Volkswagen Polo vs Toyota Yaris
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 Volkswagen Polo starts from $30,790 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Yaris opens at $28,990. That makes the Toyota Yaris the more affordable entry point by $1,800.
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 $33,869 and $31,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 94% for the Volkswagen Polo and 86% for the Toyota Yaris.
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 6 in the Volkswagen Polo and 7 in the Toyota Yaris.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Polo features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Yaris gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Polo stands out with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging that you will not find on the Toyota Yaris. The Toyota Yaris counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Polo uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.1 seconds.
The Toyota Yaris responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 141Nm, paired to a automatic 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. 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 Volkswagen Polo measures 4,080mm long on a 2,564mm wheelbase, 140mm longer than the Toyota Yaris at 3,940mm (2,550mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Polo generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 381L in the Volkswagen Polo and 270L in the Toyota Yaris, 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 10.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.8m 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 $1,568/year for the Volkswagen Polo and $1,083/year for the Toyota Yaris. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris.
Estimated annual total: $1,568 (Volkswagen Polo) vs $1,083 (Toyota Yaris). 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 (Volkswagen Polo) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Yaris). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Polo if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
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.
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, Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris?
The Toyota Yaris is the cheapest at $28,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen Polo by $1,800.
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 — Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Yaris 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.
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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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