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Toyota Yaris vs Dacia Sandero comparison

Compare performance (280 HP vs 122 HP), boot space and price (21,900 £ vs 11,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Toyota Yaris or Dacia Sandero?

Toyota Yaris vs Dacia Sandero: Key differences

Toyota Yaris

4 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • noticeably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
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Dacia Sandero

3.1 (5 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • visibly more trunk space
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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

Overview: Dacia Sandero VS Toyota Yaris — two small cars, two very different promises

Dacia Sandero VS Toyota Yaris sets up a clear choice between raw value and engineered efficiency: the Dacia Sandero trades refinement for the lowest possible purchase price, while the Toyota Yaris trades some cabin and cargo space for hybrid efficiency and more safety kit. The Sandero feels like a sensible everyday tool — honest, simple and generous where it counts up front — whereas the Yaris aims to make daily driving cheaper and less stressful with hybrid drive and modern driver aids. For buyers focused on sticker shock and maximum usable space per pound, the Sandero’s proposition is immediate and pragmatic. For those who want lower fuel bills, a quieter urban experience and more features as standard, the Yaris is the more sophisticated compact option.

Sandero

Character and driving feel: city agility versus composed efficiency

Dacia Sandero feels light and straightforward in town, with easy steering and a no-nonsense chassis that’s comfortable at modest speeds, but it reveals a louder, less refined side on fast roads. Toyota Yaris is engineered around urban efficiency: it often moves silently in traffic thanks to its hybrid system and feels more composed and confidence-inspiring in city maneuvers. The trade-off is that Yaris can sound strained under strong acceleration and its e‑CVT character feels emotionally distant compared with a conventional gearbox, while Sandero’s simpler powertrain is less smooth but direct. If most of your miles are short commutes and tight parking, the Yaris’s manners win; if you prize straightforwardness and don’t mind some noise on the motorway, the Sandero’s honest character suits you better.

Yaris

Comfort and cabin feel: basic practicality or slightly upmarket polish

The Dacia Sandero’s cabin gives you generous front space and an upright driving position, but it doesn’t hide its cost-cutting — hard plastics, plain finishes and some awkward storage spots are obvious to the touch. The Toyota Yaris presents a cleaner, more modern interior with a recent infotainment upgrade and generally better perceived quality, yet it still keeps many hard surfaces and tighter rear accommodation. Rear-seat passengers notice the difference: the Sandero’s bench is more usable for average adults, while the Yaris’s back row is clearly intended for occasional use or children. In short, Sandero feels utilitarian but roomy where it matters up front; Yaris feels better finished and more tech-forward, at the expense of rear passenger comfort.

Sandero

Practicality and everyday usability: packing space versus city convenience

When it comes to hauling luggage or groceries, the Dacia Sandero has the edge — a more accommodating boot and a straightforward load area make day‑to‑day chores easier even if the lip is a little awkward. The Toyota Yaris’s boot is smaller and taller in shape, which makes bulky items trickier to stow despite a tidy finish and smart cabin layout. For parking, tight streets and frequent short trips the Yaris’s compact footprint and hybrid smoothness make life simpler, while the Sandero rewards buyers who regularly need to carry larger loads or value a more practical rear seat. Both are city‑friendly, but Sandero leans practicality-first and Yaris leans ease-of-use and tech in an urban setting.

Running costs and ownership: lower purchase price or lower fuel bills?

Dacia Sandero’s headline is an unbeatable entry price and predictably low servicing costs, so the financial pain of ownership starts smaller and stays modest for everyday maintenance. Toyota Yaris counters with markedly lower fuel consumption in normal use thanks to its hybrid setup and typically comes with more comprehensive safety equipment that can be attractive for resale and peace of mind. There’s also a market nuance: Sandero can be fitted with alternative fuel options in some regions to cut per‑kilometre costs further, while Yaris saves you at the pump without extra fuss. The real decision is whether you prefer to minimize upfront spending (Sandero) or to reduce running costs and amortize a higher purchase price over time (Yaris).

Buyer fit: who should pick the Dacia Sandero and who should choose the Toyota Yaris?

If you are a price‑conscious first‑time buyer, fleet manager on a budget, or someone who regularly needs to carry luggage, the Dacia Sandero matches those needs with a roomy front cabin and very low entry costs. If your daily life is urban commuting, you care about minimal fuel bills, and you value modern safety and infotainment features, the Toyota Yaris is the smarter daily driver despite its firmer rear space and higher price. Those who do frequent long motorway runs and expect hushed refinement might lean away from both for different reasons, but if you must choose between them for mixed use the Sandero favours practicality and low capital outlay while the Yaris favours efficiency and everyday comfort in town. The technical comparison that follows will unpack how engines, boot volumes, and equipment translate into these real‑world trade‑offs so you can pick the better fit for your routine.

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

Yaris

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Dacia Sandero is considerably cheaper – starting at 11,000 £ , while the Toyota Yaris costs 21,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,895 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Toyota Yaris uses 3.8 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.3 L/100km. The difference is about 1.5 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 offers considerably more power – delivering 280 HP compared to 122 HP. That’s roughly 158 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Toyota Yaris is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the Dacia Sandero takes 9.7 s. That’s about 4.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Toyota Yaris delivers substantially more torque with 390 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 190 Nm more.

Yaris

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 terms of curb weight, Toyota Yaris is very slightly lighter – 1,090 kg compared to 1,100 kg. The difference is around 10 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Sandero offers visibly more boot space – 372 L compared to 286 L. That’s a difference of about 86 L.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota Yaris carries a bit more – 525 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 89 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Yaris stands well ahead of its rival 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 £21,900
Yaris

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 - 8.7 L/100km
Toyota Yaris
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is a compact hatchback that blends everyday practicality with Toyota’s long-standing reputation for reliability, making it easy to live with in city traffic. Its nimble handling and sensible interior make the Yaris a smart choice for drivers who want straightforward, fuss-free transport.

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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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Toyota Yaris
Dacia Sandero

Costs and Consumption

Price
21,900 - 40,800 £
Price
11,000 - 16,300 £
Consumption L/100km
3.8 - 8.7 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
87 - 197 g/km
co2
111 - 131 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
4 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,090 - 1,356 kg
Curb weight
1,100 - 1,297 kg
Trunk capacity
141 - 286 L
Trunk capacity
372 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,745 - 1,805 mm
Width
1,853 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
289 - 525 kg
Payload
385 - 436 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 280 HP
Power HP
67 - 122 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.7 - 16.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
390 Nm
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
85 - 206 kW
Power kW
49 - 90 kW
Engine capacity
1,490 - 1,618 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,199 cm3

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Toyota
Brand
Dacia
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.