Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Toyota Yaris Cross

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 5 stars (2022) and the Toyota Yaris Cross at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, against 5 on the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Yaris Cross gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof 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.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Yaris Cross offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 1-zone in the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Drivetrain

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.

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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 85kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4,751mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 571mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 65L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Toyota Yaris Cross's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class costs about $1,967 a year (6.9 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota Yaris Cross about $1,083 a year (3.8 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $884 a year less for the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota Yaris Cross).

Where each one leads

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class: more power (150kW against 85kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (455L against 390L).

The Toyota Yaris Cross: the lower starting price ($31,790 against $76,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,083 a year against $1,967).

The Verdict

Toyota Yaris Cross scores higher, 77 vs 74

The Toyota Yaris Cross scores 77 to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 27 points), fuel economy (Toyota Yaris Cross ahead by 26 points), technology (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 23 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Toyota Yaris Cross costs about $884 less (3.8 L/100km against 6.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Common questions