How does the Toyota Corolla Cross compare to the Omoda C5
Arguably, the busiest automotive segment in South Africa is the mid-size crossover SUV market, which is dominated by powerhouse brands like Toyota and VW. But what of emerging brands like Omoda? Where do they compare to the established marques? We compare the Corolla Cross and Omoda's C5.
Mid-size crossover SUVs are big business in SA, with no shortage of options available for potential buyers. Consumers are faced with a veritable smorgasbord of SUVs to choose from. The brands sitting atop the throne of most sold models are constantly vying for customer's attention, and it is these models that we get the most questions about.
Related: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR (2025) Review - Best-Selling Just Got Better
Riding the wave of popularity are the second best-selling passenger car in SA, the Toyota Corolla Cross and the new kid on the block, the Omoda C5. These two vehicles have recently seen a surge in sales, but which model should you consider when shopping in this segment? We compare the Corolla Cross and the Omoda C5.
Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance (2024) Review
Drivetrain
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance | |
| Engine | 1.8-litre 4-cylinder NA petrol | 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Power Figures | 103kW / 172Nm | 115kW / 230Nm |
The Corolla Cross may lack power from its naturally aspirated engine, but its CVT programming is much better than that found in the Omoda. The Omoda may have more power but struggles to put it down effectively.
Fuel Consumption
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 6.8L/100km | 6.9L/100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 7.0L/100km | 8.9L/100km |
| Tank Size | 47-litres | 51-litres |
| Distance on a full tank | 685km | 650km |
The Corolla Cross has a smaller fuel tank but uses the smaller fuel load much more effectively than the Omoda, which, like many Chinese compatriots, has poor fuel economy.
Safety
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | No | No |
| Hill hold assist | No | No |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Camera | rear and 360 surround view | rear and 360 surround view |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | front and rear | front and rear |
| Airbags | 7 | 6 |
| Cruise control | Adaptive | Adaptive |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | No | No |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
| LED Lighting | Yes | Yes |
The Omoda C5 and Corolla Cross are very much on an even keel when it comes to safety. The Corolla Cross received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, while the Omoda C5 scored 5 stars from Euro NCAP and the same in the ASEAN CAP.
The Drive
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance | |
| Boot Space (litres) | 440l | 378 - 1075l |
| Towing capacity braked and unbraked | 750kg unbraked | Unrated |
| Tow bar | Fitment at the dealer by request | Aftermarket fitment only |
| Seating | Leather | Leather |
| Sunroof | No | Yes |
The Corolla's drive is noticeably better than the Omoda's, which has a rough drive and dynamics. The Omoda is once again slightly better equipped for the drive, but drivers may be let down by its rough-around-the-edges drive and handling characteristics.
Pricing
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Xi | R 414 800 | Omoda C5 1.5 Street | R 329 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XS | R 452 200 | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Style | R 364 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XS | R 494 400 | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux | R 477 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 XR | R 501 500 | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Lux S | R 479 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 GR-Sport | R 518 200 | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance | R 507 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV XR | R 545 200 | Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance S | R 509 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 HEV GR-Sport | R 561 700 |
Toyota offers a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 6-service / 90 000km service plan, while Omoda has a 5-year (Vehicle) 10 Year (Engine)/ 150 000km / 1 000 000km for the first owner warranty as well as a 5-year / 70 000km service plan.
Verdict
The Corolla Cross remains a steadfast choice, and it's easy to see why it's South Africa's second-best-selling passenger vehicle. The enhancements do exactly that: enhance it, and it's certainly one that I would be happy to park in my driveway after spending my own money on it. There's very little to fault it on and even less that you miss when driving it. - Chad Luckhoff
The C5 is a polarising product that, on the face of it, and indeed, on the specification sheet, appears to be a solid contender. However, we feel it needs a bit more refinement and polish from the engineering team, who could iron out most of the bugs. - Sean Nurse
The Corolla is a much better-polished product, although it may lack some of the bells and whistles found in the Omoda. We highly advise driving both back to back before making your ultimate choice.
