The Starlet Cross is Toyota’s attempt at making you feel like you’re ready to tackle the urban jungle, with just a dash of off-road edge. It’s like they took the regular Starlet, slipped it into some hiking boots, and said: “Now, go and explore… but keep it sensible.” With its chunky looks, practical interior, and economical engine, this is a car that can go wild but will be back in time for dinner.
Pretty on the outside
Toyota has given the Starlet Cross the kind of makeover that would make even the most rugged SUV raise an eyebrow. It’s a Starlet with attitude, strutting down the road with roof rails, a slightly raised suspension, and enough black cladding to make it look ready for anything – even if “anything” mostly involves potholes and speed bumps.
Up front, you get a bold honeycomb grille flanked by sharp LED headlamps, which Toyota says adds presence, and they’re right – the Starlet Cross makes a mini statement without yelling.
The wheel arches come with aggressive looking cladding that gives one the same feeling as putting on a pair of hiking boots for a short walk on the beach; practical, but you know you probably won’t need them.
A comfy cabin
Inside, Toyota’s approach is practical and cozy, but nothing too fancy. The layout is uncluttered, and everything you need is within easy reach – because if there’s one thing Toyota knows, it’s that we’re all tired of digging through complex menus for the basics. The materials are durable, with a mix of hard plastics and some nice fabric seats, reminding you that this car is all about low-maintenance style.
The front seats are comfy enough to make your daily commute feel less like a chore, and the rear seats provide surprising legroom for a car this size. Even if you pile in a few friends, nobody will feel like they’re on an uncomfortable budget airline. There’s also plenty of storage – cupholders, door pockets, and a decent glove box – for all the bits and bobs that somehow end up in your car.
The infotainment system is a 7-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can listen to your playlist or ask for directions without dealing with confusing tech. If you’re in a higher trim, you also get a reverse camera, perfect for sneaking into tight parking spots without looking like a total rookie.
What about the drivetrain?
Under the bonnet, the Starlet Cross has a modest 1.5-litre engine that puts out 77kW and 138Nm of peak torque. This isn’t the car for pulling off the line at lightning speed, but if you’re just buzzing around town, it’s more than enough to get you from A to B with minimal fuss.
There’s a choice of five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, both tuned to give you steady, fuel-friendly performance. The automatic transmission is perfect for the just-point-and-go type, while the manual offers a bit more control and connection with the road.
Fuel economy is a win here, with the Starlet Cross sipping about 5.5 litres/100 km. That means you can keep exploring without emptying your wallet at the petrol station.
Plenty of standard kit
Toyota doesn’t hold back on standard features, packing even the base model with essentials like air-conditioning, electric windows, and a multifunction steering wheel. Up the trim level, and you get keyless entry, push-button start, and rear parking sensors, which make city driving that much easier.
Safety is also well-covered with dual front airbags, ABS, and traction control – because nothing says “responsible adventurer” like safety features that actually work.
Practical magic
For a compact crossover, the Starlet Cross has a surprisingly spacious 345-litre boot, ready for gym bags, shopping, or a weekend’s worth of camping gear. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats add flexibility, so you’re prepared whether you’re loading groceries or a mountain bike (okay, maybe a small one).
With its slightly elevated ground clearance, the Starlet Cross is ready to tackle gravel roads without feeling like it’s breaking a sweat.
The verdict
The Toyota Starlet Cross is like that one friend who shows up in hiking gear but never actually leaves the city limits… but could if it really wanted to – stylish, versatile, and prepared for just a hint of adventure. It’s affordable, economical, and packed with just enough features to make everyday driving easy and enjoyable. The Starlet Cross is a light-hearted yet reliable choice – and let’s face it, sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
Model line-up & pricing
- Starlet Cross 1.5L Xs MT: R299 900
- Starlet Cross 1.5L Xs AT: R322 300
- Starlet Cross 1.5L XR MT: R339 300
- Starlet Cross 1.5L XR AT: R359 300
*The Starlet Cross is sold with a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 4-services/60 000km service plan.
