Mazda BT-50 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.
Price Breakdown
The Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR86 opens at $43,240. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $6,840.
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 $40,040 and $47,564 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $3,275 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda BT-50 and Toyota GR86 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota GR86 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mazda BT-50.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 7 in the Toyota GR86.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota GR86 gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 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 10.9 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 4.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda BT-50 measures 5,320mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 1055mm longer than the Toyota GR86 at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda BT-50 generally means more rear legroom.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m 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 $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86. That is a $655 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Mazda BT-50) vs $2,679 (Toyota GR86). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $655 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR86). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $655 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda BT-50 and Toyota GR86?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR86 by $6,840.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda BT-50 and Toyota GR86 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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.
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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