Toyota GR 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 GR Yaris starts from $55,490 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Polo opens at $32,990. That makes the Volkswagen Polo the more affordable entry point by $22,500.
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 $61,039 and $36,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Polo by roughly $4,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota GR Yaris and Volkswagen Polo hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Toyota GR Yaris and 94% for the Volkswagen Polo.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Polo packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Toyota GR Yaris.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Toyota GR Yaris and 6 in the Volkswagen Polo.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota GR Yaris features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen Polo gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Polo counters with wireless charging that the Toyota GR Yaris does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota GR Yaris uses a Petrol producing 221kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.5 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.
The Toyota GR Yaris has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Yaris is 4.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota GR Yaris measures 3,995mm long on a 2,560mm wheelbase, 85mm 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 174L in the Toyota GR Yaris and 381L in the Volkswagen Polo, giving the Volkswagen Polo a 207L advantage. The Volkswagen Polo seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.1m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m 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 $2,537/year for the Toyota GR Yaris and $1,568/year for the Volkswagen Polo. That is a $969 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Polo.
Estimated annual total: $2,537 (Toyota GR Yaris) vs $1,568 (Volkswagen Polo). The Volkswagen Polo saves you roughly $969 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Yaris) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Polo). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota GR Yaris if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Polo if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Polo takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Polo will save you roughly $969 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 GR Yaris and Volkswagen Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo is the cheapest at $32,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Yaris by $22,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Polo uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota GR 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.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR Yaris makes the most power at 221kW. The Toyota GR Yaris is quickest to 100km/h in 5.5s.
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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