Top 12 Best Buys 2024: Budget crossover: Toyota Urban Cruiser

In a segment dominated by value-for-money propositions, our editorial team chose the Toyota Urban Cruiser as the Budget Crossover winner. 

Criteria

In defining the pool of competitors, we factor in size (anything smaller than midsize SUVs) and price (roughly up to the R350 000 mark). Value is a key criterium, as are practicality and features.

Looking for your next new or used budget crossover? Find it here with CARmag. 

Winner: Toyota Urban Cruiser

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Image: Toyota

For its combination of bold styling, robust quality and – in a segment where value for money is becoming ever more of a final arbiter – competitive pricing, the second-generation Urban Cruiser earns top honours in this year’s hotly contested budget-crossover category. The Suzuki-based product features a broadly efficient 77 kW/138 N.m 1.5-litre engine, is spacious and versatile enough to cater to most small families and even offers 210 mm worth of ground clearance for a modicum of adventure-focussed prowess.

It comes with a service plan that covers the first four services (within 60 000 km) and is backed up in our market by one of the largest dealership networks available. It even offers on-board WiFi.

Our favourite variant:

Urban Cruiser XR manual – from R347 400

Runner-up: Suzuki Fronx

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Image: Suzuki

The Suzuki Fronx makes a compelling case. Compact yet versatile, it’s tailored for budget-conscious South Africans. Its plucky design, sturdy interior and reasonable space make this Baleno-on-stilts a strong contender.

Runner-up: Kia Sonet 

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Image: Kia

With its easy-going road manners, generous specification (including a four-year/60 000 km service plan) and solid construction, the Kia Sonet impressed the CAR team back in our February 2022 issue group test.

Browse over 26 000 new and used cars here with CARmag.

The post Top 12 Best Buys 2024: Budget crossover: Toyota Urban Cruiser appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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