@ Toyota Motor Corporation
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Toyota Yaris vs VW Golf – Which model is better for everyday use?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Toyota Yaris or VW Golf?

Yaris @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Yaris vs. VW Golf: The Hatchback Showdown

The hatchback segment has always been popular among car enthusiasts and daily drivers alike, and now, the 2024 models of Toyota Yaris and VW Golf arrive with a bang. Both vehicles boast advanced features, high-performance metrics, and the latest innovations, making it a tough choice for consumers. Let's dive into the details to see how they stack up against each other.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Performance and Power

The Toyota Yaris offers a variety of engine types, including a Full Hybrid and Petrol option. With power outputs ranging from 116 to 280 HP and a quick 0-100 km/h acceleration time ranging from 9.7 to 5.5 seconds, the Yaris caters to a variety of driving preferences. The three-cylinder engine options provide substantial torque of up to 390 Nm, ensuring a responsive driving experience.

On the other hand, the VW Golf presents a broader range of engine types - from Petrol MHEV, Diesel to Plugin Hybrid configurations. The Golf's power spectrum extends up to 333 HP with acceleration times starting at 4.6 seconds from 0-100 km/h. With a sturdier 4-cylinder engine, the Golf delivers up to 420 Nm of torque, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

Yaris @ Toyota Motor Corporation

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

The Toyota Yaris places a strong emphasis on fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. Its Full Hybrid model consumes as little as 3.8 L/100 km and emits only 87 g/km of CO2, showcasing an excellent CO2 efficiency class of B, potentially appealing to environmentally conscious drivers.

Meanwhile, the VW Golf's Plugin Hybrid option shines with a consumption rate as low as 0.3 L/100 km when combined with its electric drive. With a CO2 efficiency class ranging from B to D, and an electric range reaching up to 143 km, the Golf offers competitive sustainability credentials.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Design and Practicality

Both vehicles deliver on style and practicality. The Toyota Yaris, with its compact hatchback body, stands at a length of up to 3995 mm, providing a trunk capacity of 286 liters while maintaining a curb weight ranging from 1090 to 1356 kg. It's designed for urban agility without compromising on passenger comfort and cargo capability.

The VW Golf, slightly longer with a maximum length of 4292 mm, accommodates a generous trunk space of 381 liters. Its broader stance at 1789 mm in width and a curb weight from 1304 to 1670 kg emphasizes a stable and planted ride. The Golf supports versatility and daily usability, making it a hit among compact car buyers.

Innovations and Technology

Toyota's Yaris incorporates cutting-edge tech features with its hybrid technology, offering seamless driving transitions and improved fuel economy. The vehicle's advanced driving aids and infotainment systems ensure comfort and engagement for every journey.

The VW Golf, a traditionally tech-savvy model, houses innovations such as a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a comprehensive electric range for the hybrid variants. Its refined infotainment ecosystem coupled with driver-assistance technologies further cements its position as a tech leader in the hatchback market.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Yaris and VW Golf boils down to individual preferences. The Yaris exudes efficiency and practicality, making it perfect for city dwellers and eco-minded individuals. Conversely, the VW Golf appeals to those seeking variety, power, and advanced technology. Both models encapsulate the essence of modern hatchbacks, ensuring a thrilling ride for any driver behind their wheel.

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

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.

Toyota Yaris has a slightly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 21900 £, while the VW Golf costs 25200 £. That’s a price difference of around 3338 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Toyota Yaris with 3.80 L. The difference is about 2.70 L per 100 km.

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 VW Golf has a a bit edge – offering 333 HP compared to 280 HP. That’s roughly 53 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is a bit quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Toyota Yaris takes 5.50 s. That’s about 0.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs somewhat better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Toyota Yaris tops out at 230 km/h. The difference is around 40 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: VW Golf pulls hardly perceptible stronger with 420 Nm compared to 390 Nm. That’s about 30 Nm difference.

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 is to a small extent lighter – 1090 kg compared to 1307 kg. The difference is around 217 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf offers evident more room – 381 L compared to 286 L. That’s a difference of about 95 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf performs evident better – up to 1237 L, which is about 302 L more than the Toyota Yaris.

When it comes to payload, Toyota Yaris barely noticeable takes the win – 525 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 17 kg.

Who wins the race?

The VW Golf proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
VW Golf is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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
70842-20210301yariscotykeyvisual3x2newplate-web-lr @ Toyota Motor Corporation
64051-newyaris-presskit-video-turntable-web-lr @ Toyota Motor Corporation

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02081_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02087_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02105_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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Yaris @ Toyota Motor Corporation
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

Costs and Consumption
Price
21900 - 46700 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
3.8 - 9.5 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
87 - 215 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
36 - 50 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
4 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
3 - 5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1090 - 1356 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
141 - 286 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
3940 - 3995 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1745 - 1805 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1455 - 1500 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
935 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
289 - 525 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
CVT, Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 280 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
175 - 230 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
390 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 206 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1490 - 1618 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Toyota
Brand
VW

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Is the Toyota Yaris offered with different drivetrains?

The Toyota Yaris is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.