Mazda BT-50 vs Toyota GR Yaris
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR Yaris opens at $55,490. That makes the Mazda BT-50 the more affordable entry point by $19,090.
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 $40,040 and $61,039 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda BT-50 by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda BT-50 and Toyota GR Yaris hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Mazda BT-50 and 86% for the Toyota GR Yaris.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 1 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 6 in the Toyota GR Yaris.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota GR Yaris gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Toyota GR Yaris responds with a Petrol making 221kW and 400Nm, paired to a manual driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
The Toyota GR Yaris has the clear power advantage at 221kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Yaris is 5.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda BT-50 measures 5,320mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 1325mm longer than the Toyota GR Yaris at 3,995mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda BT-50 generally means more rear legroom.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m 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 $2,024/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $2,537/year for the Toyota GR Yaris. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (Mazda BT-50) vs $2,537 (Toyota GR Yaris). The Mazda BT-50 saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Yaris). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR Yaris if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda BT-50 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda BT-50 and Toyota GR Yaris?
The Mazda BT-50 is the cheapest at $36,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Yaris by $19,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 7.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda BT-50 and Toyota GR Yaris all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
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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