@ Kia Corporation
@ Toyota Motor Corporation
VS

Kia Niro vs Toyota Yaris – Which one offers the better deal?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Kia Niro or Toyota Yaris fits your lifestyle better.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Kia Niro vs. Toyota Yaris: The Ultimate Compact Showdown

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, two compact titans stand out: the Kia Niro and the Toyota Yaris. Both vehicles pack impressive features, sustainability, and efficiency into accessible packages. Let’s delve into a thorough comparison, focusing on their technical aspects and innovative offerings.

Yaris @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Engine Options and Performance

The Kia Niro boasts versatility with both Full Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid options. It features an entry-level configuration that delivers a respectable 129 horsepower, while the hybrid variant cranks up to an impressive 171 horsepower. Niro offers smooth acceleration, reaching 0-100 km/h in just 11.3 seconds for the hybrid model and 10.4 seconds for the Plug-in variant. It is powered by a 1.6-liter engine, combining efficient energy usage with robust torque of 265 Nm.

In contrast, the Toyota Yaris offers a slightly different twist, focusing on both full hybrid and petrol engines. The standard hybrid variant outputs 116 horsepower and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds, while a more powerful petrol version boasts up to 130 horsepower. The Yaris’ compact 1.5-liter and 1.6-liter engines promote an agile driving experience, achieving up to a remarkable top speed of 175 km/h.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

The Niro excels in fuel economy with consumption rates as low as 4.4 L/100 km for the hybrid and 0.8 L/100 km for the plug-in model. A battery capacity of 11.1 kWh allows for an electric range of 65 km, making it a great choice for city dwellers looking to minimize fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

Meanwhile, the Yaris shines in terms of overall efficiency, offering outstanding figures of 3.8 L/100 km for the hybrid variant. With its various engine options and configurations, including a 36-liter fuel tank for the hybrid model, the Yaris maintains a notable balance of performance and sustainability, with CO2 emissions ranging from 87 to 215 g/km depending on the variant.

Yaris @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the Kia Niro, you’ll find a modern and spacious cabin boasting seating for up to five passengers. The trunk capacity of 451 liters is significant for this vehicle class, featuring practical cargo solutions for everyday use. Standard features are geared toward comfort, with a user-friendly infotainment system and advanced connectivity options.

The Toyota Yaris, a hatchback, feels nimble but may lack the cargo capacity of the Niro, offering only 286 to 141 liters depending on the variant. However, the interior is still surprisingly comfortable for up to five passengers. Technology in the Yaris incorporates Toyota’s latest safety systems, alongside an intuitive interface that enhances driver experience.

Niro @ Kia Corporation

Safety Innovations

Safety is paramount in both vehicles. The Niro includes advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and robust airbag systems—putting it in line with the latest safety standards.

Meanwhile, the Yaris offers Toyota’s renowned safety suite which includes automatic emergency braking, advanced driver assistance systems, and a strong NCAP safety rating, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Conclusion: Which Compact Reigns Supreme?

The Kia Niro provides an attractive package for those seeking a practical SUV-like experience with hybrid efficiency, spaciousness, and power. On the other end, the Toyota Yaris appeals to consumers looking for a sporty and nimble hatchback, excelling in fuel efficiency and innovative safety features.

Your choice will ultimately depend on your needs—whether it's the Niro’s SUV-like versatility or the Yaris’s refined performance. In either case, both vehicles showcase the manufacturers' commitment to innovation and reliability in today’s automotive market.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Toyota Yaris has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 21900 £, while the Kia Niro costs 29100 £. That’s a price difference of around 7277 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Kia Niro manages with 2.40 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Toyota Yaris with 3.80 L. The difference is about 1.40 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Toyota Yaris has a evident edge – offering 280 HP compared to 180 HP. That’s roughly 100 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Toyota Yaris is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 5.50 s, while the Kia Niro takes 9.90 s. That’s about 4.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Toyota Yaris performs somewhat better – reaching 230 km/h, while the Kia Niro tops out at 185 km/h. The difference is around 45 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Toyota Yaris pulls distinct stronger with 390 Nm compared to 265 Nm. That’s about 125 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Toyota Yaris is noticeable lighter – 1090 kg compared to 1474 kg. The difference is around 384 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia Niro offers evident more room – 451 L compared to 286 L. That’s a difference of about 165 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia Niro performs noticeable better – up to 1445 L, which is about 510 L more than the Toyota Yaris.

When it comes to payload, Toyota Yaris to a small extent takes the win – 525 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 59 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Toyota Yaris proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Toyota Yaris is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £21,900
Yaris @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Yaris

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 280 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 3.8 - 9.5 L

Kia Niro

5 (1)
rate

The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.

details

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is a sprightly city hatch that packs clever packaging, surprising comfort and fuel-sipping manners into a neat, easy-to-park package. It rewards sensible buyers with low running costs, friendly ergonomics and a forgiving drive, delivered with Japanese reliability and just enough personality to make errands feel a little less ordinary.

details
Kia Niro
Toyota Yaris
Niro @ Kia Corporation
Yaris @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
29100 - 38600 £
Price
21900 - 46700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 4.9 L
Consumption L/100km
3.8 - 9.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
57 - 62 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
1.3 - 11.1 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 111 g/km
co2
87 - 215 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
37 - 42 L
Fuel tank capacity
36 - 50 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
3 - 5
Curb weight
1474 - 1594 kg
Curb weight
1090 - 1356 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 451 L
Trunk capacity
141 - 286 L
Length
4420 mm
Length
3940 - 3995 mm
Width
1825 mm
Width
1745 - 1805 mm
Height
1545 mm
Height
1455 - 1500 mm
Max trunk capacity
1342 - 1445 L
Max trunk capacity
935 L
Payload
466 kg
Payload
289 - 525 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT, Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 - 180 HP
Power HP
116 - 280 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
170 - 185 km/h
Max Speed
175 - 230 km/h
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
390 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
102 - 132 kW
Power kW
85 - 206 kW
Engine capacity
1580 cm3
Engine capacity
1490 - 1618 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, G
Brand
Kia
Brand
Toyota
Is the Kia Niro offered with different drivetrains?

The Kia Niro is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.