Toyota Yaris Cross vs Volkswagen Passat
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Yaris Cross
From $31,790
SUV
Hybrid
1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid
85kW
3.8 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
Volkswagen Passat
Price TBC
sedan
petrol
—
140kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
586L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Yaris Cross and Volkswagen Passat hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 0 in the Volkswagen Passat.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota Yaris Cross stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Volkswagen Passat. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid producing 85kW and 141Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The Volkswagen Passat lines up making 140kW and 320Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Passat has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Passat is 1.9s 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, 595mm shorter than the Volkswagen Passat at 4,775mm (2,791mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Passat generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross and 586L in the Volkswagen Passat, giving the Volkswagen Passat a 196L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Passat leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 1,400kg 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 11.7m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,083/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross and $1,824/year for the Volkswagen Passat. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Toyota Yaris Cross) vs $1,824 (Volkswagen Passat). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $741 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 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Passat). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Passat if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Passat takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Passat 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 Yaris Cross and Volkswagen Passat?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $31,790 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Yaris Cross and Volkswagen Passat all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Passat has the largest boot at 586L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Passat has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Passat makes the most power at 140kW. The Volkswagen Passat is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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