VS
At a Glance
Power
130 kW
90 kW
Torque
270 Nm
142+e Nm
Fuel
6.4 l/100km
4.3 l/100km
Towing
—
400 Kg
Engine
1497 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the GAC Emkoo and the Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The GAC Emkoo delivers 130 kW while the Toyota Corolla Cross produces 90 kW. On fuel, the Emkoo returns 6.4 l/100km while the Corolla Cross uses 4.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R559 900 for the Emkoo and R557 900 for the Corolla Cross. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
GAC Emkoo1.5t Executive PLUS 2024 - From R559 900
Toyota Corolla Cross1.8 XR Hybrid 2026 - From R557 900
Performance
Power Output
130 kW
90 kW
Torque
270 Nm
142+e Nm
Top Speed
190 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.4 l/100km
4.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
36 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
98 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4680 mm
4460 mm
Width
1901 mm
1825 mm
Height
1670 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
160 mm
161 mm
Kerb Weight
1540 Kg
1385-1430 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
420 l
440 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
400 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1st owne
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / lifetime engine for 1stkm
100000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
100000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Corolla Cross
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Emkoo
Fuel Economy
Corolla Cross
Value
Tied
Practicality
Corolla Cross
Pros & Cons
GAC Emkoo
More powerful engine (130 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.4 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Corolla Cross
Better fuel economy (4.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R557 900)
Less power than rival (90 kW vs 130 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Emkoo or Corolla Cross?
The Emkoo uses 6.4 l/100km and the Corolla Cross uses 4.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Corolla Cross is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Emkoo or Corolla Cross?
The Emkoo produces 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque while the Corolla Cross delivers 90 kW and 142+e Nm of torque. The Emkoo is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Emkoo and Corolla Cross?
The Emkoo starts from R559 900 and the Corolla Cross from R557 900, a difference of just R2 000, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Emkoo or Corolla Cross?
The Emkoo has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Corolla Cross can tow 400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Emkoo or the Corolla Cross?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.