VS
At a Glance
Power
74 kW
77 kW
Torque
160 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
11.7 s
—
Engine
999 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Nissan Magnite and the Toyota Starlet Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Nissan Magnite delivers 74 kW while the Toyota Starlet Cross produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Magnite returns 5.3 l/100km while the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R301 900 for the Magnite and R362 800 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
74 kW
77 kW
Torque
160 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
11.7 s
—
Top Speed
173 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
999 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
125 g/km
131 g/km
Dimensions
Length
3995 mm
3995 mm
Width
1758-1938 mm
1765 mm
Height
1572 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
205 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1071 Kg
1005 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
336 l
304-605-1009 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
6
3
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
4 services
Service Plan Distance
30000
60000
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Starlet Cross
Fuel Economy
Magnite
Value
Magnite
Practicality
Starlet Cross
Pros & Cons
Nissan Magnite
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R301 900)
Less power than rival (74 kW vs 77 kW)
Toyota Starlet Cross
More powerful engine (77 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (5.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Magnite or Starlet Cross?
The Magnite uses 5.3 l/100km and the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Magnite 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 Magnite or Starlet Cross?
The Magnite produces 74 kW and 160 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 Magnite and Starlet Cross?
The Magnite starts from R301 900 and the Starlet Cross from R362 800. The Magnite is cheaper by R60 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Magnite or Starlet Cross?
The Magnite has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg 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 Magnite 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.