2025 Lexus IS vs 2025 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus IS bursts onto the scene as the sophisticated, premium performer, boasting 241 horsepower and a slick 8-speed automatic transmission, wrapped in an undeniably sharp sedan package starting at $40,535. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota GR86 channels pure, raw excitement; it’s a dedicated driver's tool defined by its standard 6-speed manual transmission and featherlight dimensions (only 167.9 inches long). While the Lexus offers superior refinement, achieving 25 MPG combined, the GR86 sacrifices some practicality for visceral thrills, offering 228 horsepower and a significant $10,135 lower entry cost. The IS’s rear-wheel-drive platform provides balanced handling, but the smaller GR86 delivers sharper dynamics due to its compact footprint and lighter weight, appealing directly to purists craving immediate feedback over luxury appointments. Both require premium fuel, but their mission statements diverge drastically: luxury sport versus unfiltered sports coupe.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS offers better fuel economy at 25 MPG combined and superior ride comfort suitable for daily driving.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS is a sedan with significantly more cargo capacity at 10.8 cu ft compared to the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.
2025 Toyota GR86
The GR86 is purpose-built for spirited driving with its manual transmission and more agile, smaller dimensions.
2025 Toyota GR86
The GR86 is drastically cheaper, saving buyers $10,135 while still delivering a powerful rear-wheel-drive experience.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You prioritize a refined cabin experience, indicated by its luxury positioning and smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.
- You need more daily utility, evidenced by its 10.8 cu ft of cargo space over the coupe's limited area.
- You want slightly higher output from the engine, delivering 241 horsepower for effortless highway cruising.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your driving focus is purely on engagement, as dictated by the enthusiast-focused 6-speed manual transmission.
- Budget is a primary concern, allowing you to save $10,135 compared to the Lexus's base MSRP.
- You prefer a nimble, compact chassis, highlighted by its shorter length of 167.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus IS | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.4" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.5" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 110.2" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5200 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 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 | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/31 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 365.4/539.4 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.2 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 36.9 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 32.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.4 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
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 IS and 2025 Toyota GR86.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Lexus IS than the GR86?
The 2025 Lexus IS has a slight advantage in power, producing 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota GR86 delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Which car is significantly cheaper to purchase?
The Toyota GR86 offers tremendous financial savings, starting at an MSRP of $30,400, undercutting the Lexus IS, which begins at $40,535, representing a difference of $10,135.
Does the transmission choice impact the commuter experience?
Yes, the Lexus IS comes standard with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which is generally preferred for ease of use in stop-and-go traffic. The GR86 demands driver involvement with its 6-speed manual transmission.
How do their sizes affect daily practicality?
The Lexus IS is the larger vehicle, being 185.4 inches long and offering 10.8 cu ft of cargo space. The GR86 is significantly smaller at 167.9 inches long and provides only 6.3 cu ft of trunk space.
Are both cars rated for the same fuel efficiency?
No, the Lexus IS edges out the GR86 in efficiency, achieving a combined 25 MPG compared to the GR86's 22 MPG combined rating.
Which vehicle is geared toward pure driving dynamics?
The GR86 is the enthusiast's choice due to its focus on light weight, manual transmission availability, and a lower, smaller profile (51.6 inches high).
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