Toyota Yaris vs Volkswagen Polo
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 Volkswagen Polo opens at $32,990. That makes the Toyota Yaris the more affordable entry point by $10,000.
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 $36,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Polo hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota Yaris and 94% for the Volkswagen Polo.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Volkswagen Polo.
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 Volkswagen Polo.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Yaris features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Polo gets a 8-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 Volkswagen Polo. The Volkswagen Polo counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. 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 Volkswagen Polo responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Yaris is 0.3s 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, 140mm shorter than the Volkswagen Polo at 4,080mm (2,564mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Polo generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 270L in the Toyota Yaris and 381L in the Volkswagen Polo, giving the Volkswagen Polo a 111L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.1m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.1m 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 $1,568/year for the Volkswagen Polo. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris.
Estimated annual total: $1,083 (Toyota Yaris) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen Polo). The Toyota Yaris saves you roughly $485 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 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Polo). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Yaris if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Polo if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Yaris takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Yaris will save you roughly $485 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Polo 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 and Volkswagen Polo?
The Toyota Yaris is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Polo by $10,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris uses the least fuel at 3.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Polo all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Polo has the largest boot at 381L.
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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