2025 Toyota GR86 vs 2026 Nissan Z

$30,400 · Coupe

$42,970 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota GR86 explodes onto the scene as the ultimate pure-bred sports coupe entry point, thrilling drivers with its naturally aspirated 228 hp engine and engaging 6-speed manual transmission, all while maintaining a razor-sharp focus on handling agility exemplified by its tight 167.9-inch length. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Z arrives as a much more potent muscle-bound machine, boasting a formidable 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, giving it a massive 172 hp advantage. This power differential is crucial, though the GR86 claws back ground with its excellent 22 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Z's 20 MPG combined. While both demand premium unleaded fuel, the nearly $12,570 MSRP gap—starting at $30,400 for the GR86 versus $42,970 for the Z—makes this a battle between focused fun and outright dominance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota GR86

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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota GR86

Neither car suits family duty, but the GR86 is negligibly easier to maneuver with its smaller dimensions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Nissan Z

The Nissan Z is the undeniable choice for enthusiasts thanks to its massive 400 hp output, nearly doubling the GR86's power.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota GR86

The Toyota GR86 offers an accessible $30,400 MSRP entry point, providing incredible driver engagement for the price.

Choose the Toyota GR86 if...

You prioritize efficiency, achieving 26 MPG on the highway versus the Z's 24 MPG.
Your budget is strict, as the GR86 starts $12,570 lower than the Nissan Z.
You enjoy the feel of a lightweight, nimble chassis, highlighted by its 167.9-inch overall length.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

You demand serious power, benefiting from the Z's massive 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly larger presence on the road, given the Z's wider 72.6-inch stance.
You prefer the less demanding fuel requirement, as the Z recommends premium unleaded while the GR86 requires it.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Toyota	Nissan
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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Toyota	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Toyota	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	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	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Toyota	Nissan
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 25000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota GR86 and 2026 Nissan Z.

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 GR86 and the 2026 Nissan Z?

The difference is dramatic; the 2026 Nissan Z produces 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, which is 172 more horsepower than the GR86's 228 hp, translating to vastly superior straight-line acceleration.

Which car is cheaper to buy outright?

The 2025 Toyota GR86 is significantly cheaper, starting at an MSRP of $30,400 compared to the 2026 Nissan Z's $42,970, a difference of $12,570.

Are the driving dynamics very different given the RWD layout in both cars?

Yes, while both are RWD, the GR86 is a lighter, smaller car (167.9 inches long) focused on chassis balance, whereas the Z is wider (72.6 inches) and much more powerful, leading to a more brute-force RWD experience.

What are the fuel economy trade-offs when choosing between these two manual coupes?

The GR86 offers better overall efficiency, achieving 22 MPG combined (20 City/26 Highway), while the much more potent Nissan Z manages 20 MPG combined (18 City/24 Highway).

Does the cargo capacity vary significantly between the two models?

Yes, the GR86 offers 6.3 cubic feet of trunk space, but the Nissan Z's cargo capacity specification was not provided, suggesting the GR86 is the only one confirmed to have usable storage space.

Do both sports cars require the same type of gasoline?

Both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel, but the GR86 *requires* it for operation, whereas the Z only *recommends* it for optimal performance from its 400 hp engine.