MINI Cooper vs Toyota GR Yaris
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks 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 MINI Cooper starts from $41,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR Yaris opens at $55,490. That makes the MINI Cooper the more affordable entry point by $13,500.
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 $46,189 and $61,039 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MINI Cooper by roughly $3,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the MINI Cooper and Toyota GR Yaris hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the MINI Cooper and 86% for the Toyota GR Yaris.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MINI Cooper packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Toyota GR Yaris.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the MINI Cooper and 6 in the Toyota GR Yaris.
Feature Showdown
The MINI Cooper features a 9.4-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota GR Yaris gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MINI Cooper stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota GR Yaris. The Toyota GR Yaris counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MINI Cooper uses a Petrol Turbo producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Toyota GR Yaris responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 400Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
The Toyota GR Yaris has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Yaris is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MINI Cooper measures 3,876mm long on a 2,495mm wheelbase, 119mm shorter than the Toyota GR Yaris at 3,995mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota GR Yaris generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 210L in the MINI Cooper and 174L in the Toyota GR Yaris, giving the MINI Cooper a 36L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.7m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 $1,767/year for the MINI Cooper and $2,537/year for the Toyota GR Yaris. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the MINI Cooper.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (MINI Cooper) vs $2,537 (Toyota GR Yaris). The MINI Cooper saves you roughly $770 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (MINI Cooper) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Yaris). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MINI Cooper if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR Yaris if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MINI Cooper takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The MINI Cooper will save you roughly $770 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MINI Cooper 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, MINI Cooper and Toyota GR Yaris?
The MINI Cooper is the cheapest at $41,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Yaris by $13,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MINI Cooper and Toyota GR Yaris all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The MINI Cooper has the largest boot at 210L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR Yaris makes the most power at 221kW. The Toyota GR Yaris is quickest to 100km/h in 5.5s.
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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