2025 Lexus ES vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
Deciding between refined comfort and pure driving thrills often lands buyers at a crossroads like the one presented by the 2025 Lexus ES and the 2026 Toyota GR86. If your priority is minimizing trips to the gas station, the Lexus ES is the clear choice, boasting a 28 MPG combined rating compared to the GR86's 22 MPG. Furthermore, the ES provides significantly more practicality; it is nearly 3 feet longer at 195.9 inches and offers more than double the trunk space with 13.9 cu ft versus the GR86's meager 6.3 cu ft. While the GR86 squeaks out a slight power advantage with 228 hp versus the Lexus’s 203 hp, the ES achieves this efficiency while only requiring regular unleaded fuel, whereas the GR86 demands premium. Crucially, the ES starts at an MSRP of $42,140, which is $11,340 more expensive than the GR86's $30,800 entry price, balancing initial cost against long-term running expenses.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES wins due to its superior 28 MPG combined rating and softer ride quality for daily driving.
2025 Lexus ES
The sedan format of the Lexus ES provides 13.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, making it vastly more practical than the coupe's 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 is designed purely for driving enjoyment with its 228 hp, rear-wheel drive, and engaging 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 undercuts the Lexus ES by $11,340 in MSRP and requires less expensive fuel.
Choose the Lexus ES if...
- You drive significant daily mileage and prioritize fuel economy, given the ES achieves 33 Highway MPG.
- You need practical sedan dimensions, evidenced by its 195.9-inch length and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
- You prefer to save money on fuel, as the ES runs happily on regular unleaded gasoline.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your primary focus is an engaging, high-feedback driving experience via the 6-speed manual transmission.
- You are budget-conscious, benefiting from the GR86's $30,800 starting MSRP compared to the ES.
- You need maximum performance agility, taking advantage of its 228 hp output and rear-wheel drive layout.
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 2026 Toyota GR86.
Does the Lexus ES offer more power than the Toyota GR86?
No, the 2026 Toyota GR86 has a slight edge with 228 hp compared to the 2025 Lexus ES's 203 hp. However, the ES is nearly 10 inches longer and significantly heavier, which factors into the overall driving feel.
Which car is substantially cheaper to purchase initially?
The Toyota GR86 is significantly cheaper, with an MSRP of $30,800 versus the Lexus ES's starting price of $42,140. This represents an $11,340 difference right off the lot.
How much more practical is the Lexus ES for carrying luggage?
The Lexus ES sedan offers 13.9 cu ft of cargo space, which is more than double the 6.3 cu ft available in the Toyota GR86 coupe. This makes the ES far better suited for longer trips or frequent grocery runs.
Is the fuel economy difference meaningful between the two vehicles?
Yes, the ES achieves 28 MPG combined on regular fuel, while the GR86 only manages 22 MPG combined and requires more expensive premium unleaded fuel. This gap widens the total cost of ownership in favor of the Lexus.
Which vehicle comes standard with AWD?
The 2025 Lexus ES comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Conversely, the 2026 Toyota GR86 is rear-wheel drive, offering a different dynamic focused on handling over all-weather stability.
What transmission differences will affect my driving experience?
The ES uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, prioritizing smooth efficiency, while the GR86 mandates a more hands-on 6-speed manual transmission for greater driver involvement.
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