over the GR86?
The $45,400 TLX offers a larger chassis, greater power, and a more luxurious feature set than the $30,800 GR86, but buyers must decide if those amenities are worth the $14,600 premium.
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