Tesla Model 3 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.
Toyota Yaris Cross scores higher, 77 vs 71
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 3 Oct 2026, price 14 Nov 2026
Tesla Model 3
10 of 27 standard · no option data · 17 no dataFrom
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- Sedan
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric Motor
- Power
- No data
- Energy use
- No data
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- No data
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Toyota Yaris Cross
11 of 27 standard · no option data · 4 not offered · 12 no dataFrom
$31,790
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Hybrid
- Engine
- 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid
- Power
- 85kW
- Economy
- 3.8 L/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2021
- Boot (seats up)
- 390L
Top CarSorted Score, 77 vs 71
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Tesla Model 3: we're still completing wheelbase, kerb weight, power, torque and transmission, plus 3 others.
A blank cell below means 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.
$45,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$31,790RRP
- cannot be matched: Satellite Navigation and Heated Front Seats not offered
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive
$45,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 1 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $189 a week in repayments ($45,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Toyota Yaris Cross GX Hybrid 2WD
$31,790
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 14 Nov 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $124 a week in repayments ($31,790 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Toyota Yaris Cross starts $14,110 lower on RRP.
The Tesla Model 3 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Toyota Yaris Cross does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$124/wk(≈$537/mo)
Estimate on the Toyota Yaris Cross at $31,790 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the Tesla Model 3 at 5 stars (2025) and the Toyota Yaris Cross at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Tesla Model 3 and 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 5 of 10 key systems on the Tesla Model 3 and 5 on the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
Tesla Model 3
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- REC-005879 · published 30 Jan 2024The rear centre seat position of the Model 3 does not have an accessible top-restraint anchorage point as required by Australian Design Rule 34/03.Year range on the notice: 2023
- 8 more on the model page.
Toyota Yaris Cross
- REC-005068 · published 10 Mar 2022The vehicle's front radar sensor which supports certain driver assistance features, including the Pre-Collision System (PCS) may not have been calibrated during vehicle manufacture.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
- REC-001317 · published 19 Jan 2021A sharp edge in the rear centre seat belt anchor bracket may damage the seatbelt webbing for that seat during a collision.Year range on the notice: 2020
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
Feature Showdown
The Tesla Model 3 features a 16-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Yaris Cross gets a 8-inch display and 7-inch instruments.
The Tesla Model 3 stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, V2L and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Yaris Cross. The Toyota Yaris Cross counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Tesla Model 3 gets vegan leather with textile inserts upholstery while the Toyota Yaris Cross offers cloth.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
The Tesla Model 3 measures 4,720mm long, 540mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Tesla Model 3 leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
The Toyota Yaris Cross turns in a 10.6 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Tesla Model 3's turning circle is not on our record.
Cost to own
We do not hold a like-for-like fuel or energy figure for both cars, so we do not cost them against each other.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Tesla Model 3) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota Yaris Cross).
Where each one leads
The Tesla Model 3: the higher braked towing limit (1,000kg against 400kg).
The Toyota Yaris Cross: the lower starting price ($31,790 against $45,900).
The Verdict
Toyota Yaris Cross scores higher, 77 vs 71
The Toyota Yaris Cross scores 77 to the Tesla Model 3's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Tesla Model 3 ahead by 23 points), value (Toyota Yaris Cross ahead by 12 points).
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$124/wk(≈$537/mo)
Estimate on the Toyota Yaris Cross at $31,790 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model 3Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Yaris Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $31,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Tesla Model 3 by $14,110.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Tesla Model 3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025) and Toyota Yaris Cross holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model 3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Track the Tesla Model 3 & Toyota Yaris Cross
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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