Verdict
These are radically different B-segment hatchbacks. The Renault Zoe’s 52.0-kWh battery, 395-km EV range and 22-kW AC charging suit buyers with dependable charging access, while its five doors, five seats and 338-litre boot make it the more useful daily car. The Toyota GR Yaris is the driver’s choice: 296 hp, 400 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time dwarf the Zoe’s 108 hp and 225 Nm. But it has only two doors, four seats and a 174-litre boot. Its RM207 annual road tax also exceeds the Zoe’s RM50.
Pick the Renault Zoe if you want a five-door EV with 395 km of range, a 338-litre boot and room for five.
Pick the Toyota GR Yaris if you want 296 hp, all-wheel drive, a six-speed manual and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Powertrain: Zoe has one 108-hp, 225-Nm electric motor; GR Yaris has a 296-hp, 400-Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.
- Driveline and gearbox: Zoe is front-wheel drive with a single-ratio automatic; GR Yaris is all-wheel drive with a six-speed manual.
- Practicality: Zoe has five doors, five seats and a 338-litre boot; GR Yaris has two doors, four seats and a 174-litre boot.
- Weight: Zoe weighs 1,502 kg; GR Yaris weighs 1,280 kg.
- Safety equipment: Zoe has four airbags and steering-correction lane keeping; GR Yaris has six airbags, pre-collision braking and blind-spot monitoring.
- Road tax: Zoe is RM50 per year; GR Yaris is RM207 per year.
Zoe
- 52.0-kWh battery with 395 km EV range
- Five doors, five seats and a 338-litre boot
- 22-kW AC and 50-kW DC charging
- 108 hp and 225 Nm trail the GR Yaris’ 296 hp and 400 Nm
- Front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive
- Four airbags and no pre-collision braking or blind-spot monitoring
GR Yaris
- 296 hp, 400 Nm and a 5.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- All-wheel drive, six-speed manual and front/rear Torsen limited-slip differentials
- Six airbags, pre-collision braking and adaptive cruise control
- Two doors and four seats versus the Zoe’s five doors and five seats
- 174-litre boot is 164 litres smaller than the Zoe’s 338 litres
- RM207 annual road tax versus RM50 for the Zoe
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM165,000✓ | RM315,600 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM50✓ | RM207 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Injection and Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,618 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 296 hp at 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | — | 400 Nm at 3,250 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 3 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 87 mm × 89 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 108 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 52.0 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 395 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22.0 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 50.0 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6MT |
| Gears | 1 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Renault | Toyota |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 230 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,087 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Width | 1,787 mm | 1,805 mm |
| Height | 1,562 mm | 1,455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,588 mm | 2,560 mm |
| Weight | 1,502 kg | 1,280 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 338 litres✓ | 174 litres |
| Front Tyre | 195/55R16 | 225/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 195/55R16 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental ContiEcoContact 5 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | France (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut with Stabiliser |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Double Wishbone with Stabiliser |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack And Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Torsen Front and Rear Limited-slip Differential, Performance-tuned Springs, Dampers and Steering, User-selectable Torque Split, Rev Matching |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 4 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 4 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat, two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-conditioning | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Front USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front |
| Audio | 7" Touchscreen Easy Link with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 6 Speakers | 7" Touchscreen Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, AUX and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 5 Years/100,000 km Warranty for Traction Battery and Electric Drivetrain | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Zoe & GR Yaris for sale
Zoe vs GR Yaris FAQ
Is the Renault Zoe or Toyota GR Yaris better?
The Zoe is better for EV commuting and carrying five people, with 395 km range and a 338-litre boot. The GR Yaris is better for performance, with 296 hp, all-wheel drive and 5.2-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
What is the price difference?
The Renault Zoe costs RM165,000 and the Toyota GR Yaris costs RM315,600, so the GR Yaris is RM150,600 more expensive.
Which is more practical for passengers and luggage?
The Renault Zoe is clearly more practical. It has five doors, five seats and a 338-litre boot, against the GR Yaris’ two doors, four seats and 174-litre boot.
