Lexus UX 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 Lexus UX starts from $46,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tayron opens at $48,290. That makes the Lexus UX the more affordable entry point by $1,390.
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 $51,590 and $53,119 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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
The Lexus UX 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 Lexus UX stands out with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen Tayron. The Volkswagen Tayron counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus UX gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Tayron offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Lexus UX and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tayron.
Drivetrain
The Lexus UX uses a Petrol producing 126kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 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 Lexus UX has the clear power advantage at 126kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tayron is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus UX measures 4,495mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 297mm shorter than the Volkswagen Tayron at 4,792mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tayron generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 217L in the Lexus UX and 570L in the Volkswagen Tayron, giving the Volkswagen Tayron a 353L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.2m
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,052/year for the Lexus UX and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tayron. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Lexus UX) vs $2,166 (Volkswagen Tayron). The Lexus UX saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tayron). The Volkswagen Tayron has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus UX)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus UX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Tayron if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tayron takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus UX will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tayron has a clear edge. The Volkswagen Tayron 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, Lexus UX and Volkswagen Tayron?
The Lexus UX is the cheapest at $46,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Tayron by $1,390.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus UX uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Volkswagen Tayron has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Volkswagen Tayron has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus UX makes the most power at 126kW. The Volkswagen Tayron is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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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