VS
At a Glance
Power
77 kW
77 kW
Torque
138 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.4 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.2 s
—
Engine
1462 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Toyota Starlet and the Toyota Urban Cruiser is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Toyota Starlet delivers 77 kW while the Toyota Urban Cruiser produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Starlet returns 5.4 l/100km while the Urban Cruiser uses 6.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R273 700 for the Starlet and R342 700 for the Urban Cruiser. 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 Starlet1.5 XI 2025 - From R273 700
Toyota Urban Cruiser1.5 XS 2025 - From R342 700
Performance
Power Output
77 kW
77 kW
Torque
138 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
11.2 s
—
Top Speed
175 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1462 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.4 l/100km
6.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
127 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3990 mm
4365 mm
Width
1745 mm
1795 mm
Height
1500 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2600 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
965 Kg
1130 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
314- l
353 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
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4 servicesyr
4 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Starlet
Value
Starlet
Practicality
Urban Cruiser
Pros & Cons
Toyota Starlet
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R273 700)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Urban Cruiser
Higher towing capacity (1200 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (6.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Starlet or Urban Cruiser?
The Starlet uses 5.4 l/100km and the Urban Cruiser uses 6.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet 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 or Urban Cruiser?
The Starlet produces 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque while the Urban Cruiser delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Starlet and Urban Cruiser?
The Starlet starts from R273 700 and the Urban Cruiser from R342 700. The Starlet is cheaper by R69 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Starlet or Urban Cruiser?
The Starlet has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Urban Cruiser can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Starlet or the Urban Cruiser?
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