If you’re searching for a compact SUV that is easy to live with, light on fuel, and backed by Toyota’s network, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is a smart place to start. In 2025, two models carry this name in two key markets:
- South Africa and many African markets: “Urban Cruiser” (1.5-litre petrol, manual or 4-speed automatic).
- India: Urban Cruiser Taisor (1.2-litre petrol + AMT/MT, 1.0-litre turbo petrol + AT/MT, and 1.2 CNG).
This guide explains both, so shoppers in India and South Africa get clear, current, and correct info. Where prices or features differ, we call it out.
Key takeaways (quick read)
- South Africa (Urban Cruiser 1.5): 77 kW, 138 Nm, 6.1 L/100 km claimed, 210 mm ground clearance, 353 L boot, 3-yr/100,000 km warranty + 4-services/60,000 km service plan.
- India (Urban Cruiser Taisor): ARAI efficiency up to 22.79 km/l (1.2 AMT), 19.86 km/l (1.0 turbo AT), 308 L boot, 3-yr/100,000 km warranty (extendable). As of July 2025, ex-showroom prices range ₹7.77–13.06 lakh.
- The older Urban Cruiser (Brezza-based) was discontinued in India in 2022; the Taisor is its spiritual successor under the Urban Cruiser umbrella.
Price & variants
South Africa: Urban Cruiser 1.5 price and line-up
Toyota South Africa sells three trims powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine.
| Derivative | Transmission | Fuel | SA RRP* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 XS | 5-MT | Petrol | R342,500 |
| 1.5 XR | 5-MT | Petrol | R359,700 |
| 1.5 XR | 4-AT | Petrol | R382,900 |
*Typical dealer-advertised RRPs in 2024/2025; Toyota SA spec sheet confirms model mix. Warranty and service plan details below. Always confirm current drive-away pricing with your dealer.
Warranty & service plan (SA): 3-year/100,000 km warranty and 4 services/60,000 km service plan; 15,000 km/12-month intervals.
India: Urban Cruiser Taisor price and line-up
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s Taisor brings several engine/gearbox choices (petrol, turbo-petrol, and CNG). Recent price updates put the range here:
| Variant family | Engine | Gearbox | ARAI efficiency | Ex-showroom (India) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E / S / S+ | 1.2 NA petrol | 5-MT / 5-AMT | 21.71 km/l (MT), 22.79 km/l (AMT) | From ₹7.77 lakh |
| G / V | 1.0 turbo petrol | 5-MT / 6-AT | 21.18 km/l (MT), 19.86 km/l (AT) | Up to ₹13.06 lakh |
| E (CNG) | 1.2 CNG | 5-MT | 28.51 km/kg | Varies by city |
ARAI figures and technical specs are from Toyota’s official brochure; July 2025 price band from major outlets tracking ex-showroom changes. Always confirm on-road price (state tax/insurance/handling) with your local dealer.
Warranty (India): Standard 3 years/100,000 km; extended plans available up to 5 years/220,000 km.
Mileage & real-world economy
South Africa: Urban Cruiser (1.5 petrol)
- Claimed combined consumption: 6.1 L/100 km (manual and automatic).
- Observed in reviews: Around 6.4 L/100 km (manual) to 7.3 L/100 km (auto) in mixed use, depending on traffic and driving style.
At a glance (SA economy):
| Transmission | Claimed (L/100 km) | Typical real-world (L/100 km)* |
|---|---|---|
| 5-MT | 6.1 | ~6.4 |
| 4-AT | 6.1 | ~7.3 |
*From long-term/road test commentary; your results will vary with load, climate, tyre pressure, and route mix.
Fuel-saving tips:
Keep tyres at spec, avoid heavy throttle from low revs, use cruise control where safe, and limit idling. Short trips hurt economy most.
India: Urban Cruiser Taisor (1.2/1.0T/CNG)
- ARAI efficiency (official): up to 22.79 km/l (1.2 AMT), 21.71 km/l (1.2 MT), 21.18 km/l (1.0T MT), 19.86 km/l (1.0T AT), and 28.51 km/kg (CNG).
- Independent testing: Publications report real-world figures lower than ARAI, with the turbo-manual near ~21 km/l in controlled tests and lower in city AT use.
At a glance (India efficiency):
| Powertrain | Gearbox | ARAI (km/l or km/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 petrol | 5-MT | 21.71 km/l |
| 1.2 petrol | 5-AMT | 22.79 km/l |
| 1.0 turbo | 5-MT | 21.18 km/l |
| 1.0 turbo | 6-AT | 19.86 km/l |
| 1.2 CNG | 5-MT | 28.51 km/kg |
Figures: official Toyota brochure. Expect less in heavy traffic, higher with steady highway runs.
Specs & dimensions (at a glance)
South Africa: Urban Cruiser 1.5 (K15BN)
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-litre NA petrol (K15BN), 4-cyl |
| Power & torque | 77 kW @ 6,000 rpm, 138 Nm @ 4,400 rpm |
| Gearboxes | 5-MT / 4-AT (FWD) |
| Fuel tank | 45 L |
| Ground clearance | 210 mm |
| Boot capacity | 353 L |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4,365 × 1,795 × 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm |
| Top speed | 170 km/h (MT), 165 km/h (AT) |
| Kerb/GVM | 1,130–1,165 kg / 1,610–1,620 kg |
All data from Toyota SA’s 2025 spec sheet.
India: Urban Cruiser Taisor (platform & key numbers)
| Item | 1.2 NA Petrol | 1.0 Turbo Petrol | 1.2 CNG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,197 cc | 998 cc | 1,197 cc |
| Max power | 66 kW (89.7 PS) | 73.6 kW (100.06 PS) | 57 kW (77.5 PS) |
| Max torque | 113 Nm | 147.6 Nm | 98.5 Nm |
| Gearboxes | 5-MT / 5-AMT | 5-MT / 6-AT | 5-MT |
| Boot capacity | 308 L (all) | ||
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 3,995 × 1,765 × 1,550 mm | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm | ||
| Turning radius | 4.9 m | ||
| Fuel tank | 37 L (petrol) / 55 L water eq. (CNG) |
All data from Toyota’s official Taisor brochure.
Features & tech
Safety & driver aids
South Africa (Urban Cruiser 1.5):
- 6 airbags (grade dependent), ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Assist Control, rear PDC, ISOFIX, and smart entry on higher trims.
India (Taisor):
- Dual front airbags standard; side & curtain airbags on higher trims, VSC, Hill-Hold, rear camera/sensors, ISOFIX. Head-Up Display and 360° camera on top variants.
Safety table (quick view)
| Feature | SA Urban Cruiser | India Taisor |
|---|---|---|
| ABS + EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC/VSC | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| ISOFIX | Yes | Yes |
| 360° camera / HUD | – | On G/V (turbo) |
Sources: Toyota SA spec sheet; Toyota Bharat brochure.
Infotainment & connectivity
- SA: Toyota Display Audio with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reverse camera on screen (trim dependent).
- India: 7-inch or 9-inch SmartPlay Cast, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, OTA updates, connected features (Toyota iCONNECT), wireless charger on upper trims.
Convenience highlights: auto AC, telescopic steering (higher trims), sliding front armrest, rear AC vents (G/V), and paddle shifters on the turbo AT.
Design & interior experience
Exterior:
Both models look upright and tidy. The SA car gets 17-inch wheels and a sturdy stance with 210 mm of ground clearance, helpful on rough roads. The Taisor leans sportier with a coupe-ish roofline and LED lighting themes on higher variants.
Cabin & space:
- Urban Cruiser (SA): Good headroom, simple ergonomics, and 353 L of boot space. The 60:40 split seat boosts utility.
- Taisor (India): Neat layout with a 308 L boot, 60:40 split rear seat, and useful storage. G/V get telescopic steering and rear AC vents.
Table: space & practicality
| Measure | SA Urban Cruiser | India Taisor |
|---|---|---|
| Boot | 353 L | 308 L |
| Ground clearance | 210 mm | — (not officially quoted) |
| Fuel tank | 45 L | 37 L (petrol) |
Driving impressions
Urban Cruiser (SA): The 1.5 NA engine is smooth, with easy response at city speeds. The 5-speed manual is the pick for control and economy; the 4-speed auto is relaxed, ideal for traffic and gentle cruising. Reviews report real-world consumption near 6.4–7.3 L/100 km depending on gearbox and driving. Ride quality is compliant, and 210 mm clearance inspires confidence on poor surfaces.
Taisor (India): Choose 1.2 NA for calm, efficient commuting and 1.0 turbo if you want stronger mid-range and a proper 6-speed automatic. ARAI numbers are strong, and independent tests suggest the turbo-manual can deliver ~21 km/l in controlled runs, while city-heavy AT usage will be lower. Steering is light, visibility is good, and the cabin stays friendly on long drives.
Ownership: service, warranty & reliability
South Africa:
- Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km.
- Service plan: 4 services/60,000 km, intervals at 15,000 km/12 months.
- Toyota’s nation-wide dealer network and Value Service options support predictable running costs.
India:
- Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km standard; extended coverage up to 5 years/220,000 km available.
- Express maintenance, roadside assistance, and wide service reach add peace of mind.
Urban Cruiser vs rivals (who should buy what?)
India: Taisor vs Brezza, Nexon, Sonet (quick context)
If you’re cross-shopping the Taisor, you’ll likely also look at Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Kia Sonet.
| Model | Core engines | Power (approx) | Boot | Ground clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taisor | 1.2 NA, 1.0T, 1.2 CNG | 66–73.6 kW | 308 L | — |
| Brezza | 1.5 NA petrol (MT/AT) | ~103 hp | 328 L | ~198 mm |
| Nexon | 1.2T petrol / 1.5 diesel | up to ~120 PS petrol | 382 L | 208 mm |
| Sonet | 1.2 NA / 1.0T / 1.5 diesel | up to ~120 PS petrol | 385 L | 205 mm |
(Sizes/figures from current official or major Indian outlets.)
Which one for you (India):
- Daily city use, low running cost: Taisor 1.2 AMT (best ARAI), or Brezza AT for a larger cabin and calm torque converter feel.
- Punchier performance: Taisor 1.0 turbo AT/MT or Sonet 1.0 DCT for stronger mid-range.
- Highway + space + safety kit depth: Tata Nexon brings big-boot practicality and broad variant spread including diesel.
South Africa: Urban Cruiser 1.5 vs small-SUV set
Key rivals include Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. The Urban Cruiser’s strengths are ground clearance (210 mm), a simple naturally-aspirated engine that’s cheap to run, and Toyota’s aftersales footprint. If you seek a silky auto with brisk overtakes, some turbo rivals feel quicker; if you want fuss-free ownership and comfort, the Toyota nails the brief.
Who should buy the Toyota Urban Cruiser?
Buy it if you want:
- A compact SUV that’s easy to drive, light on fuel, and simple to maintain.
- High seating and good clearance for rough roads or steep driveways (SA car).
- Trusted dealer network and predictable service intervals.
Consider other options if you want:
- Sporty acceleration and frequent highway overtakes (look at turbo-petrol options like Taisor 1.0T or rival turbo SUVs).
- Diesel torque or larger cargo areas (e.g., Nexon diesel or Sonet’s 385 L boot in India).
Pros & cons (one glance)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent efficiency for its class | Not the quickest in segment (SA 1.5) |
| Comfortable ride and friendly controls | AT is only 4-speed on SA model |
| Toyota warranty/service support | Some rivals offer more features in mid trims |
| Practical boot and 60:40 split seat | Cabin width is average for three-abrest adults |
(Pros/cons reflect segment realities; verify exact features per trim before booking.)
FAQs (quick, snippet-ready)
Is the Toyota Urban Cruiser a good family car?
Yes. It has easy ingress, supportive seats for four adults, usable boot space, and the right set of safety basics. In South Africa you also get generous 210 mm clearance for speed humps and rough roads.
What is the real-world mileage?
Expect near the low-to-mid 6s (L/100 km) for the SA manual and around low 7s for the SA automatic. In India, real figures vary by engine and traffic, and sit below ARAI numbers; independent tests with similar powertrains show ~21 km/l for a controlled turbo-manual run.
Which Urban Cruiser (or Taisor) variant is best value?
For SA, the XR manual balances features and cost well; for city-heavy India use, the 1.2 AMT makes driving stress-free and maximises efficiency. Pick 1.0T AT if you want effortless mid-range. (Match to your usage and local pricing.)
Is the Urban Cruiser still sold in India?
The Brezza-based Urban Cruiser was discontinued in 2022. The Urban Cruiser Taisor is the current model in India.
What are the service intervals and warranty?
SA: 15,000 km/12-month service intervals, 4-service/60,000 km plan, 3-yr/100,000 km warranty. India: 3-yr/100,000 km standard, extendable to 5 yr/220,000 km.
Final verdict
If you want a small SUV that just works—with low running costs, comfy ride, and strong dealer support—the Toyota Urban Cruiser hits the mark. South African buyers get a tough, roomy city-friendly SUV with big-car clearance. Indian buyers get the Urban Cruiser Taisor, which layers in modern tech and powertrain choice, including a punchy turbo and a wallet-friendly 1.2 AMT (and even CNG for cost-per-km savings).
Next steps:
- Book a test drive of the trim you’re considering.
- Check ex-showroom vs on-road pricing in your city (taxes/insurance/handling change totals).
- Compare two variants back-to-back on the same route. Your daily drive should decide the gearbox and engine.
Important market note (for Indian readers)
If you’re searching for the older Toyota Urban Cruiser (the Brezza-based model), it left the market in 2022. The Urban Cruiser Taisor is Toyota’s current compact crossover for India with different styling and engines. Always use the correct model name when you compare prices and specs online.
Have a city list for price tables or a specific variant in mind? Tell me your market and preferred trim, and I’ll tailor the tables (on-road costs, EMI, and feature comparisons) to your city.