A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Urban Cruiser starts ZAR 549900 cheaperOra 5 from ZAR 549,900 · Urban Cruiser from ZAR 319,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Engine Power
150
77
Torque
225
140
Engine Size
-
1496
Claimed Mileage
-
14.9
Ground Clearance
165
175
Boot Space
410
290
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1750
1085
Seating Capacity
5
Available
Warranty
5
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Ora 5
62
/ 100
+8
pts
#2
Urban Cruiser
54
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Ora 5 has a slight advantage, but Urban Cruiser remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Ora 5
+6 pts
Efficiency
Urban Cruiser
+8 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Ora 5
+2 pts
Ownership
Ora 5
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Ora 5
Performance
12/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
Urban Cruiser
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
8/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Ora 5
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Urban Cruiser
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Ora 5
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Urban Cruiser
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Body Type
SUV
Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
DRL
Yes
Available
LED Headlamps
Yes
LED Projector
Led Taillights
Yes
Available
Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Led Headlights
Yes
Available
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Aerodynamic Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Rear Wiper
Yes
Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
Not Available
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured Flush
Chrome Finish
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Not Available
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Available
Exterior Colour Options
6
Pearl White
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Roof Rails
No
Standard
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Number of Doors
5
5
Seats
5
Available
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
4550
4305
Width
1855
1795
Height
1645
1595
Wheelbase
2700
2520
Ground Clearance
165
175
Kerb Weight
1750
1085
Boot Space
410
290
Doors
5
Available
Front Overhang
880
Available
Rear Overhang
820
Available
Front Track Width
1540
1520
Rear Track Width
1550
1510
Front Headroom
985
Available
Rear Headroom
955
Available
Front Legroom
1040
Available
Rear Legroom
870
Available
Front Shoulder Room
1420
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
1380
Available
Gross Vehicle Weight
2100
1480
Boot Space Seats Folded
610
1500
Boot Volume
410
Available
Turning Radius
11.5
5.2
Towing Capacity
500
Not Rated
Load Bed Length
-
Available
Load Bed Width
-
Available
Max Payload
-
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Engine
Electric Motor (Front Mounted)
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Type
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electric Motor
Inline 4 Cylinder
Engine Type Config
Single Front-Mounted Electric Motor
Available
Cylinder Layout
Electric Motor
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
0
4
Engine Aspiration
Electric
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Electric
Multi-Point Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Electric
Petrol
Charging Port
Type 2 AC + CCS2 DC
Available
AC Charging Time
5.5 Hours (7.4kW AC)
Available
Battery Capacity
76 kWh
Available
EV Range
560
Available
Power
150
77
Power
201
150
Torque
225
140
0–100 km/h
7.1
Available
Top Speed
175
172
Engine Position
Front Mounted Motor
Front Transverse
Maximum Engine RPM
12,000
Available
Variable Valve Timing
No
Available
Engine Displacement
0
Available
Displacement
-
1496
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Power @ RPM
-
6000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
4200 rpm
Turbocharger
-
Not Available
0-100 km/h
-
12.5
Compression Ratio
-
12.5:1
Engine Code
-
Standard
Cylinder Bore
-
82.0
Piston Stroke
-
92.0
Engine Oil Capacity
-
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Fuel Octane Requirement
Electric
Unleaded 95 RON
Euro Emission Standard
Zero Emissions
Available
Start Stop System
No
Not Available
CO2 Emissions
0
119
Idle CO2 Output
0
2.0
Particulate Filter
No
Available
Green NCAP Rating
5/5
Available
Noise Level
Very Low
68
Hybrid System Type
-
Not Applicable
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
EV Mode
Yes
Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Available
Auto Lights
Yes
Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Not Available
Sport Mode
Yes
Available
Eco Mode
Yes
Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Available
Drive Modes
Yes
Available
Cruise Control
-
Standard
Reverse Camera
-
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Emission Standard
Zero Emissions
Euro 5
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Available
City Mileage
16.0
11
Highway Mileage
12.5
16
Average Fuel Consumption
14.0
Available
Real-world Mileage
14.0
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
0.0
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Excellent
Available
Distance To Empty
Yes
Available
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
-
14.9
Fuel Tank Capacity
-
40
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic CVT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Single-Speed Fixed Ratio
CVT Automatic
Number of Gears
1
6
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
Available
Drivetrain Layout
Front Motor Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
13.5:1
Available
Final Drive Ratio
7.73
Available
LSD Available
No
Not Available
Clutch Type
Single-Speed Reducer
Available
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Not Available
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Available
Spare Wheel
Yes
Available
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Available
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Available
Climate Control
Yes
Automatic AC
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Available
Rear Defogger
Yes
Available
Power Windows
Yes
All Doors
Power Mirrors
Yes
Power Adjustment
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Available
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Available
Boot Opener
Yes
Available
Tachometer
Yes
Available
Trip Computer
Yes
Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Optional
Sunroof
Yes
Standard
Heads Up Display
Yes
Available
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
165
Available
Drag Coefficient
0.29
Available
Rear Seat Split
60/40
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Available
Headlamp Washer
No
Available
Tail Lamps
LED
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Yes
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Available
Steering Response
Progressive
Available
Stability Control
Yes
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Available
Driver Display
Digital HUD
Available
Seat Type
Sports Seat
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Available
Glovebox Cooling
No
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Available
Service Reminder
Yes
Available
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Speed Limiter
Yes
Available
Launch Control
No
Available
Voice Command
Yes
Available
Voice Command Support
Yes
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Available
Front Power Outlet
Yes
150
Chrome Grille
No
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
Available
Roof Antenna
Integrated Antenna
Available
Rear Wing
Integrated Spoiler
Available
Aero Kit
Yes
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Available
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Available
Climate Zones
2
Available
Adaptive Dampers
No
Available
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Available
Remote Engine Start
Yes
Available
Rev Matching
No
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Available
Side Steps
No
Available
Skid Plates
No
Available
Payload Capacity
-
500
Engine Start Stop
-
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
-
Available
Exhaust Finish
-
Available
Exhaust Type
-
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
Available
Intercooler
-
Available
Telescopic Steering
-
Available
Tilt Steering
-
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
-
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Torsion Beam
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Power Steering
Yes
Electric
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic with Regenerative Braking
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Available
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Available
Front Tyre Width
215
Available
Rear Tyre Width
215
Available
Tyre Size
215/55R18
205/55 R17
Wheel Diameter
18
Available
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Full Size Steel
Spare Tyre
Yes
Available
Wheel Rim Size
19
Available
Tyre Type
Low Rolling Resistance Radial
Available
Tyre Load Index
94
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
V
Available
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc with Regenerative
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
305
300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
285
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Available
BA
Yes
Available
EBD
Yes
Available
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Available
Alarm System
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Available
Driver Airbag
Yes
Available
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Available
Side Airbags
Yes
Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Available
Airbags
6
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
5
Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Available
Knee Airbag
No
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Available
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Available
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Standard
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Available
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Warranty Years
5
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
6 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
3 Years
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160,000 km
Not Applicable
Service Plan Distance
75000
Available
Service Plan Duration
5
Available
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Optional
First Service At
15000
5000
Service Interval
15000
15,000 km or 1 Year
Battery Type
Lithium-Ion NMC
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Available
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
Approx R3,500
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
Available
Alternator
-
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Full Digital
Navigation System
Yes
Optional
Infotainment Screen
Yes
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
14
Available
Number of Speakers
9
4
Premium Audio
Yes
Available
USB Ports
3
3
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Available
Voice Recognition
Yes
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
Available
Rear Usb
Yes
Available
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Available
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Standard
Rear Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Leather Seats
Yes
Available
Fabric Seats
No
Available
Seat Material
Leather
Fabric
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Electric
Available
Memory Seats
Yes
Available
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Full Digital Cluster
Available
Seat Adjustment
Yes
Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Available
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Cooled Seats
Yes
Available
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Available
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Available
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Available
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Real-world City Mileage Min
15.0
12
Real-world City Mileage Max
19.0
14
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
11.0
15
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
14.0
18
Owner Review Count
-
11
Spec
Ora 5
Urban Cruiser
Recovery Hooks
No
Available
Underbody Protection
No
Available
Ramp-over Angle
15
Available
Approach Angle
17
25
Departure Angle
22
23
Terrain Modes
No
Available
Locking Differential
No
Available
4WD System Type
Front-wheel drive
Part-time 4WD
Wading Depth
-
600
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
Available
Hill Descent Control
-
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Ora 5
wins with 62 pts
vs 54 pts for Urban Cruiser
In structured scoring, Ora 5 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Urban Cruiser may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Ora 5 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Ora 5 0 vs Urban Cruiser 8. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Ora 5 18, Urban Cruiser 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Ora 5 20, Urban Cruiser 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Ora 5 12, Urban Cruiser 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Ora 5 12, Urban Cruiser 6. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Ora 5 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Ora 5 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Ora 5 and Urban Cruiser in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Ora 5 scores 12 vs 6.
Efficiency: Ora 5 scores 0 vs 8.
Safety: Ora 5 scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Ora 5 scores 12 vs 10.
Ownership: Ora 5 scores 20 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Ora 5
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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