2025 Nissan Z vs 2026 Toyota GR86

$42,970 · Coupe

$30,800 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Nissan Z and the 2026 Toyota GR86 often boils down to prioritizing raw power versus serious savings. If you are looking for the bigger thrill, the Nissan Z brings a massive 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque to the table, substantially outgunning the GR86's 228 hp. However, that extra performance comes at a cost: the Z starts at an MSRP of $42,970, which is $12,170 more than the GR86's $30,800 entry price. While the Z is physically larger, measuring 172.4 inches long compared to the GR86's 167.9 inches, both coupes offer similar low-slung profiles. Interestingly, despite its smaller engine, the GR86 nudges ahead slightly in efficiency, boasting a combined 22 MPG versus the Z's 20 MPG, making the everyday running costs favor the Toyota.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Toyota GR86

The GR86 wins for commuting due to its lower initial cost and slightly better fuel economy (22 combined MPG vs 20 MPG).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota GR86

Neither vehicle is ideal for families, but the GR86 is slightly more practical by offering 6.3 cu ft of cargo space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Z

The Nissan Z is the clear choice for sheer performance thanks to its significantly higher 400 horsepower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 offers incredible RWD fun for nearly $12,200 less than the Nissan Z.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

You demand the highest output, as the 400 hp engine provides exhilarating straight-line acceleration.
You prefer a slightly larger footprint, with the Nissan Z being 172.4 inches long.
Your budget comfortably handles the $42,970 MSRP and the requirement for premium unleaded fuel.

Choose the Toyota GR86 if...

Maximizing value is key, since the GR86 starts at a much lower $30,800 MSRP.
You appreciate efficiency, as the GR86 achieves 26 highway MPG compared to the Z's 24 highway MPG.
You are content with 228 hp, knowing you save $12,170 over the Z for similar RWD thrills.

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 2026 Toyota GR86.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Nissan Z compared to the 2026 GR86?

The Nissan Z has significantly more grunt, producing 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. This is a substantial 172 hp advantage over the GR86's 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

What is the primary cost difference between these two rear-wheel-drive coupes?

The MSRP gap is huge; the 2025 Nissan Z starts at $42,970, while the 2026 Toyota GR86 is priced from $30,800, creating a difference of $12,170.

Are these cars comparable in size for parking and garaging?

They are both compact coupes, but the Nissan Z is slightly larger at 172.4 inches long and 72.6 inches wide. The GR86 is smaller overall, measuring 167.9 inches long and 69.9 inches wide.

Which car offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Toyota GR86 wins here, offering 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway) compared to the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG (18 city/24 highway).

Do both cars require premium fuel?

The 2025 Nissan Z recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its full 400 hp output. However, the 2026 Toyota GR86 explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its operation.

Does the GR86 have usable storage space?

While neither car is cavernous, the 2026 Toyota GR86 does list a dedicated cargo capacity of 6.3 cubic feet, which is a slight edge in practicality over the Nissan Z, which does not list comparable specifications.