Isuzu MU-X vs Toyota GR86
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Isuzu MU-X starts from $43,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR86 opens at $43,240. That makes the Toyota GR86 the more affordable entry point by $660.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $48,290 and $47,564 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu MU-X by roughly $4,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu MU-X features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota GR86 gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Isuzu MU-X stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Toyota GR86. The Toyota GR86 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu MU-X uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11 seconds.
The Toyota GR86 responds with a Petrol making 174kW and 250Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The Toyota GR86 has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR86 is 4.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu MU-X measures 4,860mm long on a 2,855mm wheelbase, 595mm longer than the Toyota GR86 at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Isuzu MU-X and 226L in the Toyota GR86, giving the Isuzu MU-X a 85L advantage. The Isuzu MU-X seats 7 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X and $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86. That is a $855 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X) vs $2,679 (Toyota GR86). The Isuzu MU-X saves you roughly $855 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR86). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu MU-X takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Isuzu MU-X will save you roughly $855 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Isuzu MU-X has a clear edge. The Isuzu MU-X adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota GR86?
The Toyota GR86 is the cheapest at $43,240 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Isuzu MU-X by $660.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu MU-X uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Isuzu MU-X all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Isuzu MU-X has the largest boot at 311L.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu MU-X has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu MU-X has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR86 makes the most power at 174kW. The Toyota GR86 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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