2025 Lexus IS vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Lexus IS bursts onto the scene as the sophisticated, comfortable RWD sedan, boasting 241 hp from its turbo four-cylinder and achieving 25 MPG combined, all while commanding an MSRP of $40,535. Its larger frame, clocking in at 185.4 inches long, promises a more composed highway ride. Contrast this with the raw, visceral thrills of the 2026 Toyota GR86 coupe, a pure driver's machine featuring a spirited 6-speed manual transmission and only 228 hp, priced sharply lower at $30,800. While the GR86 demands more driver engagement, its compact 167.9-inch length and 6.3 cu ft of cargo space underscore its focus on agility over utility. The difference in price separates these two RWD platforms significantly: a nearly $10,000 gap favors the focused, fun-first attitude of the GR86 against the premium refinement and slightly better fuel economy (31 highway MPG) of the Lexus IS.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS offers better overall comfort and efficiency with a 25 MPG combined rating compared to the GR86's 22 MPG.
2025 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS, being a sedan, provides substantially more usable space, evidenced by its 10.8 cu ft of cargo capacity over the coupe's 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The 2026 GR86 appeals more to driving purists due to its dedicated 6-speed manual transmission and smaller, nimbler dimensions.
2026 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers an accessible RWD sports car experience for $30,800, significantly undercutting the Lexus IS's $40,535 starting price.
Choose the Lexus IS if...
- You prioritize refinement and comfort for daily driving, fitting the premium sedan category.
- You require slightly better fuel economy, netting 31 MPG on the highway.
- You need the practicality of a larger chassis with 10.8 cubic feet of trunk space.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- You absolutely demand the tactile engagement provided by the 6-speed manual transmission.
- Your budget is strictly limited, as the GR86 saves you $9,735 upfront.
- You value sharp, tossable handling characteristic of a compact coupe (167.9 inches long).
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 2026 Toyota GR86.
Is the significant horsepower difference between the two cars noticeable in real-world driving?
The Lexus IS has 241 hp, 13 more than the GR86's 228 hp, but the GR86's lighter weight and manual transmission often make it feel quicker in spirited driving situations where driver skill is utilized. However, the IS will likely win in straight-line acceleration tests due to its higher torque output (258 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft).
Which car is the better choice for long highway commutes?
The Lexus IS is the superior commuter due to its sedan architecture, expected superior ride isolation, and slightly better highway efficiency at 31 MPG. Its 8-speed automatic transmission is also generally preferred over constant manual shifting on long, steady drives.
Why does the Lexus IS require premium fuel if its horsepower rating is close to the GR86?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, indicating their high-compression or forced-induction designs demand higher octane for optimal performance and engine health. The IS uses premium to maximize the output of its 241 hp turbo engine.
How much more practical is the Lexus IS regarding carrying passengers and cargo?
The IS is considerably more practical; it is a four-door sedan offering significantly more interior volume and 10.8 cu ft of cargo space. The GR86 is a two-door coupe with only 6.3 cu ft, making it extremely limited for passengers or luggage.
Does the manual transmission on the GR86 make it inherently slower than the IS?
While the IS uses an 8-speed automatic, the GR86's manual transmission prioritizes driver connection over pure speed figures. For an enthusiast who can maximize shifting precision, the engagement often outweighs the 13 hp deficit in a performance context.
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