Mazda MX-5 vs Toyota Yaris Cross
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Mazda MX-5
From $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
Toyota Yaris Cross
From $26,990
SUV
Petrol
1.5L 3-cyclinder Petrol
88kW
5.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
Toyota Yaris Cross: we're still completing kerb weight, 0-100km/h, warranty, ground clearance and turning circle.
Blank cells below mean 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
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Yaris Cross opens at $26,990. That makes the Toyota Yaris Cross the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
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 $35,189 and $29,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris Cross by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris Cross packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Mazda MX-5.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 4 in the Mazda MX-5 and 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota Yaris Cross counters with Apple CarPlay that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) producing 96kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD layout.
The Toyota Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyclinder Petrol making 88kW and 145Nm, paired to a continuously variable transmission (auto cvt) driving the front wheels.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 96kW vs 88kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 265mm shorter than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Yaris Cross generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Toyota Yaris Cross a 260L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.4m 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 8.2 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
1.7 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $1,539/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Mazda MX-5) vs $1,539 (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $200 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Yaris Cross takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $200 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 MX-5 and Toyota Yaris Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $26,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda MX-5 by $5,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda MX-5 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 Toyota Yaris Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,250kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda MX-5 makes the most power at 96kW.
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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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