2025 Lexus ES vs 2025 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus ES embodies serene luxury, beginning its allure with plush refinement and an available All-Wheel Drive system, making its $42,140 starting price an investment in comfort. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota GR86 blasts onto the scene with raw, focused excitement; its appeal lies in the unfiltered engagement of a standard 6-speed manual transmission paired with 228 hp. The Lexus offers a solid 28 combined MPG from its 203 hp engine, while the GR86 demands premium fuel for its higher 228 hp output. Size-wise, the ES dwarfs the GR86, measuring 195.9 inches long compared to the coupe’s compact 167.9 inches, which contributes to the Lexus’s significantly larger 13.9 cu ft cargo hold versus the GR86's tight 6.3 cu ft. This comparison pits effortless luxury against track-ready exhilaration, separated by a stark $11,740 MSRP gap.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy delivering 28 combined MPG and the comfortable ride associated with its sedan body style.
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is the only viable option as a family vehicle, offering four doors and double the cargo capacity at 13.9 cu ft compared to the GR86 coupe.
2025 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 is the enthusiast's choice because it features a pure 6-speed manual transmission and a driver-focused rear-wheel-drive coupe layout.
2025 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers significantly more power (228 hp vs. 203 hp) for $11,740 less, delivering superior performance per dollar.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- You require the confidence and traction provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- Your budget allows for the higher $42,140 MSRP in exchange for luxury and comfort features.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency on longer trips, as the ES achieves 33 highway MPG.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your primary joy comes from shifting your own gears via the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
- You desire the razor-sharp handling dynamics associated with a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe.
- Maximizing horsepower per dollar is critical, as the GR86 delivers 228 hp for only $30,400.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus ES | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.9" | 167.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 69.9" |
| Height | 57.1" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 113.0" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/33 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/524.7 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Brand Speakers | Pioneer | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.5 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 215/55R17 | 215/45R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus ES and 2025 Toyota GR86.
Is the Lexus ES significantly larger than the Toyota GR86?
Yes, the Lexus ES is substantially larger, measuring 195.9 inches in length compared to the GR86’s compact 167.9 inches. This size difference is reflected in the ES’s nearly double the cargo capacity at 13.9 cubic feet versus the GR86's 6.3 cubic feet.
Do I need premium fuel for either vehicle?
The Toyota GR86 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its 228 horsepower rating. In contrast, the 2025 Lexus ES is designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.
Which car offers better horsepower despite the price difference?
The Toyota GR86 provides more peak power with 228 hp, while the Lexus ES delivers 203 hp, despite the GR86 being priced about $11,740 lower.
How does the MPG compare between these two vehicles?
The Lexus ES is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG (24 City/33 Highway). The GR86 is rated lower at 22 combined MPG due to its performance focus and standard manual transmission.
What is the fundamental difference in the drivetrain setup?
The Lexus ES is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels via an All-Wheel Drive system. The GR86 is engineered for purists with a 6-speed manual transmission driving only the rear wheels.
Which vehicle is better suited for hauling luggage or gear?
The Lexus ES offers 13.9 cu ft of cargo space, making it far more practical for errands and weekend trips than the GR86, which only provides a very limited 6.3 cu ft in its trunk.
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