The Toyota Urban Cruiser has benefitted from a raft of specification upgrades, with all 3 derivatives offered in South Africa scoring extra standard kit…
- Urban Cruiser handed extra standard kit
- Infotainment and steering wheel upgrades
- Rear wiper and more USB-C ports added
When the current-generation Toyota Urban Cruiser launched in South Africa in April 2023, we noted a few curious specification omissions. Now the Japanese giant has rolled out a raft of updates, handing all 3 derivatives extra standard kit and addressing several oversights.
As a reminder, the local Urban Cruiser line-up comprises a trio of variants, each powered by strategic-alliance partner Suzuki’s familiar naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (77 kW/138 Nm). Buyers have a choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox (in XS and XR grades) or a 4-speed automatic transmission (exclusive to the XR trim level).
All 3 Urban Cruiser derivatives upgraded
While all derivatives previously did without a rear wiper, this item has now been added. In addition, the infotainment system’s touchscreen has had its diameter increased from 7.0- to 9.0 inches, providing what Toyota SA Motors describes as a “more immersive multimedia experience”.
Furthermore, the steering wheel has been upgraded from the previous polyurethane finish to “premium” leather for “improved tactile quality”, while all 3 derivatives score dual rear USB-C ports.
The base XS finally gains a luggage shelf (with strings), while also upgrading from steel wheels to 17-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the XR grade switches from halogen- to automatic LED headlamps, complete with a “follow-me-home” function.
The Urban Cruiser was developed by Suzuki alongside the closely related Grand Vitara (both built on a Suzuki platform and running Suzuki powertrains) but is interestingly built by Toyota Kirloskar Motor at its Bidadi plant in India.
How well does the Urban Cruiser sell in SA?
Year to date at the end of July 2025, Toyota SA Motors has registered 4 924 units of the Urban Cruiser in Mzansi, making it the brand’s 5th most popular offering in the passenger vehicle segment (behind the Corolla Cross, Starlet, Starlet Cross and Fortuner). Over the same reporting period, Suzuki Auto SA has sold 1 201 examples of the Grand Vitara.
What does the Toyota Urban Cruiser cost in SA?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS 5MT | R342 700 |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR 5MT | R360 200 |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR 4AT | R373 800 |
The prices above include Toyota’s standard 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What updates have been made to the Toyota Urban Cruiser in South Africa?
A: All 3 derivatives of the Toyota Urban Cruiser have received key upgrades, including a rear wiper, a larger 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a leather steering wheel and dual rear USB-C ports. Additionally, the base XS model now features a luggage shelf and 17-inch alloy wheels, and the XR grade has been upgraded to automatic LED headlamps.
Q: How much does the updated Toyota Urban Cruiser cost in South Africa?
A: The prices for the updated models are:
* Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS 5MT: R342 700
* Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR 5MT: R360 200
* Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR 4AT: R373 800
These prices include a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Q: How well does the Toyota Urban Cruiser sell in South Africa?
A: The Toyota Urban Cruiser is one of the brand’s most popular models in South Africa. Year to date at the end of July 2025, 4 924 units have been registered in the country, making it the 5th most popular passenger vehicle in the Toyota line-up.
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