Ford Focus vs Toyota Yaris
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchs 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.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Focus and Toyota Yaris hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Ford Focus.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota Yaris counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that the Ford Focus does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Focus lines up producing 125kW and 202Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual / 6-speed powershift dual-clutch automatic to a FWD layout.
The Toyota Yaris responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 120Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Ford Focus has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m diameter
Good
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator — U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 9.0 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m — clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m — 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.7 m wide — fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m — swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m — no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Ford Focus and $941/year for the Toyota Yaris. That is a $940 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Ford Focus) vs $941 (Toyota Yaris). The Toyota Yaris saves you roughly $940 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Ford Focus) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris). The Toyota Yaris has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Focus if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Ford Focus and Toyota Yaris trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Yaris will save you roughly $940 a year in fuel. The Toyota Yaris 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, Ford Focus and Toyota Yaris?
The Toyota Yaris is the cheapest at $28,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris uses the least fuel at 3.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford Focus and Toyota Yaris all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota Yaris has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Focus makes the most power at 125kW.
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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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