Mazda CX-8 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.
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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 Mazda CX-8 and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mazda CX-8 and 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda CX-8, against 6 on the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-8 and 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-8 stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Yaris Cross. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-8 lines up producing 140kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a AWD layout.
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 Mazda CX-8 has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-8 measures 4,925mm long on a 2,930mm wheelbase, 745mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 209L in the Mazda CX-8 and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Toyota Yaris Cross a 181L advantage. The Mazda CX-8 seats 6 vs 5.
For towing, the Mazda CX-8 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 1,600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m 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 9.8m 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 $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-8 and $1,083/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Warranty: 5 years (Mazda CX-8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-8 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-8 and Toyota Yaris Cross trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Yaris Cross has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-8 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: Mazda CX-8 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 Toyota Yaris Cross has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-8 makes the most power at 140kW.
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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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