2025 Audi A5 vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
Choosing between practicality and pure driving thrills often presents a significant dilemma, and the 2025 Audi A5 versus the 2026 Toyota GR86 perfectly embodies this trade-off. The Audi A5, starting at an MSRP of $48,400, offers substantial usability as a hatchback with 21.8 cu ft of cargo space and a healthy 261 hp output, achieving 26 combined MPG despite needing premium fuel. Conversely, the GR86 grabs attention with its lower $30,800 entry point, though it demands full commitment with its 6-speed manual transmission and significantly smaller 6.3 cu ft trunk. While the A5 boasts 33 more horsepower than the GR86's 228 hp, the GR86 is notably smaller and lighter, measuring 167.9 inches long compared to the Audi's 187.2 inches. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prioritize premium refinement and AWD utility or raw, affordable rear-wheel-drive engagement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi A5
The Audi A5 wins due to its superior fuel economy of 26 combined MPG and the convenience of all-wheel drive.
2025 Audi A5
The A5 offers significantly more usable space, boasting 21.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 is the choice for purists, offering a standard 6-speed manual transmission and RWD layout for maximum driver involvement.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 presents outstanding fun for significantly less money, undercuting the A5's MSRP by $17,600.
Choose the Audi A5 if...
- You need practical space, as the A5 hatchback provides 21.8 cu ft of cargo area.
- You prefer the security and handling benefits of all-wheel drive in various conditions.
- You desire higher output immediately, benefitting from 261 hp accessible through an automated manual transmission.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your primary goal is maximum driving engagement via a standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
- Budget is a major concern, as the GR86 saves you $17,600 compared to the A5's starting price.
- You prioritize a pure sports car feel with RWD architecture, despite having only 184 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi A5 | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.2" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 69.9" |
| Height | 54.6" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| 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 (recommended) | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 180W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| 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 Extended | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 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 | 37.0 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | 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 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 A5 and 2026 Toyota GR86.
How much more does the 2025 Audi A5 cost to run regarding fuel?
The A5 has an MSRP $17,600 higher, and its fuel economy is slightly worse for highway driving (32 MPG vs. 26 MPG for the GR86), though the A5 is rated slightly better overall at 26 combined MPG compared to the GR86's 22 combined MPG.
Is the Audi A5's extra horsepower worth the price difference?
The A5 offers 261 hp, which is 33 hp more than the GR86’s 228 hp, providing quicker acceleration in a more refined package, but the GR86 uses its power effectively due to its lighter weight and RWD setup.
Which car is better for carrying large items?
The 2025 Audi A5 is the clear winner here because its hatchback body style allows for 21.8 cu ft of cargo space. The 2026 Toyota GR86 coupe only offers a tiny 6.3 cu ft of trunk space, barely enough for two small carry-ons.
Do I have to use premium fuel in both cars?
Yes, both vehicles require premium fuel; however, the Audi A5 recommends it, while the Toyota GR86 actually requires premium unleaded for its performance metrics.
How much smaller is the GR86 compared to the A5?
The Toyota GR86 is substantially more compact, measuring 167.9 inches long and 51.6 inches high, while the Audi A5 is 187.2 inches long and 54.6 inches high, making the Audi significantly longer and slightly taller.
Which car is more driver-focused regarding the transmission?
The GR86 caters directly to driving enthusiasts with its standard 6-speed manual transmission, forcing a more engaged driving experience than the A5's 7-speed automated manual.
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