Toyota Yaris Cross vs Kia Seltos
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 Yaris Cross starts from $31,790 before on-road costs, while the Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $540.
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 $34,969 and $34,375 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris Cross by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Yaris Cross and Kia Seltos hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross and 85% for the Kia Seltos.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris Cross packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Kia Seltos.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross and 6 in the Kia Seltos.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Yaris Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid producing 85kW and 120Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Kia Seltos responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Seltos is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Yaris Cross measures 4,180mm long on a 2,560mm wheelbase, 205mm shorter than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross and 312L in the Kia Seltos, giving the Toyota Yaris Cross a 78L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Seltos leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 11.0m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 Yaris Cross and $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,340 (Toyota Yaris Cross) vs $1,967 (Kia Seltos). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris Cross) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Seltos takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Yaris Cross has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota Yaris Cross and Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Yaris Cross by $540.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Yaris Cross and Kia Seltos all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Yaris Cross has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Seltos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Seltos makes the most power at 110kW. The Kia Seltos is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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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