Kia Stonic vs Toyota Yaris Cross 2021 comparison review | Chasing Cars

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We compare two new small SUVs: the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid and Kia Stonic turbo.
If you’re in the market for a compact crossover, these two are some of the best. They’re also some of the newest, with the 2021 Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid and the 2021 Kia Stonic recently hitting the Australian market. Each SUV offers a distinctly different package: the Yaris Cross is available with a hybrid (and AWD), while the Stonic has two small petrol engines, one turbocharged like the GT-Line here.
But is there really value for money in these vehicles? Both are based on cheaper hatchbacks - the Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio. In the Rio’s case, it’s nearly ten grand cheaper than the Stonic.
These vehicles also compete with the likes of the Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq and Ford Puma.
What do you think of these cars? Leave a comment below.
While you’re there, please consider subscribing and joining our Chasing Cars community.
Time codes:
0:00 - Introduction
1:32 - Stonic interior
4:46 - Stonic boot
5:30 - Yaris Cross interior
8:50 - Yaris Cross boot
10:06 - Driving the Stonic
16:33 - Driving the Yaris Cross
22:49 - Verdict

[@isaachunt5799]

test drove a stonic gt-line dct7 yesterday. in sport mode this car is incredible. so much fun to drive. we're going to buy one.

[@towerguarder]

I really really wiish the yaris cross had an armrest. Test drove both this and the stonic. Did not realise how much i miss the armrest till it wasnt there

[@arjunkp1508]

Whatever comparison you do, Toyota is most the reliable and durable car. It has always delivered its class. Go for Toyota.... In additional to its reliability and durability, it gives the best drivability its all segment of cars. Ignore flashy interior of other car delivers...Go for Toyota ❤

[@zia-ur-rehmangondal8180]

Owned Kia Stonic Ex+ top notch version here in Pakistan. Literally enjoying the drive with stylish interior as well as exterior. 🚘👌

[@lesshrubb203]

Great review, thanks. I think all pertinent points were covered, and lead me to choose the Yaris as my next SUV.

[@bobcampbell3505]

Wow, these guys give really in-depth analyses! For me, I would choose the Yaris; it will be for my grandson, so I want it to be extremely safe. The Yaris seems to be hitting more current safety requirements. It will be interesting to hear the msrps for all the 2022s. Those may influence our choice, not to mention my grandson’s say in the matter. Thank you for doing such a professional job in comparing these two, Bob Campbell

[@650thunderbird]

Great comparison, Tom 👍 👍. What's the difference in service costs? Would it offset the fuel bill?

[@limpunsing224]

I'm not in the market for this kind of car but if I were to choose between the two I'd prefer Yaris Cross Nice comparison

[@bayly1977]

Great comparison. Yaris hybrid for me

[@eszgabor]

After some disappointing VW products (diesel engine problem and downsized TSI engine problem) I would select mature (so therefore) problem free Toyota Hybrid. We are still waiting for the introduction of Yaris Cross here in Europe.

[@NAKMUAYACADEMY]

What's your opinion regarding Dacia duster or Kia Stonic

[@monkistyle]

Good review Tom. Please stop comparing everything to 5 year old Volkswagen’s as majority of viewers may not have had the privilege of owning one. As a consumer of your videos, practicality (in the now) is best for new car reviews.

[@ashutoshyelleshwaram2464]

Hi Tom like your reviews, they are unbiased and independent. The only thing I would like to see especially in a small / mid SUV review is whether the rear seats have enough space to accomodate any child seats. Thanks

[@mandingosaurus3553]

I really enjoyed the fuel consumption comparison in this review, superb job mate! I have to say for a city car fuel consumption could potentially be a deal breaker for me.

[@meervlo5379]

I own a stonic gt-line since a week and I love it!

[@isaachunt5799]

yeah awesome little car. test drove the gt-line 48v yesterday. we're gonna buy one end of the month

[@userunit1]

I test drove Yaris Cross GXL hybrid last weekend way too underpower, noisy and the interior looks like 10 years old.

[@ryant2568]

Toyota has never been one for flashy interiors.

[@robertceroli3512]

Yeh the power output doesn't inspire excitement in the Yaris which is a shame cause the hybrid Camry and rav 4 give a excellent balance of power and economy maybe they should have droped the 2.5 eng from the rav 4 imagine how cool it would be and sell a lot more

[@gregandkaruna6674]

Go test the top spec then you have the god awful brown interior!

[@Peter-vn8ue]

I think it is a bit pointless comparing a petrol-powered only vehicle to a hybrid. It would have been better to wait and compare the base model of these 2 vehicles in non-hybrid form.

[@chasingcars]

I don’t think it’s pointless at all, because I don’t think I’d bother buying a non-hybrid Yaris Cross. The hybrid system is most of the point for me.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

@@chasingcars for the comparison it would have been better if both vechicles had the same type of power plant, that is a petrol engine only, that's my point. What you decided to buy is really irrelevant. The fact is the Yaris cross is underpowered something Toyota realised and that is why they added the hybrid to the range. If they had not done that and just had the petrol version only it would fail to sell as it is so underpowered. I doubt the Yaris cross will be a top seller, the Corolla hybrid is a better package in my opinion. The seltos would be a better buy than the Yaris cross.

[@ceelee5850]

Which one has the higher ground clearance will win

[@lv1162]

Kia Stonic has higher ground clearance 👍

[@silo_fx3182]

We drove the stonic 1.4 here in Kiwiland and it was awful. Scarily under powered and the front visibility was terrible (compared to the Rio its based on). No thanks to the stilt tax on both of these. Great review.

[@stelucky80]

What about a comparison Yaris Cross vs Suzuki Vitara? They are same size, and both offer awd drive...

[@himanshuhamal4236]

Hi Chasing cars Could you please do a comparison video between Kia Rio gt line and VW polo 85TSI comfortline please

[@chookfeather]

Every one is saying Skoda Kamiq but what are they like for servicing and parts?

[@gorkman5697]

thank you for the video Always Toyota Kia looks good also if you do all the checkups on Toyota (oil change ) Engine will last long 1000000 kilometers it is so hard to buy cars in my country (Turkey) Government charge overcharge taxes if the car cost 30.000 dollars we buy 3 cars to government That is how much the car cost 30.000 dollars car cost in Turkey 90.000+ dollars 100.000 dollars if the car cost we pay 300.000 dollars So sad keep up the good work

[@ryant2568]

If you just want a little city car with a bit more ride-height then these are fine but I would personally be stepping up to something with a bit more grunt.

[@alexshapley8331]

very informative and without any useless hype! thanks

[@sleepyandblur6643]

Stonic GT and Yaris Cross are nice compact designs but the retail price is absurd in both cases. If I want to spend close to $30K on SUV, then the better value options would be Kamiq, Seltos and even the base model Eclipse Cross. I'm waiting for Haval Jolion and Corolla Cross to come in and "shake the trees" in early 2022.

[@timeconstrained2400]

try and buy a Kamiq inside the next 10 months. April 22 is the earliest according to rep.

[@chookfeather]

Why is it that everyone thinks that a hatch is the answer. If they made the hatches with a decent bloody ground clearance do you aren’t damaging the under carriage at the front over ridiculous speed bumps and poorly planned driveways like I have at work. Every work car had damage at the front because no matter what speed or how you approach the drive way it scrapes.

[@neongo6446]

SUVs based on passengers cars that sell for a lot less has to be the biggest scam going today

[@chasingcars]

And yet - they sell in big numbers. You and me want the hatchback but the market is speaking loud and clear

[@timeconstrained2400]

when you get to 66 with a suspect back you will realise why some people choose an SUV...simple, entry and egress.

[@Lovercake]

@@chasingcars I want a new Kia but I want DCT gear for a max budget. In my case, I could either choose a Rio or a Stonic. Both cost the exact same with the same equipment. I would easily choose the Rio if it was cheaper but when it's the exact same price, it's a hard decision in my eyes.

[@aerienix]

I’d say the Kamiq wins this segment overall. But if I have 35k, I’d probably go for a Seltos Sport+ CVT.

[@420mroverdose]

Who cares???

[@aerienix]

@@420mroverdose you apparently, who came to reply to a 2 month old comment smh

[@420mroverdose]

@@aerienix should i asking you? 😂😂😂

[@nope6786]

No, the t-cross is clearly the winner, not some Skoda car. If you had 35k, go for the Toyota chr hybrid or a Subaru xv

[@GlowingTube]

Even considering the Kia’s hefty stilt tax, it’s still cheaper than the Yaris X. However, I do think that the Yaris X is a better value proposition.

[@ydmf2]

I wish Toyota would lose that huge bezel with chrome buttons look for their screens. Looks homely.

[@Tellyawhat4]

Enjoyed the informative comparison, Tom! Love your trainers! Sleek lines and a great fit for the segment 🙂! Just can't force myself to like the look of Toyota SUV's. The Stonic is a work in progress. Hopefully, KIA tweaks and refines it sooner than later. Wouldn't buy either. Will look at the Kamiq and the T-Cross. Cheers!

[@UltraJaff]

I wouldn’t get any, I would wait until the summer and get a KIA CV because 0-60 MPH is 3.5 seconds and it looks a bit cooler

[@Kered-9]

We don't have either of these in Canada. I like the Kia

[@nithinjs88]

Skoda kamiq would be my pick in the segment. I being from India is very luck to get Skoda Kushaq(Kamiq with more butch looks).

[@peterjacobs5117]

Toyota Yaris cross hands down

[@Mikjcal]

I think after watching most of these, as I’m on the market for a small SUV... the VW T-Cross still seems like a clear winner...

[@morganrutnum]

Would still go Toyota but if you’re settled for the VW, have you considered the Skoda Kamiq. In Australia, it’s cheaper and better equipped than the VW and is the same car underneath

[@TheMikehaz]

Kamiqs my pick in this range :) worth a look

[@skylinelover68]

Kamiq costs 10k more.

[@Meow-by5qi]

Kia stonic

[@craigfield9447]

When are we getting the Kia Soul EV here in Oz? A very popular car in other parts of the world.

[@chasingcars]

Soul EV isn’t on the cards for Australia at the moment. Niro EV soon though.

[@craigfield9447]

@@chasingcars that’s a shame as it has earned high praise in Europe. Check out the Peugeot E 208, now that is a nice car in a similar segment.Nice review Tom.

[@mehmoodkhankhattak]

Always toyota Yaris Cross

[@jamesheggie1854]

Great video as always Tom, you always show such an unbiased view on the cars you review. I have to say though the Toyota Yaris cross does not float my boat at all. I just don't like the design and the look of it inside and out. So for me personally I'd grab the Kia. Look forward to the next great video 👍

[@nope6786]

So you hate the look of the best looking small suv but like the look of one of the ugliest cars ever made?

[@jamesheggie1854]

@@nope6786 it's my personal opinion, but id rather dive around in a 1984 classic vehicle. I like a good looking car/suv but that Yaris cross is the equivalent of a smacked arse!!!

[@nope6786]

@@jamesheggie1854 your opinion, I can’t change, personally I love the clean look of the Yaris Cross, but I hate the look of the sonic because it looks like the ugly sportage from the back and a picanto from the front.

[@jmdds]

@@nope6786 You should have gone to specsavers. The Stonic look much better than the Yarris any day and night.

[@nope6786]

@@jmdds you telling me the stonic, looks better than the yaris? The yaris actually manages to not look like it has Down syndrome, but the stonic, has every disability

[@fabriceduchenne7237]

🤓 KIA Stonic for me 🚙 Thank You 👍

[@odonsaller5238]

Quite funny to compare a Kia to a Toyota. The Toyota is much more reliable without doubt. Not forget to mention the Yaris Cross fuel economy looks better to!

[@sarab4419]

Toyota Cross for me.

[@eofalassion]

Looks like I'll just have to wait a little longer until something more decent shows up in the market.

[@nope6786]

Volkswagen t-cross

[@eofalassion]

@@nope6786 not when you have to buy all the additional features... but good try.

[@EvendimataE]

kia looks more beautiful....but i trust toyota more when it comes to reliability

[@dsinghr]

Venue is also a very reasonable option.. so is t cross

[@chasingcars]

And Kamiq. Venue cheerful but wish it got the turbo engine from the Stonic. It does overseas!

[@endzmeetmusic9053]

Toyota making cars that are 5 years behind. Oh what a boring feeling. Their CEO said they are going to make exciting cars from now on lol

[@bayly1977]

Hybrid bud

[@jonmanilenio]

the Stonic in my country doesn't even have a sun/moon roof.

[@rc70ys]

Toyota for reliability Kia for warranty but has no blind spot warning ⚠️

[@classic287]

Good video 👍 Thanks

[@chasingcars]

No problem!

[@smiddysmidton8313]

Never thought i'd say it ,but i'd take the Kia . That said both are totally poxy vehicles and you need to get help if you buy either .

[@kensouza9239]

All the RS e-tron GT reviews are coming out today. Wish we had that one here now.

[@Ospif1]

Kamiq is the obvious choice in this segment imo.

[@chasingcars]

Good car, that.

[@420mroverdose]

Kamiq is Obviously the Ugliest

[@adam-xt8te]

It's time for Yaris Cross GR

[@chasingcars]

It is.

[@kristians2704]

Imagine the Yaris Cross with the engine from the GR Yaris.

[@chasingcars]

I think they should do it! There are some mad GR Yaris Cross renders out there, mudflaps and all.

[@TheLordofcod]

Why would anyone want a high power engine in a crossover? It can't give you good cornering neither good aerodynamics due to it's height.

[@kristians2704]

@@TheLordofcod people that want practicality but still want to go fast. Cars like the VW T-Roc R and Hyundai Kona N exist.

[@TheLordofcod]

@@kristians2704 i can find you sedans, hatchbacks and estates with lots of practicality. SUV trend comes from countries like America and Australia where soccermoms buy them to do their shitty driving and not worry about destroying the under of the car.

[@TheLordofcod]

@@kristians2704 go back 5-10 years and watch how many suvs there were back then and how many of them had sport editions

[@ΧρυσάφηςΧατζηχρυσάφης]

In Europe yaris cross has an armrest!!!

[@jmdds]

I believe the Stonic would have been much better with a 1.2 ltr turbo

[@isaachunt5799]

car is awesome with the 1.0t and 48v hybrid. needs to be in sport mode though. in normal it's really slugish

[@th-l8936]

Great video! Shame they're both so unfortunate looking. It's quite sad. Ford Puma for me :)

[@Mexxx65]

Yaris has the GR blues... Stonic is Stunning in comparison!!!!

[@XQoozMii]

Calls the Stonic “unfortunate looking”. Proceeds to say he prefers the puffer fish-face Puma. Lmao.

[@th-l8936]

@@XQoozMii It's amazing how design is subjective not objective

[@XQoozMii]

@@th-l8936 no truer words have been spoken. Agree to disagree.

[@GlowingTube]

The Puma is a sharp car... however, I’m not brave enough to take a punt on a Ford DCT or the customer backup from Ford.

[@anetajohnson8446]

I think you did a great job explaining the two cars. But wish you could have compared the gas mpg between the two! If i were to buy a new car, id get the Toyota Purus larger car, nealy the same price!

[@MaddisonCann]

That's an almost 10k price difference, I think I know what I'd go for lol

[@dionbolton9473]

please review a gle450

[@richieduck67]

I'm a bit stoic about this

[@geoffdrew5207]

The Stonic is probably the most disappointing car I have ever test driven, I have driven cars costing ten grand less that were a better drive.

[@jpsabbey]

Most cars these days feel like they don't even have suspension.

[@tpv59]

Yaris Cross.

[@dann5515]

you know is bloody annoying every video of your car reviews when come to demonstrate the infotainment u literally have to used slow motion?? i cant even see if the infotainment responses timing if it smooth or not.

[@chrissydney5451]

Great review as always but what pieces of junk!

[@Diosquepenademundo]

Y DIESEL????

[@uksupporter8867]

I have driven both the stonic is just plain awful, and the stonic is not a hybrid is it

[@FreddyGunawan]

In asia we have kia sonet

[@ShahabKhan-dx6ng]

Yaris cross is more beautiful

[@olivegrove2615]

I prefer the Yaris Cross.

[@renesungcang3721]

Stonic....

[@gregandkaruna6674]

At least you did not compare the top spec Yaris Cross as that brown interior is so ugly!

[@chasingcars]

Yes, the brown is really not great.

[@kingqueen9079]

Toyota looks very old interior

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, sad the cabin of the Yaris Cross is so boring.

[@antoniolado1440]

amigo el ingles esta sobrevalorao . aprende Español , DESDE LUEGO ESTA CLARO QUE EL INGLES YA CANSA

[@RJ-jh9fs]

Nice.. reverse AEB.For those old idiots that like to walk behind my already reversing car in carparks.

[@mihaelhorvat7985]

toyota yaris 🤮🤮

[@huyliemtran9899]

😃😀🙂👍

[@laynestaley4630]

Both💪👍

[@B00stedbarra12]

Japanese cars are way better then Korean.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

The Yaris needs to cheer up. How are we meant to take a manufacturer seriously that is too hopeless to install a simple arm rest? Toyota just take the piss sometimes. Thank god they don't make airline seats. For the same coin I'd get the Hyundai i30 N Line which isnt a gutless box on stilts.

[@ryant2568]

Yea it is odd they don't offer an armrest, Toyota is usually pretty good when it comes to ergonomics like that. As for its power, remember it's just a Yarris under the bonnet which is just a little city car.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

@@ryant2568 Agreed and ergonomically Toyota aren't alone on this one. I have a tiny city car that has an armrest and goes like a cut cat with good fuel economy. A MINI Cooper S. The Yaris has a sister that goes like a rocket too, this model is simply a shitbox is all. In this modern world of computerised engines there is no excuse for piss poor power other than the piss poor plebs that purchase them.

[@ryant2568]

@@CathodeRayNipplez Yea but you also have to consider the price. the CX-R which I believe you are referring to with the 1.8l is $40K and your CooperS is $45K. I agree with you and If it was me I would just pony up a few extra bucks and get a better car but that's just me.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Well yes, I didn't put up a fair fight. I buy used but if money is that tight best pass on the Yaris a get a bus pass.