2025 Audi A4 vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the sophisticated 2025 Audi A4 and the spirited 2026 Toyota GR86 presents a classic dilemma: practicality and luxury versus pure driving fun and affordability. The price gap is substantial, with the A4 starting at $44,100 versus the GR86's accessible $30,800, a difference of $13,300. While the A4 offers more refined performance with 261 hp and superior daily running costs, achieving 26 combined MPG, the GR86 prioritizes engagement with its RWD and manual transmission, despite offering only 22 combined MPG. Furthermore, the A4 is significantly larger, measuring 187.5 inches long with 12 cubic feet of cargo space, while the smaller GR86 sedan offers just 6.3 cubic feet. For those needing AWD and better efficiency, the Audi leads; however, the GR86 dominates in sheer engagement for thousands less.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A4
The Audi A4 wins for commuters due to its superior 26 combined MPG rating and standard all-wheel drive.
2025 Audi A4
The Audi A4 easily accommodates more gear with 12 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GR86's meager 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers the engaging rear-wheel-drive platform and a dedicated 6-speed manual transmission for driving purists.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 provides a significantly lower entry point at $30,800 compared to the A4's $44,100 MSRP.
Choose the Audi A4 if...
- You prioritize year-round security and stability offered by the standard all-wheel drive system.
- Your budget allows for the higher $44,100 MSRP and the requirement for premium fuel.
- You need a usable trunk, benefiting from the A4's 12 cu ft cargo capacity for daily errands.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- You are seeking the most engaging, driver-focused experience with a standard 6-speed manual.
- Saving $13,300 is critical, as the GR86 starts at only $30,800.
- You prefer the classic feel and handling dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive coupe.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A4 | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.5" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.7" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.2" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 111.0" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 261 hp @ 6300 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 4200 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 | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/32 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/489.6 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| 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 | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.4 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/40R H | 215/45R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Audi A4 and 2026 Toyota GR86.
Is the Audi A4's higher horsepower noticeable against the GR86?
Yes, the Audi A4 boasts 261 hp, which is 33 more than the GR86's 228 hp, making the Audi quicker in straight-line acceleration and passing maneuvers.
Which car will cost less to run daily regarding fuel?
The Audi A4 is more efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG, beating the GR86’s 22 combined MPG, leading to fewer trips to the pump over time.
Why does the GR86 have less cargo space than the A4?
The GR86 is a dedicated coupe focused on performance, resulting in a compact 6.3 cu ft trunk; conversely, the A4 sedan prioritizes utility, offering 12 cu ft.
Does the transmission choice matter between these two?
Absolutely; the A4 uses a 7-speed automated manual for smoother, easier daily driving, while the GR86 offers a purely engaging 6-speed manual transmission.
Are both vehicles required to use premium fuel?
Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Audi A4 and the 2026 Toyota GR86 mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel.
What is the main difference in size between the A4 and the GR86?
The Audi A4 is significantly larger, measuring 187.5 inches in length and 56.2 inches in height, compared to the smaller, lower-slung GR86 at 167.9 inches long and 51.6 inches high.
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