2025 Volvo S60 vs 2026 Toyota GR86
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Volvo S60 presents sophisticated, efficient cruising, boasting 247 hp and achieving a commendable 30 combined MPG, while the 2026 Toyota GR86 offers pure, driver-focused thrills with its essential 228 hp RWD layout and a standard 6-speed manual. This comparison pits Scandinavian refinement against Japanese precision. The S60, with its generous 11.6 cu ft cargo bay and automatic transmission, is clearly tuned for comfortable daily transport. Conversely, the GR86 commands attention with its lower, more compact dimensions (167.9 inches long) and mandatory RWD dynamics, prioritizing engagement over economy, as evidenced by its 22 combined MPG rating. The $11,800 MSRP gap, placing the S60 at $42,600 versus the GR86's $30,800, is the most significant non-driving metric separating these two entirely different approaches to motoring excellence.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 wins due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 combined MPG versus the GR86's 22 MPG.
2025 Volvo S60
The S60 is the only viable choice here, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 11.6 cu ft compared to the GR86's meager 6.3 cu ft.
2026 Toyota GR86
The 2026 GR86 is purpose-built for excitement with its standard RWD and 6-speed manual transmission, providing a more engaging connection to the road.
2026 Toyota GR86
The GR86 offers a raw driving experience for nearly $12,000 less than the entry price of the S60.
Choose the Volvo S60 if...
- You prioritize efficiency, as the S60 achieves a highway rating of 36 MPG.
- You require practical sedan dimensions, featuring a length of 188.1 inches and a standard automatic transmission.
- You desire higher baseline power, delivering 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque straight from the factory.
Choose the Toyota GR86 if...
- Your driving pleasure hinges on controlling shifts via a 6-speed manual gearbox.
- You seek the thrill of rear-wheel-drive dynamics over FWD stability.
- Your budget demands a purchase price closer to $30,800, representing massive savings over the S60.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volvo S60 | Toyota GR86 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188.1" | 167.9" |
| Width | 72.8" | 69.9" |
| Height | 56.6" | 51.6" |
| Wheelbase | 113.1" | 101.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 247 hp @ 5400 rpm | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/36 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 429.3/572.4 mi. | 264.0/343.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volvo | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 220W | — |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.4 in. | 37.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.3 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.2 in. | 33.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.5 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | Performance |
| Tire Size | 235/45R18 | 215/45R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volvo | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 30000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo S60 and 2026 Toyota GR86.
How much more practical is the 2025 Volvo S60 compared to the 2026 Toyota GR86?
The S60 offers substantially more utility, boasting 11.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is nearly double the 6.3 cu ft available in the compact GR86 coupe. Furthermore, the S60's dimensions are those of a traditional sedan, while the GR86 is significantly shorter at 167.9 inches.
Is the performance difference between the two cars noticeable during daily driving?
Yes, although the S60 has slightly more horsepower (247 hp vs. 228 hp), the GR86's lightweight chassis and RWD setup feel much sharper and more responsive during spirited driving. The S60's power is routed through a FWD automatic setup geared toward smooth acceleration.
What justifies the $11,800 price difference between the models?
The price disparity reflects segment differences: the S60 is a luxury sedan emphasizing comfort, safety, and efficiency (30 combined MPG). The GR86 is a pure sports coupe focused solely on driving dynamics, evident in its required premium fuel usage and manual transmission.
Which car uses less premium gasoline annually?
The 2025 Volvo S60 is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the 2026 GR86's 22 combined MPG rating. This difference translates to fewer stops at the pump over the course of a year.
If I enjoy engaging my vehicle, which transmission is preferable?
For enthusiasts, the GR86 is superior as it comes standard with an exciting 6-speed manual transmission designed for driver involvement. The S60 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which provides convenience but less tactile feedback.
Are the physical sizes of these vehicles very different for parking?
The GR86 is noticeably smaller and nimbler, measuring 167.9 inches long and 69.9 inches wide. The S60 is larger and more substantial at 188.1 inches long and 72.8 inches wide, making it a more commanding presence on the road.
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