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Toyota Yaris Cross vs Dacia Sandero comparison

Compare performance (130 HP vs 122 HP), boot space and price (23,700 £ vs 11,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Toyota Yaris Cross or Dacia Sandero?

Toyota Yaris Cross vs Dacia Sandero: Key differences

Toyota Yaris Cross

4.2 (15 Reviews)
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  • only slightly more power
  • slightly more efficient
  • barely more trunk space
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Dacia Sandero

3.1 (5 Reviews)
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  • considerably cheaper
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Yaris Cross

Quick take: Dacia Sandero and Toyota Yaris Cross face off

The Dacia Sandero and the Toyota Yaris Cross sit at opposite ends of pragmatic compact motoring, one built around absolute value, the other built around hybrid efficiency and everyday polish. On this Dacia Sandero VS Toyota Yaris Cross comparison we look less at headline specs and more at what each car actually feels like in daily life — how they sound on the motorway, how roomy they are for people and bags, and how tiring they become over long runs. The Sandero trades refinement and gadgetry for simplicity, low running costs and straightforward ergonomics, while the Yaris Cross offers hybrid drive, a higher seating position and more driver aids for a higher purchase price. That creates a set of clear trade-offs rather than a close tie: one emphasises cost and ease of use, the other efficiency, perceived quality and extra kit.

Sandero

Character and driving feel

Driving character is where the difference becomes immediately obvious: the Dacia Sandero feels light, honest and a little raw, prioritising predictable, undemanding controls over sparkle. The Sandero’s steering and suspension are tuned for everyday manoeuvrability and low cost, which makes it nimble around town but lacking in crisp feedback when you push it. In contrast, the Toyota Yaris Cross leans into its hybrid setup and higher seating to deliver a calmer urban experience, with the hybrid motor smoothing stop‑start traffic and the elevated view aiding city awareness. That hybrid system and optional all‑wheel traction also change the character: the Yaris Cross feels more composed on mixed roads and in slippery conditions, but it never aims to be sporty.

Yaris Cross

Comfort and cabin feel

Cabin atmosphere and perceived quality split the pair neatly: the Sandero’s interior is pragmatic and plainly finished, with plenty of hard plastics and an emphasis on physical knobs that reward simple usability. That approach keeps things durable and easy to understand but also leaves a sense of austerity that some buyers will find off‑putting on longer trips. The Yaris Cross presents a more assembled, modern feel — updated screens, tidier trim and a generally more refined presentation that makes daily drives feel a touch more grown‑up. Rear‑seat reality flips expectations slightly: the Sandero’s bench is upright and useable for average adults, while the Yaris Cross, despite better headroom, is actually tighter in knee space, so both cars force compromises for passengers in the back.

Sandero

Practicality and everyday usability

Everyday practicality highlights different strengths: the Sandero gives you a sensible boot and hard‑wearing surfaces that tolerate shopping and muddy boots without fuss. Its high, unlipped loading edge and simplified storage layout can become annoyances when you’re lifting bulky items or juggling lots of small stuff. The Yaris Cross counters with a larger, more flexible cargo area in two‑wheel‑drive form and a variable floor that eases loading, but choose the all‑wheel option and that utility is noticeably reduced. Inside, Toyota’s extra driver assistance and parking aids make tight urban manoeuvres less stressful than the Sandero’s more basic setup, but Sandero’s compactness and light steering still edge it for sheer ease of parking.

Yaris Cross

Long trips, motorway manners and running costs

On long runs the trade‑offs become very practical: the Sandero keeps purchase costs down and copes with steady cruising, yet its cabin lets in more wind and tyre noise and the seats lack luxuries that reduce fatigue. By contrast, the Yaris Cross uses its hybrid system to cut fuel stops and generally feels less costly per mile in mixed driving, which pays off on longer journeys despite a higher sticker price. However, the Yaris Cross is not hushed when worked hard — the engine and transmission can grow vocal during overtakes — so it’s quieter than the Sandero at steady cruise but can become intrusive under load. If your regular routine is long motorway stints, Toyota’s efficiency and load‑carrying edge will be attractive; if purchase price is the priority and long trips are occasional, Sandero’s simplicity remains compelling.

Sandero

Who should buy which car?

Choose the Dacia Sandero if low purchase cost, blunt‑force practicality and easy, fail‑safe operation are your priorities — it’s a clever, no‑frills daily tool that keeps ownership costs down. Opt for the Toyota Yaris Cross if you value hybrid efficiency, a higher driving position, stronger perceived cabin quality and extra safety/parking aids, or if you need occasional AWD grip for winter conditions. Families with taller rear passengers will feel the pinch in both cars, but the Yaris Cross’s boot and feature set better suit buyers who can pay more up front for lower running costs thereafter. The technical comparison following this editorial will make clear which drivetrain, packaging and feature differences create these real‑world trade‑offs so you can match the decision to your typical journeys and budget.

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Choosing between the Toyota C-HR and the Toyota Yaris Cross comes down to whether you prefer the C-HR’s sharper styling and firmer, more engaging ride or the Yaris Cross’s roomier practicality and better efficiency. I’ll compare their driving feel, interior comfort, fuel economy, and features to …
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Yaris Cross

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Dacia Sandero is considerably cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the Toyota Yaris Cross costs 23,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,729 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Toyota Yaris Cross uses 4.5 L/100km and is slightly more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

Sandero

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Toyota Yaris Cross offers only slightly more power – delivering 130 HP compared to 122 HP. That’s roughly 8 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Sandero is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 9.7 s, while the Toyota Yaris Cross takes 10.7 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

Yaris Cross

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 terms of curb weight, Dacia Sandero is marginally lighter – 1,100 kg compared to 1,180 kg. The difference is around 80 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Toyota Yaris Cross offers barely more boot space – 397 L compared to 372 L. That’s a difference of about 25 L.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota Yaris Cross carries somewhat more – 510 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 74 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Sandero holds a solid overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £11,000
Sandero

Dacia Sandero

  • Engine Type : Petrol, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 67 - 122 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
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Toyota Yaris Cross
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Toyota Yaris Cross

The Toyota Yaris Cross blends the maneuverability of a small hatch with the higher driving position and practicality of a crossover, wrapped in Toyota's dependable build quality. It suits urban buyers who need easy parking, flexible cargo space and a comfortable, economical daily driver.

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Reviews Toyota Yaris Cross

4.2 (15 Reviews)
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E.W
24 May 2026, 21:51:54

I want to choose the Yaris Cross because it’s cheaper per month than the ID3 and because of the high step-in of the Yaris — we’re in our late 70s.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Oleh G
22 Apr 2026, 19:47:57

It would be desirable to improve its sound/noise insulation, increase the trunk capacity, add more power for the high beams, and offer more accessories.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
claudio
26 Mar 2026, 13:45:30

After several cars from the VW Group and a long search, I chose the Yaris Cross — also because of the unusual gearbox.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Peter
25 Dec 2025, 21:05:44

I've had the car since April, and so far I'm giving it a 5.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gelu
26 Sept 2025, 18:58:16

Great car — average consumption from April to September in Eco mode: 3.7 L/100 km.

Dacia Sandero

The Sandero is a no-nonsense hatchback that prioritises practicality and low running costs, making it a smart choice for budget-minded buyers. It delivers a surprisingly roomy interior and straightforward, useful equipment so you get everyday usability without paying for unnecessary frills.

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Reviews Dacia Sandero

3.1 (5 Reviews)
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Thierry
14 Apr 2026, 21:55:26

New car — but problems: water ingress in a vehicle that's only two years old, mould forming, a defective front plate and a black stain.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Le
9 Mar 2026, 11:19:49

Hello — having tried the Sandero Stepway Extreme Auto 120.
The big downside is at the front, where large consoles on both the passenger and driver doors create a feeling that, as the kilometres go by, you have to drive with your knees squeezed together. On top of that, the small compartment between the two seats is more cumbersome than practical.
The rear seats are really spacious.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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The Toyota Yaris Cross feels like the posh city slicker — sharper to drive, better finished and available with efficient hybrid tech — while the Toyota Urban Cruiser plays the sensible sidekick: cheaper, simpler and easier to live with. Pick the Yaris Cross if you want refinement and economy, …
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Toyota Yaris Cross
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption
Price
23,700 - 34,300 £
Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
101 - 108 g/km
co2
111 - 131 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,180 - 1,290 kg
Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
Trunk capacity
320 - 397 L
Trunk capacity
372 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,765 mm
Width
1,853 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 510 kg
Payload
385 - 436 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 130 HP
Power HP
67 - 122 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10.7 - 11.3 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
85 - 96 kW
Power kW
49 - 90 kW
Engine capacity
1,490 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Toyota
Brand
Dacia
What drive types are available for the Toyota Yaris Cross?

The Toyota Yaris Cross is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.