Kia Rio 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.
Track the Kia Rio & Toyota Yaris
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Yaris counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto 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 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 Toyota Yaris has the clear power advantage at 85kW 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, 95mm longer than the Toyota Yaris at 3,950mm (2,550mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Rio generally means more rear legroom.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.5m
Based on 10.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m 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 $1,625/year for the Kia Rio and $941/year for the Toyota Yaris. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris.
Estimated annual total: $1,625 (Kia Rio) vs $941 (Toyota Yaris). The Toyota Yaris saves you roughly $684 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 Yaris). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Rio if: You or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Yaris takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Toyota Yaris will save you roughly $684 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 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 — Toyota Yaris all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Rio has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,050kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Yaris makes the most power at 85kW.
Track the cars you're comparing
Get price-drop and spec-change alerts on the models in this comparison, plus our weekly new-car rundown of launches, deals and reviews.
- Price-drop alerts on these models
- Spec-change alerts
- Weekly new-car rundown
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
