Toyota Yaris vs Lexus LC
What's the difference?

Toyota Yaris

$26,090 - $44,888

2025 price

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Lexus LC

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2021 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Summary

2025 Toyota Yaris

2021 Lexus LC

By Chris Thompson

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 3, 1.5L

V8, 5.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.3L/100km (combined)

12.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Space- and fuel-efficient
Capable platform
Borderline sporty styling

Punchy engine
Throaty exhaust
Climate-controlled cabin

Dislikes

Conservative interior
Lacks some features
Price

Disconnect from the drive experience
Lexus trackpad tech persists
Thirsty

2025 Toyota Yaris Summary

Long the domain of first-car buyers and suburbanites winding down on their driving years, the Toyota Yaris is now hybrid-only, and is a far cry from the $15,000-or-so cheap and cheerful staple it once was.

But with its fourth generation a few years into its lifespan, the Yaris is trying to be more than just a basic A-to-B runabout. In fact, the ZR we have on test is more expensive than an entry-grade Volkswagen Polo.

Does more than $30,000 of light hatch really feel worth it once you’re behind the wheel, or are you better off pocketing almost $10,000 to save on one of the thinning pack of rivals?

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2021 Lexus LC Summary

Being a true Jack of all trades in the car world is rare.

Generally speaking, a vehicle is either capable or comfortable. Attractive or aerodynamic. Practical or performance orientated. And problems arise when cars try to do all those things well, all at the same time.

Which make the Lexus LC 500 Convertible such an interesting proposition. Because it is, without doubt, stylish, and lavishly equipped. It’s also rather large and rather heavy. All of which is perfect for cruising the Bondi foreshore.

But it’s also equipped with a thumping V8 engine and a throaty exhaust that sounds like bricks in a blender on the overrun. It’s stiffer than the LFA supercar, and plenty powerful, which should deliver one of Lexus’ sportiest-ever drives.

So can the LC 500 really do it all? Let’s find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Yaris 2021 Lexus LC

Verdict

The Toyota Yaris is as much car as many people should really need, and it's a refreshing antidote to the largely unnecessary shift towards SUVs as the ‘default vehicle’.

In the case of the ZR grade, the pricing could understandably be a reason you might consider an SUV instead. There are plenty of options for a similar price.

The problem with an SUV though is it will likely be less efficient and, due to physics, less agile and fun to drive.

Given the price and the fact that a couple of features are missing, the ZR probably isn't the variant to go for, but the Yaris is an overall solid foundation for a very convincing hatchback.

Verdict

Stunning to behold, and even more so to listen to, the LC 500 Convertible with no doubt turn as many heads as its owners surely want it to. It's not the final word in performance, but it's a lavishly equipped transporter none the less.

Toyota Yaris vs Lexus LC What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Yaris vs Lexus LC
What's the difference?