Lexus RC vs Toyota GR86
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes 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.
Lexus RC
Price TBC
Coupe
Petrol
2.0L Turbo Petrol
180kW
7.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
423L
Toyota GR86
From $43,240
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
174kW
9.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
226L
Lexus RC: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Lexus RC stands out with heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota GR86. The Toyota GR86 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus RC uses a 2.0L Turbo Petrol producing 180kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic with manual mode to a RWD layout.
The Toyota GR86 responds with a Petrol making 174kW and 250Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The Lexus RC has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 174kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus RC measures 4,695mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 430mm longer than the Toyota GR86 at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus RC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 423L in the Lexus RC and 226L in the Toyota GR86, giving the Lexus RC a 197L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Lexus RC and $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RC.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RC) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR86). The Toyota GR86 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus RC if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus RC takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Lexus RC will save you roughly $598 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Lexus RC has a clear edge. The Toyota GR86 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus RC and Toyota GR86?
The Toyota GR86 is the cheapest at $43,240 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus RC uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lexus RC and Toyota GR86 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus RC has the largest boot at 423L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota GR86 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus RC makes the most power at 180kW.
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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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