DecodedCarsMINI Cooper vs Toyota GR 86
2025 MINI Cooper vs 2025 Toyota GR 86 — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The MINI Cooper is more fuel-efficient: 32 vs 24 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $850 a year less in fuel for the MINI Cooper (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Toyota GR 86 is the bigger car, about 15 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Toyota GR 86 has had fewer recall campaigns (2 vs 29).
The two cars
The 2025 MINI Cooper is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive. It measures about 153 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,142 lb (2dr Convertible).
The 2025 Toyota GR 86 is a minicompact car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive. It measures about 168 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,818 lb.
Buying used? The 2018 Cooper and the 2024 GR 86 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2015 Cooper and the 2022 GR 86.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the MINI Cooper if…
- You want lower fuel bills (32 vs 24 MPG)
- You want something easier to park (15 in shorter)
Choose the Toyota GR 86 if…
- You want more room (15 in longer)
- You put reliability history first (2 vs 29 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2025 MINI Cooper
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2025 subcompact car (23.1 MPG).
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2025 Toyota GR 86
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2025 minicompact car (20.3 MPG).
- No recalls so far
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2025 MINI Cooper specs →Full 2025 Toyota GR 86 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →