Abarth 500e vs Toyota GR Corolla
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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 Abarth 500e starts from $60,500 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR Corolla opens at $67,990. That makes the Abarth 500e the more affordable entry point by $7,490.
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 $66,550 and $74,789 respectively.
The Abarth 500e qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota GR Corolla, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota GR Corolla holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota GR Corolla packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Abarth 500e and 6 in the Toyota GR Corolla.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 500e features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Toyota GR Corolla gets a 8-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Toyota GR Corolla. The Toyota GR Corolla counters with Apple CarPlay and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e uses a Electric producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Toyota GR Corolla responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 400Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Toyota GR Corolla has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 113kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Corolla is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 687mm shorter than the Toyota GR Corolla at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota GR Corolla generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 217L in the Toyota GR Corolla, giving the Toyota GR Corolla a 32L advantage. The Toyota GR Corolla seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.6m
Based on 9.4m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Corolla). The Toyota GR Corolla has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR Corolla if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota GR Corolla takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Toyota GR Corolla has a clear edge. The Toyota GR Corolla 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, Abarth 500e and Toyota GR Corolla?
The Abarth 500e is the cheapest at $60,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Corolla by $7,490.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota GR Corolla uses the least fuel at 8.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Toyota GR Corolla has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota GR Corolla has the largest boot at 217L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota GR Corolla has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR Corolla makes the most power at 221kW. The Toyota GR Corolla is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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