KGM Rexton vs Volkswagen Tayron
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.
Price Breakdown
The KGM Rexton starts from $50,000 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tayron opens at $48,290. That makes the Volkswagen Tayron the more affordable entry point by $1,710.
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 $55,000 and $53,119 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Tayron by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the KGM Rexton and Volkswagen Tayron hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the KGM Rexton and 9 in the Volkswagen Tayron. The Volkswagen Tayron adds a 360-degree camera that the KGM Rexton misses.
Feature Showdown
The KGM Rexton features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tayron gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Rexton stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen Tayron. The Volkswagen Tayron counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the KGM Rexton gets leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Tayron offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the KGM Rexton and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tayron.
Drivetrain
The KGM Rexton uses a Turbo DDi Diesel producing 149kW and 441Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds.
The Volkswagen Tayron responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The KGM Rexton has the clear power advantage at 149kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tayron is 3.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The KGM Rexton measures 4,850mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 58mm longer than the Volkswagen Tayron at 4,792mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Rexton generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 236L in the KGM Rexton and 570L in the Volkswagen Tayron, giving the Volkswagen Tayron a 334L advantage.
For towing, the KGM Rexton leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,480/year for the KGM Rexton and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Tayron.
Estimated annual total: $2,480 (KGM Rexton) vs $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron). The Volkswagen Tayron saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Rexton) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron). The KGM Rexton has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the KGM Rexton if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tayron takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Tayron will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tayron has a clear edge. The KGM Rexton adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, KGM Rexton and Volkswagen Tayron?
The Volkswagen Tayron is the cheapest at $48,290 before on-road costs. That undercuts the KGM Rexton by $1,710.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Tayron uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — KGM Rexton and Volkswagen Tayron all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Tayron has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Rexton has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The KGM Rexton has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The KGM Rexton makes the most power at 149kW. The Volkswagen Tayron is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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