Toyota C-HR vs Volkswagen T-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.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota C-HR starts from $46,940 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Cross the more affordable entry point by $11,950.
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 $51,634 and $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota C-HR by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota C-HR features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota C-HR stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota C-HR uses a Petrol producing 103kW and 188Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Toyota C-HR has the clear power advantage at 103kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota C-HR measures 4,360mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 252mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota C-HR generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 388L in the Toyota C-HR and 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 4L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen T-Cross leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 725kg. That 275kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR and $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $1,340 (Toyota C-HR) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Toyota C-HR saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota C-HR) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen T-Cross trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota C-HR by $11,950.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota C-HR uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota C-HR all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 392L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota C-HR makes the most power at 103kW. The Toyota C-HR is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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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