VS
At a Glance
Power
77 kW
85 kW
Torque
138 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.2 s
Engine
1462 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Starlet Cross and the Volkswagen T-Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Toyota Starlet Cross delivers 77 kW while the Volkswagen T-Cross produces 85 kW. On fuel, the Starlet Cross returns 5.6 l/100km while the T-Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R366 400 for the Starlet Cross and R418 200 for the T-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
Toyota Starlet Cross1.5xr 2024 - From R366 400
Volkswagen T-Cross1.0 TSI DSG 2026 - From R418 200
Performance
Power Output
77 kW
85 kW
Torque
138 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.2 s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
193 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1462 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.6 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
131 g/km
126 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
4135 mm
Width
1765 mm
1760-1993 mm
Height
1550 mm
1573 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2551 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
188 mm
Kerb Weight
1005 Kg
1291 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
304-605-1009 l
385-455-1281 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
1200 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4 servicesyr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
45000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen T-Cross
2 / 4 categories
Performance
T-Cross
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Starlet Cross
Practicality
T-Cross
Pros & Cons
Toyota Starlet Cross
Lower starting price (R366 400)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 85 kW)
Volkswagen T-Cross
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1200 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Starlet Cross or T-Cross?
The Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km and the T-Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The T-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 Starlet Cross or T-Cross?
The Starlet Cross produces 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque while the T-Cross delivers 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The T-Cross is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Starlet Cross and T-Cross?
The Starlet Cross starts from R366 400 and the T-Cross from R418 200. The Starlet Cross is cheaper by R51 800 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Starlet Cross or T-Cross?
The Starlet Cross has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the T-Cross can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Starlet Cross or the T-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.