2024 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Toyota GR86

The 2024 Ford Mustang underwent a subtle yet impactful style refresh, with nearly every body panel reworked. The front end featured a larger grille and narrower headlights, giving it a more aggressive appearance. The nose was more upright, suggesting a bold, headfirst charge into the wind. The classic Mustang profile, with its long hood and shorter tail, remained, but the rear fender flare took on a more angular and pronounced look. The back end showcased a deep-cut bevel, creating a sharply angled fascia and taillights, which became the most distinctive exterior trait. Inside, the Mustang received a significant makeover, moving away from the traditional dual-cowl dashboard to a modern design highlighted by a striking glass panel enclosing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console and doors retained a familiar look, but with improved materials quality, offering a more upmarket impression.

The 2025 Toyota GR86, a twin to the Subaru BRZ, was a testament to collaborative engineering. The Hakone Edition boasted a stunning Ridge Green exterior with 18-inch satin bronze wheels, while standard colors included a vibrant red option. The GR86's curvy two-door design, tight proportions, rear spoiler, and optional dual exhaust made it visually appealing. Despite being a 2+2, the rear seats were impractical for passengers, better suited for storage. However, the front accommodated taller drivers with some adjustments. The interior featured black as the sole color option, with different material choices for the seats across trims. The leather-wrapped steering wheel was small and comfortable, though a suede option would have been preferable for better grip during spirited driving.

The 2024 Ford Mustang offered a range of performance options, starting with the EcoBoost 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. For a more traditional muscle car experience, the GT's Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine delivered 480 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with an optional Active Exhaust system increasing output slightly. The GT came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a 10-speed automatic available. At the top of the range, the Dark Horse variant produced 500 hp and included several performance enhancements. The EcoBoost engine, while not as explosive as the V8, was expected to reach 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, while the GT could achieve it in less time. The Mustang's handling was impressive, with the optional High Performance package enhancing the EcoBoost's responsiveness. The ride quality balanced comfort and performance, with the available MagneRide adaptive suspension offering subtle differences between settings.

The 2025 Toyota GR86, influenced by Subaru, featured a 2.4-liter boxer-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine's deep growl set it apart from typical small powerplants. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The automatic, while not as engaging as the manual, offered quick shifts and paddle shifters for added control. The GR86 excelled on twisty roads, with its nimble chassis and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires providing ample grip. The optional Brembo brakes performed confidently, and the limited-slip differential enhanced its mountain road prowess. The GR86's power was accessible, making it a joy to drive at its full potential. However, the sport-tuned dampers could be stiff on rough city roads, and the quick steering ratio felt twitchy during daily commutes.

The 2024 Ford Mustang's front seats were accommodating for larger occupants, offering ample cushioning for long-distance comfort. The rear seats, however, were cramped and better suited for cargo overflow. The convertible top was easy to operate, providing a classic open-air experience, though it reduced cargo capacity to 10.3 cubic feet compared to the Fastback's 13.3 cubic feet. Interior storage was limited, with average-sized cupholders, door pockets, and a small center armrest bin. A rubberized tray with an available wireless charging pad kept phones secure.

The 2025 Toyota GR86 focused on driving dynamics, with limited interior features. All models included one-touch power windows, dual-zone climate control, and push-button start. The top trims added heated seats and an eight-speaker audio system. Performance gauges provided detailed information on horsepower, torque, and other metrics. The trunk, at 6.26 cubic feet, was surprisingly spacious for the car's size, accommodating a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. Interior storage was limited, but cupholders were well-placed away from the shifter.

The 2024 Ford Mustang came equipped with a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. Base models featured separate screens, while Premium models had them in a single enclosure. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered sharp graphics and a logical menu structure, though responses could be slow. Primary climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen but remained accessible. A physical volume knob and a button for performance features were appreciated. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, with optional navigation and a premium audio system.

The 2025 Toyota GR86's infotainment system, though easy to use, showed its age with basic functions and poor graphics. The eight-inch touchscreen controlled the audio system and a few settings, but lacked native navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though integration could be slow. An unusual feature allowed for recording birthdays and anniversaries, while the rearview camera was subpar. All trims included a one-year trial of remote services, offering vehicle health reports and remote start capabilities.

The 2024 Ford Mustang's crash test results were not yet available, but the previous generation received high ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a safe passenger exit warning.

The 2025 Toyota GR86, while not as safety-focused as family vehicles, included forward collision warning, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The forward collision warning was sensitive, and the adaptive cruise control was awkwardly placed. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims, addressing the car's poor rearward visibility. The NHTSA had not rated the GR86, but the IIHS gave it high scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.