Toyota Yaris Cross 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 Yaris Cross starts from $31,790 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the Toyota Yaris Cross the more affordable entry point by $3,200.
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 $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris Cross by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Yaris Cross and Volkswagen T-Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross and 97% for the Volkswagen T-Cross.
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 3 in the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross and 6 in the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Yaris Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota Yaris Cross 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 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 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.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. 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, 72mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen T-Cross generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross and 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 2L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen T-Cross leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 600kg 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 11.2m
Based on 9.8m 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 Yaris Cross and $1,568/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,340 (Toyota Yaris Cross) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross 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 Yaris Cross) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You 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 Yaris Cross and Volkswagen T-Cross trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Yaris Cross 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 Yaris Cross and Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $31,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $3,200.
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 Volkswagen T-Cross 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.
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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