2025 Ford Mustang vs 2026 Toyota GR86

$31,920 · Coupe

$30,800 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Ford Mustang and the 2026 Toyota GR86 lies in raw performance, with the Mustang delivering 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the GR86's 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, an 87 hp surplus for the Ford. Fuel economy also presents a substantial gap, as the Mustang achieves a combined 26 MPG versus the GR86's 22 MPG. Priced at $31,920, the Mustang is $1,120 more expensive than the GR86's $30,800 MSRP. Furthermore, dimensional analysis shows the Mustang is significantly larger, measuring 189.4 inches long compared to the GR86's 167.9 inches. This size translates directly into utility, where the Mustang offers 13.5 cu ft of cargo space, more than double the GR86's restrictive 6.3 cu ft, although both employ a standard rear-wheel-drive layout.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Mustang

The 2025 Mustang wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel efficiency versus the GR86's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Mustang

With 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Mustang offers more than double the utility of the GR86's 6.3 cu ft, making it marginally more practical.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Mustang

The enthusiast preference leans toward the Mustang for its substantial power advantage, providing 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota GR86

The 2026 GR86 offers a lower entry price of $30,800 and achieves better mileage per dollar spent on fuel given its base cost.

Choose the Ford Mustang if...

You prioritize straight-line performance, benefiting from 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
You require better daily fuel economy, indicated by the Mustang's 26 combined MPG rating.
You need usable rear storage space, as the Mustang provides 13.5 cu ft versus 6.3 cu ft.

Choose the Toyota GR86 if...

A lower initial investment is crucial, given the GR86's $30,800 MSRP.
You prefer the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission over the Mustang's 10-speed automatic.
You desire a more compact footprint, as the GR86 is over 11 inches shorter in length (167.9 inches vs 189.4 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Mustang	Toyota GR86
Length	189.4"	167.9"
Width	75.4"	69.9"
Height	55.0"	51.6"
Wheelbase	107.0"	101.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	315 hp @ 5500 rpm	228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	350 lb-ft @ 3000 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	Ford	Toyota
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/33 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/528.0 mi.	264.0/343.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Toyota
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	8.0 in
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Front Head Room	37.6 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	53.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.9 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Rear Head Room	34.8 in.	33.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.0 in.	29.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.2 in.	51.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	235/50R18	215/45R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Toyota
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2026 Toyota GR86.

What is the primary difference in drivetrain between these two coupes?

The 2025 Mustang utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission mated to its RWD system. Conversely, the 2026 GR86 exclusively offers a 6-speed manual transmission paired with its rear-wheel-drive configuration, appealing to drivers who prefer direct mechanical input.

How much more powerful is the Ford Mustang compared to the Toyota GR86?

The Mustang significantly outpaces the GR86 in power output, boasting 315 horsepower against the GR86's 228 horsepower. This equates to an 87 hp advantage for the Mustang, alongside a 166 lb-ft lead in torque.

Which vehicle is more economical for fuel consumption?

The 2025 Mustang is the more efficient choice, achieving a combined 26 MPG (22 city/33 highway). The GR86 returns a lower 22 MPG combined rating, with 20 city and 26 highway MPG figures.

Are both cars powered by the same type of fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Mustang and the 2026 GR86 specify premium unleaded fuel. However, the Mustang recommends it while the GR86 requires it for operation.

How do the vehicle dimensions compare for parking and maneuverability?

The 2026 GR86 is substantially smaller, measuring 167.9 inches long and 69.9 inches wide. The 2025 Mustang is larger across the board at 189.4 inches long and 75.4 inches wide, which aids in cabin space but can hinder tight parking.

Is there a notable difference in utility space between the two coupes?

Yes, cargo capacity is a major differentiator, with the Mustang offering 13.5 cubic feet. The GR86 provides only 6.3 cubic feet, meaning the Mustang can accommodate nearly double the luggage volume.