2025 Toyota GR86 vs 2026 Audi A3
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Toyota GR86 and the 2026 Audi A3 is the MSRP, with the A3 commanding a $9,700 premium at $40,100 compared to the GR86's $30,400. Performance metrics show the GR86 produces 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, marginally beating the A3's 201 hp, though the A3 counters with 236 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy highlights the A3's efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the GR86's 22 combined MPG, a 6 MPG advantage, partially explained by the GR86 requiring premium fuel. Furthermore, the A3 offers greater utility with 8.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the GR86's 6.3 cu ft, while the GR86 is significantly smaller in length at 167.9 inches against the A3's 177.3 inches. The mechanical differences, featuring the GR86's RWD/manual setup against the A3's AWD/automated manual transmission, define their respective driving philosophies.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Audi A3
The 2026 Audi A3 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2026 Audi A3
The Audi A3 is better suited for families, offering a larger body, higher height (56.2 inches vs 51.6 inches), and slightly more cargo capacity at 8.3 cu ft.
2025 Toyota GR86
Enthusiasts favor the GR86 for its pure rear-wheel-drive layout paired with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and 228 hp output.
2025 Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 offers substantial performance credibility for $9,700 less than the Audi A3, presenting a significantly lower entry price point.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your budget is strictly limited to the lower end, as the MSRP is $30,400.
- You prioritize driver engagement via the mandatory 6-speed manual transmission and RWD layout.
- You prefer a higher peak horsepower figure of 228 hp for spirited driving, accepting the premium fuel requirement.
Choose the Audi A3 if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, leveraging the A3's 28 combined MPG and use of regular unleaded gasoline.
- All-weather traction is necessary, as the A3 comes equipped with All-Wheel Drive.
- You need more interior space, provided by its sedan body style and 8.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota GR86 | Audi A3 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 167.9" | 177.3" |
| Width | 69.9" | 71.5" |
| Height | 51.6" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 101.4" | 103.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm | 201 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm | 236 lb-ft |
| 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 | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 24/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 264.0/343.2 mi. | 348.0/493.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.1 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 36.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 33.5 in. | 36.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.9 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/45R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Audi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota GR86 and 2026 Audi A3.
Does the GR86 require premium fuel compared to the A3?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota GR86 requires premium unleaded fuel, whereas the 2026 Audi A3 operates on regular unleaded. This difference affects the long-term operating cost beyond just the MPG ratings.
Which vehicle has better straight-line acceleration potential?
While the GR86 has 27 more horsepower (228 hp vs 201 hp), the A3 produces substantially more torque (236 lb-ft vs 184 lb-ft) and features an AWD system, suggesting the A3 may offer better initial launch grip despite lower peak horsepower.
What is the dimensional difference between the coupe and the sedan?
The Audi A3 sedan is 9.4 inches longer (177.3 inches vs 167.9 inches) and 4.6 inches taller (56.2 inches vs 51.6 inches) than the Toyota GR86 coupe.
How significant is the difference in the standard transmission type?
The GR86 standardly offers a traditional 6-speed manual focused on driver control, while the A3 utilizes a 7-speed automated manual (dual-clutch), which is faster shifting but lacks the direct mechanical feel of the GR86's setup.
Is the A3's higher price justified by its utility features?
The A3 is priced $9,700 higher and offers 2.0 cu ft more cargo space (8.3 cu ft vs 6.3 cu ft) and the benefit of AWD, which contributes to its premium positioning over the focused, RWD GR86.
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