Volkswagen Golf vs Toyota GR 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 Golf starts from $41,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota GR Yaris opens at $55,490. That makes the Volkswagen Golf the more affordable entry point by $13,500.
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 $46,189 and $61,039 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen Golf by roughly $2,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen Golf features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota GR Yaris gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Golf stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging that you will not find on the Toyota GR Yaris. The Toyota GR Yaris counters with Apple CarPlay and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Golf uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 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 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR Yaris is 3.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Golf measures 4,282mm long on a 2,631mm wheelbase, 287mm longer than the Toyota GR Yaris at 3,995mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Golf generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 381L in the Volkswagen Golf and 174L in the Toyota GR Yaris, giving the Volkswagen Golf a 207L advantage. The Volkswagen Golf seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.9m
Based on 10.9m 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 $1,796/year for the Volkswagen Golf and $2,337/year for the Toyota GR Yaris. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Golf.
Estimated annual total: $1,796 (Volkswagen Golf) vs $2,337 (Toyota GR Yaris). The Volkswagen Golf saves you roughly $541 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Golf) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR Yaris). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Golf 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.
Buy the Toyota GR Yaris if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Golf takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen Golf will save you roughly $541 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Golf 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 Golf and Toyota GR Yaris?
The Volkswagen Golf is the cheapest at $41,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota GR Yaris by $13,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Golf uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Golf all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Golf has the largest boot at 381L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Golf has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
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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