Compare the2025 Volkswagen GTIVS 2025 Toyota GR86

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen GTI have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Toyota GR86 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Volkswagen GTI are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Toyota GR86 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The GTI’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The GR86 doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The GTI has a standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The GR86 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The GTI has standard Park Distance Control to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The GR86 doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The GTI has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the GR86 Premium/TRUENO offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the GTI has standard Rear Traffic Alert and automatically engage the brakes. Only the GR86 Premium/TRUENO offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the GR86’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

Both the GTI and the GR86 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

Warranty

The GTI comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car. The GR86’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The GTI’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the GR86’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Reliability

The Volkswagen GTI’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the GR86’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the GTI has a standard 680-amp battery. The GR86’s 470-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

Engine

The GTI’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 13 more horsepower (241 vs. 228) and 89 lbs.-ft. more torque (273 vs. 184) than the GR86’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Volkswagen GTI is faster than the Toyota GR86 (automatics tested):

	GTI	GR86
Zero to 60 MPH	5.4 sec	6.6 sec
Quarter Mile	13.9 sec	15 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	103.9 MPH	96.2 MPH

In a Road and Track race course test, the Volkswagen GTI Autobahn was clocked 3.02 seconds faster than the Toyota GR86 Premium (93.12 sec. vs. 96.14 sec.).

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GTI gets better mileage than the GR86:

			MPG
GTI
	Auto	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/32 hwy
GR86
	Manual	2.4 DOHC flat-4	20 city/26 hwy
	Auto	2.4 DOHC flat-4	21 city/30 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the GTI’s fuel efficiency. The GR86 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the GTI’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The GR86 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Volkswagen GTI uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The GR86 requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

Transmission

The Volkswagen GTI comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the GR86.

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Volkswagen GTI, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the GR86.

The GTI offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The GR86 doesn’t offer an SMG.

The GTI Automatic’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The GR86 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GTI’s brake rotors are larger than those on the GR86:

	GTI	GR86	GR86
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	11.6 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 inches	11.4 inches	12.4 inches

The GTI stops shorter than the GR86:

	GTI	GR86
100 to 0 MPH	304 feet	325 feet	Car and Driver
70 to 0 MPH	150 feet	156 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	104 feet	109 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GTI has larger standard tires than the GR86 (225/40R18 vs. 215/45R17). The GTI Autobahn’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the GR86 (235/35R19 vs. 215/45R17).

The GTI’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the GR86’s standard 45 series tires. The GTI Autobahn’s tires have a lower 35 series profile than the GR86’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GTI has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the GR86. The GTI Autobahn’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the GR86.

The GTI has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the GR86; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The GTI offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The GR86’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GTI’s wheelbase is 2.2 inches longer than on the GR86 (103.6 inches vs. 101.4 inches).

The GTI Autobahn handles at .98 G’s, while the GR86 Premium pulls only .97 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the GTI a Compact car, while the GR86 is rated a Minicompact.

The GTI has standard seating for 5 passengers; the GR86 can only carry 4.

The GTI has 14.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the GR86 (91.9 vs. 77.2).

The GTI has 1.5 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front hip room, 2.3 inches more front shoulder room, 4.6 inches more rear headroom, 5.1 inches more rear legroom, 1.1 inches more rear hip room and 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the GR86.

Cargo Capacity

The GTI’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The GR86’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the GTI (except S), the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The GR86 doesn’t offer a memory system.

The GTI (except S)’s optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The GR86 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GTI’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The GR86 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GTI Autobahn has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The GR86 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The GTI’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The GR86 has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The GTI has two rear doors to provide better access for cargo and rear passengers. The GR86 doesn’t offer rear doors.

The GTI’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The GR86’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The GTI’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The GR86’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the GTI to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The GR86 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GTI has a standard rear wiper. The GR86 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the GTI has standard extendable sun visors. The GR86 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

When the GTI is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The GR86’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The GTI’s standard rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The GR86 doesn’t offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

Both the Volkswagen GTI and Toyota GR86 offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The GTI features standard power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the GR86’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

The GTI has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the GR86 Premium/Hakone. The GTI Autobahn also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the GR86.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the GTI (except S) keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The GR86 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the GTI’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The GR86 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The GTI has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The GR86 doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

For greater rear passenger comfort, the GTI has standard rear a/c vents to keep rear occupants more comfortable. The GR86 doesn’t offer rear vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Volkswagen GTI has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The GR86 doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The GTI Autobahn’s Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The GR86 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the GTI owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the GTI will cost $4320 to $8885 less than the GR86 over a five-year period.

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