Compare the2025 Toyota GR86VS 2025 BMW 2 Series

Both the GR86 and the 2 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Toyota’s powertrain warranty covers the GR86 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 2 Series. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 2 Series ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 4 times as many Toyota dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the GR86’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the GR86’s reliability 15 points higher than the 2 Series.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average in initial quality. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 43 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 9th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. BMW is ranked 9th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the GR86 lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The 2 Series doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The GR86 offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The GR86 stops shorter than the 2 Series:

The GR86 Premium handles at .98 G’s, while the 230i Coupe pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the GR86’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 2 Series’ (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The GR86’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the 2 Series xDrive’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Toyota GR86 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 1000 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The GR86 is 11.1 inches shorter than the 230i, making the GR86 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Toyota GR86 amounts to more than styling. The GR86 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .276 Cd. That is lower than the 2 Series (.28 to .3). A more efficient exterior helps the GR86 go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the GR86 get better fuel mileage.

The GR86’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower both of them with the lock engaged. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the 2 Series’ standard power windows.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the GR86’s exterior PIN entry system. The 2 Series doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its BMW Assist can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

The GR86’s standard Smart Key System allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Comfort Go standard on the 2 Series only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car.

Consumer Reports rated the GR86’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the 2 Series’ headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

The GR86 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the GR86 will retain 57.34% to 60.93% of its original price after five years, while the 2 Series only retains 51.35% to 52.16%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Toyota GR86 and the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The GR86 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 3 more times in the last 12 years. The M235i/M240i hasn’t been picked since 2017, and the M235i/M240i has only been chosen 3 times.