2025 BMW 2 Series vs 2026 Toyota GR86

$39,600 · Coupe

$30,800 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between premium German engineering and focused Japanese sportiness often boils down to budget versus amenities. If you're torn between the accessible luxury of the 2025 BMW 2 Series and the raw engagement of the 2026 Toyota GR86, let's look at the numbers. The most glaring difference is price: the BMW starts at $39,600, which is $8,800 more than the GR86's $30,800 MSRP. Power output also favors the Beamer, boasting 255 hp compared to the GR86's 228 hp. However, that extra power in the BMW comes at a slight fuel economy penalty; the BMW achieves 30 combined MPG versus the GR86's 22 combined MPG, despite using the same premium fuel requirement. Furthermore, the BMW is slightly larger at 179.0 inches long, offering a much more usable 13.8 cu ft of cargo space, double that of the GR86’s restrictive 6.3 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series is the better commuter due to its superior 30 combined MPG and more automatic-friendly transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 2 Series

While neither is ideal, the BMW offers nearly double the cargo capacity at 13.8 cu ft versus the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota GR86

The GR86 prioritizes driver connection with its standard 6-speed manual transmission, appealing to pure driving enthusiasts.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 wins on value by offering a highly engaging RWD experience for $8,800 less than the entry-level BMW.

Choose the BMW 2 Series if...

You need better highway fuel efficiency, achieving 35 MPG highway versus the GR86's 26 MPG highway.
You prefer the convenience of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for daily driving.
You require more usable space, benefiting from the 13.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Choose the Toyota GR86 if...

Your budget is a top priority, saving $8,800 instantly over the BMW.
You actively seek the unfiltered driving experience provided by the standard 6-speed manual.
You value maximum horsepower per dollar, accepting 228 hp for a significantly lower starting price.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 2 Series	Toyota GR86
Length	179.0"	167.9"
Width	72.4"	69.9"
Height	54.8"	51.6"
Wheelbase	107.9"	101.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	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	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
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 Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	—
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5000 rpm	228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1550 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	BMW	Toyota
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/35 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.2/479.5 mi.	264.0/343.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.7 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	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	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
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	BMW	Toyota
Rear Head Room	35.0 in.	33.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.2 in.	29.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.7 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	225/45R18	215/45R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 2 Series and 2026 Toyota GR86.

Does the BMW 2 Series use significantly more gas than the GR86?

Surprisingly, no. While the BMW has 255 hp versus the GR86's 228 hp, the BMW manages 30 combined MPG, outperforming the GR86's 22 combined MPG, even though both require premium fuel.

Which car is significantly smaller and potentially better for tight city parking?

The 2026 Toyota GR86 is the smaller vehicle, measuring 167.9 inches long compared to the BMW's 179.0 inches in length. It is also slightly narrower and shorter.

I want a manual; do I have to pay extra for one in either car?

The 2026 Toyota GR86 comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, making it the default choice for manual lovers. The 2025 BMW 2 Series comes standard with an 8-speed automatic.

How much more power does the 2025 BMW 2 Series actually have?

The BMW 2 Series offers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing an advantage of 27 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque over the Toyota GR86's figures.

Is the BMW's higher price justified by extra cargo room?

The BMW definitely offers more utility, providing 13.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GR86's meager 6.3 cu ft. This extra space is a tangible benefit for everyday usability.