If you're unsure about buying a Toyota Corolla Cross, these other dependable alternatives from established manufacturers are sure to impress you with their ride and build quality, while also offering many years of reliable service and affordable running costs.
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1. Kia Seltos
The Seltos (read our 2024 review) boasts superior running costs thanks to its excellent fuel economy and a class-leading service plan, making it a smart long-term investment. It's also a preferred road-trip choice thanks to its affinity for dirt roads and generous ground clearance. The Kia Seltos delivers a well-rounded package that prioritizes efficiency, space, and value.
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol-engine, or 1.5-litre turbodiesel, or 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol
Power/Torque: 84kW/144Nm, or 85 kW/250 Nm, or 118kW/253 Nm.
Price: From R467 995 for the 1.5LX manual.
2. Honda HR-V
Whether you opt for the handsome HR-V 1.5 Comfort (R520 000) or 1.5 Executive (read our HR-V launch report) with its striking, grille-less front end (R622 900) you're sure to buy quality with excellent roadholding. Both variants offer a peppy 89kW engine with 145 Nm torque and a self-shifting CVT gearbox, along with a user-friendly layout where everything just feels right.
Executive models have semi-autonomous driving technology that works like a charm. Hondas are known for their longevity and in the HR-V's case it's a car you buy with your head as well as your heart - we love its fastback styling and the red Executive model turned heads wherever we went.
Engine: 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol
Power/Torque: 89 kW/145Nm
Price: From R520 900 (HR-V 1.5 Comfort)
Read our shootout article between the HR-V, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta here.
3. Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is another strong contender known for its dependability and affordability. It shares the Kia Seltos's reputation for low running costs, making it a budget-friendly option that's also high on practicality, like we found on launch here.
It makes mincemeat of poor road surfaces and Suzukis are known to be inexpensive to repair and maintain.
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol, or 1.5-litre petrol with 48V mild-hybrid technology (AWD).
Power/Torque: 77kW/138Nm or 76kW/137Nm
Price: From R354 900 for the 1.5 GL manual model
Related: Jaecoo J7 vs Kia Seltos vs Suzuki Grand Vitara
4. Hyundai Creta
The five-seater Hyundai Creta, with its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, is another one of those cars that is effortless to live with and looks good too. If you want a bit more room on board, then the seven-seater Grand Creta will be more to your liking. The Grand Creta features an ultra frugal diesel powerplant ideal for cross-country journeys like the one we undertook here.
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol, 2.0-litre petrol, or 1.5-litre turbodiesel (Grand Creta)
Power/Torque: 84kW/144 Nm, 117kW/191 Nm, or 84kW/250 Nm
Price: from R469 500
5. Mazda CX-30 2.0 Hikari
The Mazda CX-30 2.0 offers a blend of sporty handling, stylish design, and premium features and it is known for its athleticism and fun-to-drive demeanour - and Mazdas last a long time.
"The adventurous consumer that has kids or teens will gravitate towards the Mazda CX-30, especially if they're looking for something a little different from the wash of German offerings of late. Its sensible size makes it easy to drive and park with ample space inside for most families." - Chad Lückhoff. Here's what you need to know about the Mazda CX-30.
Engine: 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated petrol
Power/Torque: 115 kW/200 Nm
Price: From R531,800 for the 2.0 Active model.
ENDS
