2025 Nissan Z vs 2025 Toyota GR86

$42,970 · Coupe

$30,400 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2025 Nissan Z and the 2025 Toyota GR86 pits raw, muscular power against pure, surgical handling. The Nissan Z excites with its twin-turbo punch, delivering a staggering 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, aiming squarely at asphalt domination, despite sipping premium fuel and achieving only 20 combined MPG. Conversely, the GR86 captivates enthusiasts with its accessible balance, boasting 228 hp and excellent efficiency at 22 combined MPG, all while maintaining an aggressive $30,400 starting MSRP. This $12,570 price gap is the chasm separating the two: the Z is a performance titan with 172 more horsepower, whereas the smaller GR86 (167.9 inches long) offers superior fuel economy and a lower barrier to entry for RWD fun. Choosing between these two icons comes down to whether you prioritize brute-force muscle or razor-sharp, cost-effective agility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota GR86

The GR86 wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 22 combined MPG compared to the Nissan Z's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota GR86

Neither car is ideal for families, but the GR86 is marginally less impractical due to its slightly better efficiency figures.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Z

The Nissan Z offers substantially more driving excitement with 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, far exceeding the GR86's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota GR86

The GR86 presents incredible value, offering a pure RWD experience for $12,570 less than the substantially more powerful Nissan Z.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

You demand serious straight-line speed, leveraging the Nissan Z's dominant 400 horsepower output.
You prefer the stability and presence of a slightly larger coupe, with a length of 172.4 inches.
You appreciate the higher torque threshold of 350 lb-ft available for effortless highway merging.

Choose the Toyota GR86 if...

Budget is a major concern, as the GR86 undercuts the Z by a significant $12,570 starting price.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is important, as the GR86 delivers 22 combined MPG versus the Z's 20 MPG.
You value a smaller, nimbler platform, evidenced by the GR86's 69.9-inch width.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Z	Toyota GR86
Length	172.4"	167.9"
Width	72.6"	69.9"
Height	51.8"	51.6"
Wheelbase	100.4"	101.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	400 hp @ 6400 rpm	228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	264.0/343.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.2 in.	53.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Rear Head Room	—	33.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	29.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	51.7 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 9.0 in.	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	245/45R	215/45R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Z and 2025 Toyota GR86.

Which car is significantly faster in a straight line?

The 2025 Nissan Z is dramatically faster, generating 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is a staggering 172 hp advantage over the 228 hp GR86.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Nissan Z than the GR86?

The Nissan Z commands a premium starting MSRP of $42,970, resulting in a $12,570 higher price tag compared to the Toyota GR86's base cost of $30,400.

Is the fuel economy much different between these two manual coupes?

Yes, the GR86 offers slightly better efficiency, rated at 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway), whereas the more powerful Nissan Z manages 20 combined MPG (18 city/24 highway).

Do both cars require premium fuel?

The 2025 Toyota GR86 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel, while the 2025 Nissan Z only recommends premium unleaded for its potent output.

Which car offers better utility features, despite both being small coupes?

The GR86 technically offers more utility by providing a listed cargo capacity of 6.3 cubic feet, whereas no cargo figure was provided for the Nissan Z.

What is the primary difference in their drivetrain configuration?

Both vehicles feature a rear-wheel-drive configuration paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, but the Z offers significantly more power running through its drivetrain.