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HomeComparisonsKia Rio vs Toyota GR Yaris
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Kia Rio vs Toyota GR 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.

SpecKiaToyota
Price (RRP)TBC$55,490
Fuel typePetrolPetrol
Power79kW221kW
0-100 km/h5.5s
Fuel Economy5.7 L/100km8.2 L/100km
Boot Space174L
Towing1,050kg
Warranty5yr / Unlimited5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP SafetyNo dataNo data

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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

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Feature Showdown

Both come with modern infotainment systems.

The Toyota GR Yaris counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and JBL audio that the Kia Rio does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Kia Rio lines up producing 79kW and 135Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.

The Toyota GR Yaris responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 400Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

The Toyota GR Yaris has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 79kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Kia Rio measures 4,045mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 50mm longer than the Toyota GR Yaris at 3,995mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Rio generally means more rear legroom.

0

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

10.4m to 10.5m

TightestToyota GR Yaris GT ManualTightest turn at 10.4m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Toyota GR Yaris GT Manual
10.4mTighter
Best
Kia Rio S 1.4 3-Door Hatch Manual
10.5m
Worst
Kia Rio S 1.4 3-Door Hatch Manual
10.5m · Good

Based on 10.5m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Toyota GR Yaris GT Manual
10.4m · Good

Based on 10.4m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestToyota GR YarisTightest turn at 10.4m, needs the least road to swing around
Kia Rio10.5 m
Good△ 3-point
Toyota GR YarisTightest10.4 m
Good△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 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.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

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 $1,625/year for the Kia Rio and $2,337/year for the Toyota GR Yaris. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the Kia Rio.

Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Kia Rio) vs $2,337 (Toyota GR Yaris). The Kia Rio saves you roughly $712 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years (Kia Rio) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Yaris). Both match on warranty length.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Kia Rio if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Toyota GR Yaris if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The Kia Rio takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Kia Rio will save you roughly $712 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Kia Rio and Toyota GR Yaris?

The Toyota GR Yaris is the cheapest at $55,490 before on-road costs.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The Kia Rio uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.

What are the ANCAP safety ratings?

None of Kia Rio and Toyota GR Yaris carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.

Which can tow the most?

The Kia Rio has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,050kg.

Which is the most powerful?

The Toyota GR Yaris makes the most power at 221kW.

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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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