VS
At a Glance
Power
176 kW
77 kW
Torque
221+e Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
4.5 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
1000 Kg
Engine
2487 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Rav4 and the Toyota Starlet Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Toyota Rav4 delivers 176 kW while the Toyota Starlet Cross produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Rav4 returns 4.5 l/100km while the Starlet Cross uses 5.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R770 500 for the Rav4 and R387 600 for the Starlet 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.
Performance
Power Output
176 kW
77 kW
Torque
221+e Nm
138 Nm
Top Speed
180 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2487 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
4
Drive Wheels
all
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.5 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
102 g/km
134 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4600 mm
3995 mm
Width
1855 mm
1765 mm
Height
1695 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
201 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1710 Kg
1010 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
705 l
304-605-1009 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
6
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
3
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery Kkm
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6 servicesyr
4 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Rav4
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Rav4
Fuel Economy
Rav4
Value
Starlet Cross
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Toyota Rav4
More powerful engine (176 kW)
Better fuel economy (4.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Starlet Cross
Lower starting price (R387 600)
Higher fuel consumption (5.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 176 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rav4 or Starlet Cross?
The Rav4 uses 4.5 l/100km and the Starlet Cross uses 5.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Rav4 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 Rav4 or Starlet Cross?
The Rav4 produces 176 kW and 221+e Nm of torque while the Starlet Cross delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Rav4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rav4 and Starlet Cross?
The Rav4 starts from R770 500 and the Starlet Cross from R387 600. The Starlet Cross is cheaper by R382 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rav4 or Starlet Cross?
The Rav4 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Starlet Cross can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rav4 or the Starlet 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.