VS
At a Glance
Power
61 kW
77 kW
Torque
114 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.9 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.6 s
—
Engine
1197 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Hyundai Exter and the Toyota Starlet Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Hyundai Exter delivers 61 kW while the Toyota Starlet Cross produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Exter returns 5.9 l/100km while the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R314 900 for the Exter and R307 900 for the Starlet Cross. 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.
Performance
Power Output
61 kW
77 kW
Torque
114 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
12.6 s
—
Top Speed
165 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1197 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.9 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
141 g/km
131 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3815 mm
3995 mm
Width
1710 mm
1765 mm
Height
1631 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
185 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
957 Kg
1005 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
290 / 1275 l
304-605-1009 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
433 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 7 drivetrain
3
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 drivetrain Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
4 services
Service Plan Distance
45000
60000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet Cross
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet Cross
Fuel Economy
Starlet Cross
Value
Starlet Cross
Practicality
Starlet Cross
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Exter
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (5.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (61 kW vs 77 kW)
Higher starting price
Toyota Starlet Cross
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R307 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Exter or Starlet Cross?
The Exter uses 5.9 l/100km and the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet Cross is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Exter or Starlet Cross?
The Exter produces 61 kW and 114 Nm of torque while the Starlet Cross delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Starlet Cross is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Exter and Starlet Cross?
The Exter starts from R314 900 and the Starlet Cross from R307 900. The Starlet Cross is cheaper by R7 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Exter or Starlet Cross?
The Exter has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Starlet Cross can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Exter or the Starlet Cross?
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.