2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW 3 Series explodes onto the scene with its sophisticated rear-wheel-drive architecture, offering 255 hp and a commanding presence starting at an MSRP of $45,950. Contrast this with the visceral thrill of the 2025 Toyota GR86, a pure, lightweight coupe focused entirely on driver engagement, anchored by a standard 6-speed manual transmission. While the BMW sedan boasts a superior Combined MPG of 31, the GR86 sacrifices some efficiency for its raw appeal. The BMW offers substantial power advantages, pulling 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the GR86’s 184 lb-ft, which is reflected in its higher output. Furthermore, the 3 Series is significantly larger at 185.9 inches in length, providing a more substantial ride quality than the compact 167.9-inch GR86. This comparison pits German luxury refinement against focused Japanese track capability, separated by a substantial $15,550 difference in entry price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is the clear winner for commuters due to its significantly higher fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the GR86's 22 MPG.
2025 BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is the practical choice as a sedan offering 16.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GR86's restrictive 6.3 cu ft coupe capacity.
2025 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers an unrivaled raw driving experience centered around its standard 6-speed manual transmission and track-ready dynamics.
2025 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 delivers exceptional performance fundamentals for its drastically lower starting MSRP of $30,400, saving buyers $15,550 upfront.
Choose the BMW 3 Series if...
- You prioritize efficiency and want a combined 31 MPG rating for daily driving.
- You require usable rear seating and a practical 16.9 cu ft trunk.
- You desire the stronger torque output of 295 lb-ft paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- You insist on the pure control provided by a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- Your budget is firmly under $31,000 and you seek maximum driving feedback for the price.
- You value agility and size, evidenced by its compact 167.9-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 3 Series | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.9" | 167.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.8" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Attention 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 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling 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 | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 295 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 | 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) | 28/35 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 436.8/546.0 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.7 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.6 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.6 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 Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
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 3 Series and 2025 Toyota GR86.
Is the 2025 BMW 3 Series substantially faster than the GR86?
Yes, the BMW 3 Series delivers a noticeable performance edge with 255 hp versus the GR86's 228 hp, and crucially, it produces 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Toyota's 184 lb-ft.
Which vehicle is better for long-distance road trips regarding running costs?
The BMW 3 Series is superior for long trips, boasting a combined 31 MPG, which is 9 MPG better than the GR86's 22 MPG combined rating, leading to fewer fuel stops.
Do both cars require the same fuel type?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2025 Toyota GR86 mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
How much more practical is the BMW 3 Series for carrying gear?
The BMW sedan is vastly more practical, offering 16.9 cu ft of cargo space, more than double the meager 6.3 cu ft available in the GR86 coupe.
What is the primary mechanical difference impacting the driving feel?
The 3 Series uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the GR86 emphasizes driver involvement with its standard 6-speed manual transmission.
Why is the GR86 so much cheaper than the BMW?
The GR86 is priced $15,550 lower, reflecting its focus on delivering a simple, lightweight, RWD sports coupe experience rather than luxury amenities found in the $45,950 BMW.
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