2025 Subaru WRX vs 2025 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the rally-bred 2025 Subaru WRX and the pure-sports 2025 Toyota GR86 boils down to priorities: practicality versus playful handling. If budget and raw agility are key, the GR86 starts at a tempting $30,400, significantly undercutting the WRX’s $37,750 price tag. However, the WRX packs a substantial punch, offering 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque compared to the GR86’s 228 hp and 184 lb-ft. While both manage the same 22 combined MPG, the WRX is the clear winner for utility, offering 12.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the GR86’s meager 6.3 cu ft, and its four doors beat the coupe structure daily. The WRX is the more versatile all-weather machine thanks to standard all-wheel drive, making it the better year-round companion despite its higher cost and requirement for recommended premium fuel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX, being a four-door sedan with more practical dimensions, is inherently better suited for daily commuting duties than the two-door GR86 coupe.
2025 Subaru WRX
With significantly more cargo capacity at 12.5 cu ft and two extra doors, the WRX accommodates passengers and gear far more easily than the GR86.
2025 Toyota GR86
Enthusiasts prioritizing raw driver engagement will prefer the GR86's lighter, smaller platform (167.9 inches long) and rear-wheel-drive layout for spirited driving.
2025 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers a significantly lower entry price point at $30,400 compared to the WRX's $37,750 MSRP, delivering excellent thrills for the dollar.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You need genuine all-weather capability due to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prioritize horsepower, as the WRX delivers 271 hp, an advantage of 43 hp over the GR86.
- You require usable back seats and a larger trunk, evidenced by its 12.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price down is crucial, as the GR86 starts $7,350 less expensive.
- You prefer the pure handling characteristics of a lighter, rear-wheel-drive coupe.
- You rarely carry more than one passenger, as the 6.3 cu ft cargo area is extremely limited.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru WRX | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.8" | 167.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 69.9" |
| Height | 57.8" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.2" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 315.4/431.6 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.7 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.3 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/40R | 215/45R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | 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./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and 2025 Toyota GR86.
Which car is faster in a straight line?
The 2025 Subaru WRX is significantly faster, boasting 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, whereas the 2025 Toyota GR86 produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Subaru WRX worth the extra cost over the GR86?
The WRX commands a $7,350 premium ($37,750 vs $30,400 MSRP), but you gain 43 more horsepower and standard AWD, justifying the cost for those needing utility and power.
How much more practical is the WRX for cargo?
The WRX sedan offers 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is nearly double the 6.3 cu ft available in the GR86 coupe.
Do these cars have the same fuel economy?
Surprisingly, yes; both vehicles are rated for 22 combined MPG, though the WRX recommends premium fuel while the GR86 requires it.
Which car handles rough weather better?
The WRX is the superior choice for snow or rain due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, while the GR86 relies solely on Rear-Wheel Drive.
Are both options exclusively manual transmissions?
For these base-level comparisons, yes; both the 2025 Subaru WRX and the 2025 Toyota GR86 listed here are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission.
More Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool