Compact crossover duel
Second only to the mid-size SUV segment in size and manufacturer competition, the compact crossover segment offers just as many models. Consumers favour these vehicles for their commanding driving position, space, and safety. They are the main reason we have seen a decline in small sedans and hatchbacks in recent years.
Related: Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR MT (2023) Review
Two of the big legacy competitors in this segment are Toyota and Volkswagen, brands that have offered South African consumers mobility for decades. If we look at the Urban Cruiser and T-Cross and the top spec offering from each, we can see how these two brands compare.
Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Comfortline R-Line (2023) Review
Drivetrain
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto | Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSi R-Line | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre 4-cylinder N/A petrol FWD | 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol FWD |
| Transmission | 4-speed Automatic | 7-speed DSG |
| Power Figures | 77kW / 138Nm | 85kW / 200Nm |
The T-Cross take the win here with more power and more gears. It still surprises that the smaller turbo engine delivers such a difference in power output.
Fuel Consumption
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto | Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSi R-Line | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 6.8 L /100km | 7.4 L /100km |
| Tank Size (litres) | 45 | 40 |
| Claimed distance on a full tank | 738km | 714km |
| True distance on a full tank | 728km | 657km |
| Top Speed | 165km/h | 193km/h |
The turbo power plant in the Volkswagen may produce more power and be faster, but that comes at the cost of fuel economy, with the T-Cross delivering much poorer economy than the Toyota.
Safety
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto | Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSi R-Line | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | No | Yes |
| Camera | Rear only | Optional |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Rear only | Front and Rear |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes (Adaptive Optional) |
| Lane Keep Assist | No | Optional |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | No | No |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Remoth (optional keyless) |
| LED Lighting | NO (DRL only) | Yes |
The Urban Cruiser falls slightly short in standard equipment, with VW offering many more options. The VW T-Cross scores 5 stars on the NCAP while Toyota received 4 stars for the Urban Cruiser due to the lack of extra features sported by the T-Cross.
Practicality
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto | Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSi R-Line | |
| Load space (litres) | 353 | 385 - 455 - 1281 |
| Towing capacity, braked/unbraked | 400kg unbraked /1200kg braked | 660kg unbraked / 1200kg braked |
| Seating | 5 adults (cloth upholstery) | 5 adults (sport seats in front - cloth upholstery) |
| Sunroof | No | No |
The T-Cross can tow more weight and has a slightly larger boot for the extra groceries life throws at you. The Urban Cruiser is not too far behind, though.
Pricing
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS | R 342 500 | Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Manual | R 399 900 |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR | R 359 500 | Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Auto | R 418 200 |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto | R 382 900 | Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Life | R 471 400 |
| Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi Style | R 511 300 | ||
| Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0TSi R Line | R 543 600 |
Toyota offers a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 4-service / 60 000 km service plan, while Volkswagen offers a 3-year / 120 000 km vehicle warranty and a 3-year / 45 000 km optional service plan.
Verdict
The better-equipped Volkswagen may beat out the Toyota in all categories, but that all comes at a steep price; it is significantly more expensive than the Toyota, and we are tempted to say that the Toyota will most likely maintain its value over a longer period than the VW. Depreciation over time is something to keep an eye on to future-proof your buy. We would take the Toyota from the outset for its honest motoring potential.
