VS
At a Glance
Power
77 kW
103 kW
Torque
138 Nm
172 Nm
Fuel
5.7 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
800 Kg
Engine
1462 cc
1798 cc
Choosing between the Suzuki Baleno and the Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Suzuki Baleno delivers 77 kW while the Toyota Corolla Cross produces 103 kW. On fuel, the Baleno returns 5.7 l/100km while the Corolla Cross uses 6.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R341 900 for the Baleno and R424 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
Suzuki Baleno1.5 GLX A/T 2025 - From R341 900
Toyota Corolla Cross1.8 XI 2026 - From R424 900
Performance
Power Output
77 kW
103 kW
Torque
138 Nm
172 Nm
Top Speed
-
185 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1462 cc
1798 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
4
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.7 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
47 l
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
159 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3990 mm
4460 mm
Width
1745 mm
1825 mm
Height
1500 mm
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2640 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
161 mm
Kerb Weight
985 Kg
1325-1395 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
314-1057 l
440 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
800 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
5
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4yr
6 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Suzuki Baleno
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Corolla Cross
Fuel Economy
Baleno
Value
Baleno
Practicality
Baleno
Pros & Cons
Suzuki Baleno
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R341 900)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 103 kW)
Toyota Corolla Cross
More powerful engine (103 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Baleno or Corolla Cross?
The Baleno uses 5.7 l/100km and the Corolla Cross uses 6.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Baleno 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 Baleno or Corolla Cross?
The Baleno produces 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque while the Corolla Cross delivers 103 kW and 172 Nm of torque. The Corolla Cross is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Baleno and Corolla Cross?
The Baleno starts from R341 900 and the Corolla Cross from R424 900. The Baleno is cheaper by R83 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Baleno or Corolla Cross?
The Baleno has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Corolla Cross can tow 800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Baleno 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.
Also Consider