Toyota Yaris vs MG MG3
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 Yaris starts from $22,990 before on-road costs, while the MG MG3 opens at $20,990. That makes the MG MG3 the more affordable entry point by $2,000.
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 $25,289 and $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota Yaris holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota Yaris and 74% for the MG MG3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota Yaris and 6 in the MG MG3.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Yaris features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the MG MG3 gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota Yaris stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the MG MG3. The MG MG3 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Yaris uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 141Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.8 seconds.
The MG MG3 responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 142Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds.
The Toyota Yaris has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 81kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Yaris is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Yaris measures 3,940mm long on a 2,550mm wheelbase, 173mm shorter than the MG MG3 at 4,113mm (2,570mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MG3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the Toyota Yaris and 293L in the MG MG3, giving the MG MG3 a 23L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.2m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.2m 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 $1,083/year for the Toyota Yaris and $1,710/year for the MG MG3. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Toyota Yaris) vs $1,710 (MG MG3). The Toyota Yaris 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) vs 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Yaris if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota Yaris and MG MG3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Yaris will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. The MG MG3 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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