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Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Toyota GR86

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Toyota GR86 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Toyota GR86.

When we compare the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Toyota GR86's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. The Toyota GR86 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Toyota GR86's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.

Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $33,860 to $41,026 while a used 2025 Toyota GR86 is priced between $30,996 to $39,993. For a new model, the Volkswagen Golf GTI's price is between $33,305 and $42,915, with the Toyota GR86 priced between $32,263 and $39,514.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 41.4 percent of its value and the Toyota GR86 loses 24.9 percent of its value. This means the Toyota GR86 retains 16.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Toyota GR86 base engine makes 228 horsepower. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. The GR86 is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 343 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Golf GTI the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Toyota GR86. The Golf GTI uses regular unleaded, and the GR86 uses premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Toyota GR86, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Volkswagen Golf GTI has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.

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Model & Pricing
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Toyota GR86

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI
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Volkswagen Golf GTI for Sale

2025 Toyota GR86
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Toyota GR86 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

33305 - 42915

Starting MSRP:

32445

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

28470

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

21590 - 47100

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

32263 - 39514

Starting MSRP:

30400

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)

35186

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)

29830 - 42970

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

37233

Price Range:

33860 - 41026

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

30314

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

22070 - 52316

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

35239

Price Range:

30996 - 39993

Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)

40382

Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)

33746 - 50310

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

13737

Depreciation %:

0.42338168

Resale Value $:

18708

Residual Value %:

0.57661832

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

0.3979908

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

0.31796157 - 0.42854561

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

7537

Depreciation %:

0.24794219

Resale Value $:

22863

Residual Value %:

0.7520578099999999

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)

0.33757779

Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)

0.24794219 - 0.47768027

Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.0 / 10

Reliability:

7.6 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10

Toyota GR86 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

Not available

Reliability:

Not available

Retained Value:

9.5 / 10

Safety:

Not available



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf GTI

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

12.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

12.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

8.8 - 16.2

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.032

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota GR86

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)

15.4

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)

9.4 - 24.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

1.8108517430028832

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.6

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

1.8 - 28.7

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.4813989899062157

Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)

4.0

Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)

1.6 - 5.1

Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings

Best Small Cars Under $35k

1 / 3

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $35k

1 / 3

Best Family Small Cars

7 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

8 / 37

Most Reliable Small Cars

12 / 37

Best Small Cars for the Money

13 / 22

Safest Small Cars

14 / 37

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

15 / 37

Best Small Cars

17 / 37

Most Affordable Small Cars

17 / 22

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

18 / 37

Best Small Cars for Tall People

23 / 37

Most Comfortable Small Cars

25 / 37

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

30 / 37

Toyota GR86 Rankings

Sports Cars with Best Resale Value

1 / 14

Most Affordable Sports Cars

2 / 9

Best Gas Mileage Sports Cars

6 / 14

Sports Cars with the Most Legroom

6 / 14

Sports Cars with the Most Horsepower

10 / 14

Most Comfortable Sports Cars

11 / 14

Best Sports Cars for Tall People

13 / 14

Available Body Styles

Hatchback

Available Body Styles

Coupe

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels

Autobahn, S, SE

Toyota GR86 Trim Levels

Base, Hakone Edition, Premium

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not yet available

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

241 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque:

273 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.076 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.081 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


24 / 32 / 27

Range (city/hwy):

317 / 422 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Flat/Horizontally Opposed

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

RWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


20 / 26 / 22

Range (city/hwy):

264 / 343 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Heated Steering Wheel:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Automatic Parking:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

N/A

Bluetooth:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

Air Suspension:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

Standard

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.9 inches

Cargo Space:

19.9 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

111.8 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

37 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.5 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

53.6 inches

Rear Head Room:

33.5 inches

Rear Leg Room:

29.9 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

51.7 inches

Cargo Space:

6.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

77.2 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3183 lbs

Width:

81.6 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Length:

168.9 inches

Wheelbase:

103.6 inches

Ground Clearance:

4.7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2811 lbs

Width:

69.9 inches

Height:

51.6 inches

Length:

167.9 inches

Wheelbase:

101.4 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.1 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 inches

Wheel Type:

polished aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P225/40R18

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.5 inches

Wheel Type:

polished aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

215/45R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Mythos Black Metallic

Blue

Slate Blue Metallic

Gray

Moonstone Gray

Red

Kings Red Metallic

Silver

Alpine Silver Metallic

White

Opal White Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Raven

Blue

Trueno Blue

Gray

Pavement / Steel

Red

Track bRed

Silver

Not available

White

Halo

Interior Colors

Black

Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid

Interior Colors

Black

Black

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