Kia Niro 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.
Kia Niro: we're still completing price, turning circle, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and fuel tank.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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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 Kia Niro and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Kia Niro and 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Toyota Yaris Cross, against 1 on the Kia Niro.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Niro features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Yaris Cross gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Kia Niro uses a Petrol I4 + HEV producing 104kW and 265Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed dual clutch to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.4 seconds.
The Toyota Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid making 85kW and 120Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Kia Niro has the clear power advantage at 104kW vs 85kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Toyota Yaris Cross is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Niro measures 4,420mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 240mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Niro generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 451L in the Kia Niro and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Kia Niro a 61L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Niro leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.8m 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.
Excellent
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.5 m of road; you have 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
1.8 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Niro) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Kia Niro has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Niro if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Niro takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia Niro has a clear edge. The Kia Niro 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, Kia Niro 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 on crash rating: Kia Niro 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 Kia Niro has the largest boot at 451L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Niro has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Niro has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Niro makes the most power at 104kW. The Toyota Yaris Cross is quickest to 100km/h in 9.8s.
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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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