Two of the newest crossovers on the South African market are the Nissan Magnite and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
These vehicles might look different, but they are remarkably similar when comparing the specification sheets.
Both start at around R250,000, both have impressive standard features, and their dimensions are nearly identical – give or take a few millimetres.
Cabin capabilities
You would be hard pressed to find anything lacking in these crossover cabins.
Throughout the ranges, each Magnite and Urban Cruiser gets a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The top-end models also get climate control, six speakers, and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
Controls on the steering wheel are for the standard cruise control and phone settings; and buttons on the doors will let you adjust every window and wing mirror with minimal effort.
All trim levels receive fabric seats, along with keyless entry and push-button start.
The Magnite then pulls ahead for the first time, as it receives a digital 7-inch instrument cluster and an around-view-monitor, whereas the Urban Cruiser has a more traditional analogue layout and a reverse camera only.
The Toyota does pull back with automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers, as the Nissan makes do with manual LED lights and intermittent wipers.
Both then feature LED daytime running lights, a rear window wiper, a two-tone roof, and 16-inch alloy wheels that add some style.
Driver assistance
The shot-for-shot showdown continues in the driver assistance department, where both of these crossovers are fitted with ample safety systems.
Standard specifications include ABS, rear parking sensors, EBD, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX anchors.
This completes the list for the Toyota, while the Nissan gets a few more abilities.
Across the range, the Magnite offers hill start assist, traction control, and hydraulic brake assist.
This assures a 4-star Asean NCAP safety rating for the Nissan.
The Urban Cruiser does not have its own safety rating, but the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the vehicle that the Urban Cruiser is based on, received a 4-star Global NCAP rating in 2018.
Practicality
Powering the Nissan Magnite is a 1-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that produces 74kW and 152Nm.
When mated to a CVT transmission, this set-up achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.0l/100km, while top speed is rated at 168km/h.
At the front of the Toyota Urban Cruiser lies a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated motor that delivers 77kW and 138Nm.
The top-end trim sports a 4-speed automatic transmission, achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km, and top speed comes in at 165km/h.
Practicality is also important in both crossovers, as the Nissan can carry up to 336kg of luggage with a ground clearance of 205mm – whereas the Toyota fits 328 litres of cargo and has a ground clearance of 198mm.
The Magnite also supports a 50kg load on the integrated roof rails, whereas those on the Urban Cruiser are there for decorative purposes – according to Toyota.
The Nissan boasts a kerb weight of 1,039kg, with the Cruiser weighing in at 1,140kg.
As “mini SUV” weights go, these two are nowhere near heavy – meaning the front-wheel-drive configurations will not be lacking.
Price
The top-end Nissan Magnite 1.0T Acenta Plus CVT has a South African price of R305,700.
Along with this you get a 6-year/150,000km warranty, and a 3-year/30,000km service plan.
The range-topping Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5XR AT has a South African price of R315,700.
This includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-services/45,000km service plan.
Nissan Magnite – Photos
Toyota Urban Cruiser – Photos
Keyword: Nissan Magnite vs Toyota Urban Cruiser – Pricing and specifications showdown