Toyota GR Yaris vs Mazda Mazda3
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 Toyota GR Yaris starts from $55,490 before on-road costs, while the Mazda Mazda3 opens at $26,490. That makes the Mazda Mazda3 the more affordable entry point by $29,000.
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 $61,039 and $29,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda3 by roughly $7,270 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota GR Yaris and Mazda Mazda3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota GR Yaris and 98% for the Mazda Mazda3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda Mazda3 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 6 in the Toyota GR Yaris and 6 in the Mazda Mazda3.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota GR Yaris features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda Mazda3 gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Toyota GR Yaris 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 5.5 seconds.
The Mazda Mazda3 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Toyota GR Yaris has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 114kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Yaris is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota GR Yaris measures 3,995mm long on a 2,560mm wheelbase, 465mm shorter than the Mazda Mazda3 at 4,460mm (2,726mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda Mazda3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 174L in the Toyota GR Yaris and 295L in the Mazda Mazda3, giving the Mazda Mazda3 a 121L advantage. The Mazda Mazda3 seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 Yaris and $1,083/year for the Mazda Mazda3. That is a $1,454 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda3.
Estimated annual total: $2,537 (Toyota GR Yaris) vs $1,083 (Mazda Mazda3). The Mazda Mazda3 saves you roughly $1,454 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Yaris) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda Mazda3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota GR Yaris if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda Mazda3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda Mazda3 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda Mazda3 will save you roughly $1,454 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mazda Mazda3 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 Yaris and Mazda Mazda3?
The Mazda Mazda3 is the cheapest at $26,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Yaris by $29,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda3 uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota GR Yaris and Mazda Mazda3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the largest boot at 295L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda Mazda3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
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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