2025 Audi S3 vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Audi S3 hits the pavement with a muscular 328 hp from its turbocharged engine, promising German precision wrapped in a sharp sedan package starting at $48,700. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota GR86 electrifies the segment with pure driver engagement, utilizing a naturally aspirated 228 hp and a traditional 6-speed manual in a focused, lightweight coupe structure priced remarkably lower at $30,800. This clash pits turbocharged all-wheel-drive speed against RWD purity. While the S3 boasts a substantial 100 hp advantage and superior acceleration figures, the GR86 counters with better fuel economy, achieving a combined 22 MPG versus the Audi's 26 MPG. Furthermore, the difference in size is evident: the S3 is nearly 10 inches longer than the compact GR86, impacting maneuverability but offering slightly more cargo room at 8.3 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Audi S3
The Audi S3 offers superior all-wheel-drive traction and a more comfortable sedan profile for daily driving duties.
2025 Audi S3
The S3 is the only viable option here as its sedan body offers more practical passenger space than the dedicated two-seater GR86 coupe.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 delivers superior driver involvement with its rear-wheel-drive layout and traditional 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 wins on value by offering an exciting RWD experience for $17,900 less than the Audi S3.
Choose the Audi S3 if...
- You absolutely require a usable back seat and four doors, making the S3's sedan body necessary.
- Your driving involves inclement weather, benefiting significantly from the standard all-wheel-drive system.
- You prioritize sheer straight-line performance, relying on the S3's 328 hp for rapid acceleration.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- You demand the ultimate analog driving experience coupled with a true 6-speed manual transmission.
- Budget is paramount, as saving $17,900 off the MSRP is a major factor.
- You prefer a pure RWD sports coupe experience optimized for handling over outright horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Audi S3 | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.4" | 167.9" |
| Width | 71.5" | 69.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 103.6" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 328 hp | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 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) | 23/31 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.5/449.5 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 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 | ✓ | — |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Audi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.1 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 36.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 36.6 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.0 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 Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/40R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
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 S3 and 2026 Toyota GR86.
How much faster is the 2025 Audi S3 compared to the 2026 GR86?
The Audi S3 holds a significant advantage with 328 hp, generating 100 more horsepower than the GR86's 228 hp. This extra power, combined with its automated manual and AWD, translates to considerably quicker acceleration times, especially in slippery conditions.
Is the extra cost of the Audi S3 worth the utility difference?
The S3 costs $48,700 versus the GR86's $30,800, a $17,900 difference. While the S3 offers a sedan body style and slightly more cargo room (8.3 cu ft vs 6.3 cu ft), this price jump is substantial for most buyers seeking pure driving fun.
Which car is more economical for my daily commute?
The Toyota GR86 offers slightly better overall fuel economy, achieving 22 MPG combined compared to the Audi S3's 26 MPG combined. However, the S3's superior highway rating of 31 MPG might offer better long-distance efficiency despite requiring premium fuel for both.
Can the GR86 handle winter weather effectively?
The GR86 is strictly rear-wheel-drive and, being lower at 51.6 inches in height, is less suited for heavy snow than the all-wheel-drive Audi S3. Commuters in snow-prone regions should heavily favor the S3's traction capabilities.
Why does the Audi S3 require premium fuel while the GR86 also requires it?
Both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel because their high-compression or turbocharged engines require higher octane ratings to prevent damaging pre-ignition, ensuring both the S3's 328 hp and the GR86's 228 hp are maximized safely.
Which vehicle provides a more engaging manual driving experience?
Enthusiasts seeking engagement will prefer the GR86, which comes standard with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, compared to the S3's faster-shifting 7-speed automated manual system.
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