@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
@ Toyota Motor Corporation
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SEAT Arona vs Toyota Yaris Cross – Which one offers the better deal?

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

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

The Compact SUV Conundrum: SEAT Arona vs. Toyota Yaris Cross

In the bustling world of compact SUVs, two models are currently turning heads and capturing hearts - the SEAT Arona and the Toyota Yaris Cross. As city-friendly cars with adventurous capabilities, both offer compelling blends of efficiency, style, and innovation. Let's dive deep into their offerings to see which one might be the right fit for you.

Yaris Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Under the Hood: Power and Efficiency

The SEAT Arona offers a versatile range of petrol engines, delivering power between 95 and 150 HP with an optional manual gearbox or a dual-clutch automatic. Its fuel consumption lands around 5.4 to 5.6 L/100 km, depending on the engine choice. Enthusiasts will appreciate a robust acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 8.4 seconds for the more potent variants.

Meanwhile, the Toyota Yaris Cross shines with its full hybrid engine. This environmentally conscious option offers between 116 and 130 HP, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination ensures a smooth ride with impressive fuel efficiency of 4.5 to 4.8 L/100 km. However, the Yaris Cross has a modest acceleration, taking between 10.7 to 11.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h, which it compensates for with a CO2 efficiency class of C, better than the Arona's D.

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Design and Dimensions: Space and Practicality

Both the Arona and the Yaris Cross exhibit the solid stature typical of SUVs, yet maintain the nimbleness needed for urban environments. The Arona measures 4153 mm in length, 1780 mm in width, and 1537 mm in height, providing ample interior space with a boot capacity of 400 liters.

In contrast, the Yaris Cross is slightly longer at 4180 mm, and taller at 1595 mm, though slightly narrower at 1765 mm, offering a trunk space between 320 and 397 liters depending on the configuration. Though compact, it’s designed with practicality in mind, perfect for city errands or a weekend getaway.

Yaris Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Innovative Features and Comfort

SEAT's Arona edges forward with various engine choices, engaging the driver further with its manual transmission options. It is perfect for those who seek a spirited drive paired with modern aesthetics. The Arona’s cabin is designed to balance comfort with practicality, offering a cozy environment for daily commutes or long drives alike.

On the other hand, Toyota’s Yaris Cross is embedded with hybrid technology, appealing to the environmentally conscious consumer. Its purely automatic transmission ensures a smooth, relaxed driving experience, ideal for those who prize energy efficiency and a lower carbon footprint without sacrificing everyday utility.

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

The Verdict: Style or Sustainability?

Ultimately, choosing between the SEAT Arona and Toyota Yaris Cross boils down to what you're seeking in a compact SUV. If you prioritize a fun drive with more engine options and performance figures, the SEAT Arona presents itself as an attractive choice. On the flip side, if sustainability and cutting-edge hybrid technology top your list, the Toyota Yaris Cross stands out as the clear contender.

Both these models carve their niche in the competitive compact SUV segment, promising reliability and versatility for drivers. It's a choice between style and substance — with neither choice being a wrong one.

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

Yaris Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

SEAT Arona has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 19300 £, while the Toyota Yaris Cross costs 23700 £. That’s a price difference of around 4389 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Toyota Yaris Cross manages with 4.50 L and is therefore noticeable more efficient than the SEAT Arona with 5.40 L. The difference is about 0.90 L per 100 km.

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the SEAT Arona has a somewhat edge – offering 150 HP compared to 130 HP. That’s roughly 20 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Arona is distinct quicker – completing the sprint in 8.40 s, while the Toyota Yaris Cross takes 10.70 s. That’s about 2.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the SEAT Arona performs to a small extent better – reaching 210 km/h, while the Toyota Yaris Cross tops out at 170 km/h. The difference is around 40 km/h.

Yaris Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Toyota Yaris Cross is minimal lighter – 1180 kg compared to 1188 kg. The difference is around 8 kg.

In terms of boot space, the SEAT Arona offers minimal more room – 400 L compared to 397 L. That’s a difference of about 3 L.

In maximum load capacity, the SEAT Arona performs a bit better – up to 1280 L, which is about 183 L more than the Toyota Yaris Cross.

When it comes to payload, SEAT Arona hardly perceptible takes the win – 522 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who wins the race?

The SEAT Arona proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
SEAT Arona is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £19,300
Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

SEAT Arona

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 95 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.4 - 5.6 L

SEAT Arona

The SEAT Arona is a cheeky urban crossover that mixes sharp styling with sensible practicality, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want personality without fuss. It’s zippy in traffic, comfortable enough for daily driving, and brings enough character to make routine journeys feel a little more fun.

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Toyota Yaris Cross

5 (1)
rate

The Toyota Yaris Cross takes the jaunty personality of the Yaris and gives it a taller stance and a bit more practicality, so you get city-friendly agility with added SUV presence. It’s easy to live with, economical on the daily grind, and smartly packaged — a sensible pick for buyers who want fuss-free transport with a touch of character.

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SEAT Arona
Toyota Yaris Cross
Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
Yaris Cross @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
19300 - 29300 £
Price
23700 - 34300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 5.6 L
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.8 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
122 - 128 g/km
co2
101 - 108 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 L
Fuel tank capacity
36 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1188 - 1268 kg
Curb weight
1180 - 1290 kg
Trunk capacity
400 L
Trunk capacity
320 - 397 L
Length
4153 mm
Length
4180 mm
Width
1780 mm
Width
1765 mm
Height
1537 mm
Height
1595 mm
Max trunk capacity
1280 L
Max trunk capacity
1097 L
Payload
502 - 522 kg
Payload
485 - 510 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Power HP
116 - 130 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 11.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.7 - 11.3 s
Max Speed
182 - 210 km/h
Max Speed
170 km/h
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Power kW
85 - 96 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3
Engine capacity
1490 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
SEAT
Brand
Toyota
Is the SEAT Arona offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include 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.