Toyota GR Corolla vs Audi RS3
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.
Toyota GR Corolla
From $67,990
Hatchback
Petrol
221kW
8.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
217L
Audi RS3
From $99,208
Hatchback
5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging
294kW
8.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
282L
Price Breakdown
The Toyota GR Corolla starts from $67,990 before on-road costs, while the Audi RS3 opens at $99,208. That makes the Toyota GR Corolla the more affordable entry point by $31,218.
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 $74,789 and $109,129 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota GR Corolla and Audi RS3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Toyota GR Corolla and 89% for the Audi RS3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi RS3 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Toyota GR Corolla.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Toyota GR Corolla and 6 in the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota GR Corolla misses.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota GR Corolla features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Audi RS3 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota GR Corolla stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Audi RS3. The Audi RS3 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, power tailgate, Sonos 3D Premium audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota GR Corolla uses a Petrol producing 221kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Audi RS3 responds with a 5-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging making 294kW and 500Nm, paired to a 7-speed s tronic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.
The Audi RS3 has the clear power advantage at 294kW vs 221kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS3 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota GR Corolla measures 4,360mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 29mm shorter than the Audi RS3 at 4,389mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota GR Corolla generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 217L in the Toyota GR Corolla and 282L in the Audi RS3, giving the Audi RS3 a 65L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.1m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $2,537/year for the Toyota GR Corolla and $2,366/year for the Audi RS3. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Audi RS3.
Estimated annual total: $2,537 (Toyota GR Corolla) vs $2,366 (Audi RS3). The Audi RS3 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Corolla) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RS3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota GR Corolla if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi RS3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS3 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Audi RS3 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi RS3 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, Toyota GR Corolla and Audi RS3?
The Toyota GR Corolla is the cheapest at $67,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS3 by $31,218.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi RS3 uses the least fuel at 8.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota GR Corolla and Audi RS3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi RS3 has the largest boot at 282L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi RS3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,900kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS3 makes the most power at 294kW. The Audi RS3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.8s.
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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