Volkswagen T-Cross vs Toyota C-HR
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 Volkswagen T-Cross starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota C-HR opens at $38,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Cross the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $38,489 and $42,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota C-HR by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota C-HR hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Volkswagen T-Cross and 85% for the Toyota C-HR.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota C-HR 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 6 in the Volkswagen T-Cross and 7 in the Toyota C-HR.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen T-Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 10.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Cross stands out with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging that you will not find on the Toyota C-HR. The Toyota C-HR counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Cross 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 9.8 seconds.
The Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 112kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota C-HR has the clear power advantage at 112kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Cross measures 4,108mm long on a 2,563mm wheelbase, 252mm shorter than the Toyota C-HR at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota C-HR generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 392L in the Volkswagen T-Cross and 318L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 74L advantage.
For towing, the Toyota C-HR leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.2m
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 T-Cross and $1,340/year for the Toyota C-HR. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Toyota C-HR.
Estimated annual total: $1,568 (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs $1,340 (Toyota C-HR). The Toyota C-HR 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 (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota C-HR). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota C-HR takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Toyota C-HR will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Cross 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 T-Cross and Toyota C-HR?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota C-HR by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota C-HR uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen T-Cross and Toyota C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota C-HR makes the most power at 112kW. The Toyota C-HR is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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