Toyota GR86 vs Volkswagen T-Roc
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.
Data checked: specs 10 Nov 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$43,240RRP
- no option data for this car
$41,990RRP
- with the Toyota GR86's standard kit: $41,990 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Toyota GR86 & Volkswagen T-Roc
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota GR86 starts from $43,240 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Roc opens at $41,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Roc the more affordable entry point by $1,250.
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 $47,564 and $46,189 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Roc by roughly $4,415 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
We hold no ANCAP data for the Toyota GR86. ANCAP's published record does not give the Volkswagen T-Roc a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Toyota GR86
None open on our record
Volkswagen T-Roc
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006315 · published 27 Mar 2025Due to a calibration issue, the LED Matrix HD headlights may have been adjusted incorrectly.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005418 · published 28 Apr 2022Due to manufacturing issue, the engine compartment cover may become loose.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota GR86 features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Roc gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota GR86 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen T-Roc. The Volkswagen T-Roc counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Toyota GR86 gets fabric upholstery while the Volkswagen T-Roc offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Toyota GR86 uses a Petrol producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Volkswagen T-Roc responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Toyota GR86 has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Toyota GR86 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota GR86 measures 4,265mm long on a 2,575mm wheelbase, 14mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Roc at 4,251mm (2,603mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen T-Roc generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 226L in the Toyota GR86 and 445L in the Volkswagen T-Roc, giving the Volkswagen T-Roc a 219L advantage. The Volkswagen T-Roc seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.1m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86 and $1,796/year for the Volkswagen T-Roc. That is a $883 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR86) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Roc). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Roc if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen T-Roc: Top CarSorted Score, 70 vs 64
The Volkswagen T-Roc comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (70 vs 64), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Volkswagen T-Roc ahead by 28), practicality (Volkswagen T-Roc ahead by 25), performance (Toyota GR86 ahead by 22). The Volkswagen T-Roc will save you roughly $883 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Roc has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota GR86 and Volkswagen T-Roc?
The Volkswagen T-Roc is the cheapest at $41,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR86 by $1,250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Roc uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Volkswagen T-Roc, and we hold no ANCAP data for Toyota GR86, so there is no crash result to compare.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Roc has the largest boot at 445L with the seats up (1,290L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Roc has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
