2025 Toyota GR86 vs 2026 Ford Mustang

$30,400 · Coupe

$32,320 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota GR86 and the 2026 Ford Mustang lies in power output, with the Mustang boasting 315 hp against the GR86's 228 hp, a substantial 87 hp advantage. This difference is mirrored in torque, where the Mustang achieves 350 lb-ft versus 184 lb-ft for the Toyota. Fuel efficiency also provides a clear split, as the Mustang achieves a combined 26 MPG while the GR86 rates at 22 MPG, translating to a 4 MPG difference overall. Despite the superior performance metrics, the GR86 starts at a lower MSRP of $30,400 compared to the Mustang's $32,320. Furthermore, the Mustang offers more than double the practicality with 13.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the GR86's minimal 6.3 cu ft, while being physically larger across all dimensions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Mustang

The 2026 Mustang is the better commuter due to its superior fuel economy rating of 26 combined MPG versus the GR86's 22 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Mustang

The Mustang is significantly more practical for occasional family use, offering 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GR86's 6.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Mustang

The Mustang provides a far greater performance envelope with 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the GR86's 228 hp and 184 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota GR86

The GR86 offers compelling performance for $1,920 less in initial MSRP ($30,400 vs $32,320), representing better dollar-per-horsepower value if maximum output is not the primary metric.

Choose the Toyota GR86 if...

Maximum agility and a lower curb weight are prioritized over outright engine power.
The user requires the tactile engagement of a standard 6-speed manual transmission exclusively.
Sticking strictly to the lowest possible purchase price under $31,000 is essential.

Choose the Ford Mustang if...

A driver prioritizes performance, benefiting from an 87 hp advantage (315 hp) and higher torque figures.
Improved daily usability is necessary, indicated by 4 more combined MPG and 7.2 extra cubic feet of cargo space.
The driver prefers a modern 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a manual gearbox.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota GR86	Ford Mustang
Length	167.9"	189.4"
Width	69.9"	75.4"
Height	51.6"	55.0"
Wheelbase	101.4"	107.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Ford
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	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.3 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp @ 7000 rpm	315 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm	350 lb-ft @ 3000 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	Toyota	Ford
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Ford
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	22/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	264.0/343.2 mi.	352.0/528.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	16.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Ford
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Ford
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Toyota	Ford
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	37.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: 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
Front Hip Room	—	54.9 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Toyota	Ford
Rear Head Room	33.5 in.	34.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.9 in.	29.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.7 in.	52.2 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	47.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Ford
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	215/45R17	235/50R18
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Ford
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	2 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota GR86 and 2026 Ford Mustang.

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

The 2026 Ford Mustang generates 315 horsepower, which is 87 hp more than the 2025 Toyota GR86's output of 228 horsepower. The Mustang also produces significantly more twisting force, rated at 350 lb-ft of torque compared to the GR86's 184 lb-ft.

Which coupe is more economical for daily driving based on EPA estimates?

The 2026 Mustang offers better fuel economy across the board, achieving 26 combined MPG (22 city/33 highway). The GR86 trails slightly with a combined rating of 22 MPG (20 city/26 highway).

Does the GR86 require premium fuel, and does the Mustang?

Yes, the 2025 Toyota GR86 requires premium unleaded fuel for its 228 hp engine to perform as specified. The 2026 Ford Mustang recommends premium unleaded but does not strictly require it for operation.

What is the difference in practicality, specifically cargo volume?

The Ford Mustang provides 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more than double the 6.3 cubic feet offered in the Toyota GR86 coupe.

Comparing the base MSRPs, what is the initial price gap?

The 2025 Toyota GR86 has a base MSRP of $30,400. The 2026 Ford Mustang starts at $32,320, creating an initial price difference of $1,920 favoring the GR86.