2024 Mustang EcoBoost vs. 2024 Toyota GR86 - Which is Better?

I spend a week with both the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost and the 2024 Toyota GR86 at the same time to compare these two back-to-back.

I discuss what I personally like and dislike about each of them, along with providing other info to help you decide which one is your favorite. After watching the video, which one would you pick? Thanks to Toyota and Ford for providing these vehicles to compare.

Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:26 Exterior comparison
3:19 Interior comparison
5:03 GR86 engine and transmission
9:34 Ride comparison
10:35 Mustang EcoBoost engine and transmission
14:26 GR86 handling
16:33 Mustang handling
18:35 Daily livability comparison
20:55 Reliability comparison
22:49 Fuel economy comparison
23:51 Final thoughts

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[grocerygrip]

Cool that you reviewed 2 cars, that you've owned a version of, in the past. No one can speak to the comparison better than you Matt 👍

[dean__the_max]

This is a great video idea, because you know ppl cross-shop them. I feel like content like this will help. Keep it up!

[brandonblackwell]

Nice to see you trying something different man. Been watching you since before the BRZ. Keep it up dude

[brandonc]

Had my 24 Mustang since the summer and it’s been absolutely amazing!! Not a single regret. Such a fun sporty car.

[Stuka]

This was an interesting review for me. I used to own a '16 EcoBoost Mustang (6sp Manual), and now own a '23 BRZ (6sp Manual). The Mustang was amazing on road trips. Easy to get 30-32mpg, it had very little road noise, TONS of room. And it had plenty of power to be fun. The mid range torque on the 2.3 is great. The shifter on the Mustang was pretty sub-par and often did not want to quickly shift. But was still better than an auto from a fun perspective.

The BRZ/86 on the other hand, gets pretty poor fuel economy for what it is. I can get 28-30 on the HWY. It has lots of road noise (I did a full sound deadening install on mine which helped a lot). The trunk is big enough to be useful, but is easily half the size of the Mustang's. The power is good for its weight, and is enough to make the car fun. Its a HUGE improvement over the previous generation BRZ/86. Mine has the STI short throw shifter, which is fantastic. One of the best shifters I have used outside of something like an S2000. I did install an HKS exhaust, and unplugged the engine noise generator. MUCH better sound experience now.

Overall, the BRZ is a much more fun car to drive through the canyons, and for driving around town. The Mustang is a much better grand tourer for road trips and the like.

[sawyermartin]

Haha, I love how you stepped away from the review for two seconds to say "oooh an XLR, don't see those too often!" I do the same thing constantly while driving around. Enjoyed this one Matt!

[chefdred]

Got my 2024 mustang ecoboost last November 2023 on sale for 26k plus. A lot cheaper than the competition that I test drove. Love the technology, features, the looks, my wife and my son can fit at the back (5’5), sound of the twin scroll turbo, 33 mpg high way sometimes more and enough power (310hp). 26k was a bargain

[haonanzhang]

This is so funny, I still remember you doing the same comparison at 2015 which helped me a lot.
I was debating between gt86, mustang, and wrx back in the day and you convinced me to buy a s550 mustang.

[twotrackjack]

I really like both these cars for what they offer in base level trim at that price point, and both with very strong aftermarket support as well. Its hard to go wrong with either one of them, depending on what someone wants/needs out of an entry level aports car. Awesome review, Matt!

[jonmcclane]

I like both, and they both have their strengths. But..I just think the GR86 is a far better looking car than the Mustang. The other thing is where I live Mustang’s are a dime a dozen, they’re everywhere, but I rarely ever see the GR86. That’s also appealing to me.

[epdvjel]

Your channel was one of the reasons I bought an 86, and have considered getting a mustang. Great video!

[MidlifeCrisisManagement]

'19 Mustang 6-speed Ecoboost Performance Package owner here. the simple fact that the '24 Ecoboost is no longer available with a manual transmission is a deal breaker. love the '24 GR86 in every way, but sticking with my 'Ecobeast' for now. thanks for this comparison!

[DougJosephDMJ]

This is a good new approach to your videos. I like it.

[OrionInception]

Ive had my GR86 for over a year now and its just so much fun to drive. The handling is amazing!

[lilrockstarrs]

I missed these type of videos! Always love your comparisons.

[dfunklegendfontdawg]

Great vid, thank you. The Ecoboost Mustang just hit my radar as I’m considering a new car. Including the GR86 vs the WRX vs the Elantra N.

[nufftenthousand]

I love reviews like this that seem to compare apples to oranges, but when you get down to it, it’s more like Granny Smith to Macintosh in some ways. The contrast exposes the strengths.

[Joseph_yy]

These two cars are literally what I’m having trouble deciding to get, I might go with an Ecoboost just because I’m quite tall( 6’3 with longer legs), so I feel like the Mustang would fit me more comfortably

[dawsonjohannes]

I’m excited to see you develop this format! Glad you’re still getting after it.

[TexasVexes]

Good video man. This format is where it’s at