Ford Kuga vs Toyota Yaris Cross
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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.
Ford Kuga
Price TBC
SUV
Petrol
1.5L GTDi EcoBoost
134kW
7.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
406L
Toyota Yaris Cross
From $31,790
SUV
Hybrid
1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid
85kW
3.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
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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 Kuga and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris Cross packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Ford Kuga.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Kuga features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Yaris Cross gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The Toyota Yaris Cross counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that the Ford Kuga does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Ford Kuga uses a 1.5L GTDi EcoBoost producing 134kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic with sport mode to a AWD layout.
The Toyota Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid making 85kW and 141Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Ford Kuga has the clear power advantage at 134kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Kuga measures 4,524mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 344mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Kuga generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 406L in the Ford Kuga and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Ford Kuga a 16L advantage.
For towing, the Ford Kuga leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,109/year for the Ford Kuga and $1,083/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross. That is a $1,026 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $2,109 (Ford Kuga) vs $1,083 (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $1,026 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Ford Kuga) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Kuga if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Kuga takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $1,026 a year in fuel. The Toyota Yaris Cross 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 Kuga and Toyota Yaris Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $31,790 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford Kuga and Toyota Yaris Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Ford Kuga has the largest boot at 406L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Kuga has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota Yaris Cross has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Kuga makes the most power at 134kW.
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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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