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Short answer: The SM-VA72 holds 24 oz versus 20 oz, is 1-3/8 inches taller, weighs 1 oz more, and is rated 167°F versus 163°F after 6 hours. Both have the same 46°F cold rating, the same five colors, and a leak-proof flip lid. Zojirushi says both are designed to fit most car cup holders.
How we compare: every spec in this article comes from official manufacturer specifications and manuals (starting with Zojirushi’s official product page), all listed under Sources below. We don’t run hands-on tests, and if a spec isn’t published, we say so. Last updated: October 2026.
I live in Japan. The SM-VA is Zojirushi’s all-purpose flip-lid bottle, for iced water as much as coffee. The two sizes differ mainly in height.
I haven’t tested these side by side. Everything below comes from the manufacturers’ official product pages, linked at the end. If a spec isn’t published, I say so instead of guessing.
Quick Comparison Table
| Spec | SM-VA60 | SM-VA72 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 oz / 0.60 L | 24 oz / 0.72 L |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 2-7/8 x 3-1/8 x 9-1/4 in | 2-7/8 x 3-1/8 x 10-5/8 in |
| Weight | 0 lb 10 oz | 0 lb 11 oz |
| Heat retention* | 190°F @ 1 hr / 163°F @ 6 hrs | 192°F @ 1 hr / 167°F @ 6 hrs |
| Cold retention* | 46°F @ 6 hrs | 46°F @ 6 hrs |
| Opening | 1-7/8 in (4.5 cm) | 1-7/8 in (4.5 cm) |
| Interior | Nonstick coated | Nonstick coated |
| Sports drinks | OK | OK |
| Colors | Navy, Pale Taupe, Mint Blue, White, Stainless | Same |
*Zojirushi rates heat retention with 203°F (95°C) water in a 68°F (20°C) room, and cold retention with 40°F (4°C) water in the same room.
Key differences at a glance
- Capacity: The SM-VA72 holds 24 oz, 4 oz more than the SM-VA60’s 20 oz.
- Height: The SM-VA72 is 10-5/8 inches tall, while the SM-VA60 is 9-1/4 inches, on the same base.
- Heat retention: The SM-VA72 is rated at 167°F after 6 hours, while the SM-VA60 is rated at 163°F.
- What stays the same: Both share the leak-proof lid with safety lock, two-part lid, sports-drink-safe nonstick interior, and colors.
The 3 Differences That Matter
1. Capacity
4 oz more in the 72. For all-day water, 24 oz is 3 US cups versus 2.5.
2. Height
10-5/8 vs 9-1/4 inches. Both share the same base, so cup-holder fit is the same, but the taller one sticks up higher.
3. Heat
167°F vs 163°F after 6 hours, a small gap.
What’s the same
Same leak-proof lid with safety lock, two-part lid that’s easy to clean, nonstick interior that Zojirushi says is OK for sports drinks, and the same colors.
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the SM-VA60 if you:
- Want a shorter bottle for bags
- Drink coffee more than water
Choose the SM-VA72 if you:
- Want the most water per refill
- Have room for 10-5/8 inches
The SM-VA in Japan
The SM-VA is a Japan-market model too, launched there in February 2023 under the name “TUFF” as part of Zojirushi’s seamless lid range. Zojirushi Japan rates the 600 mL SM-VA60 at 73 °C and the 720 mL SM-VA72 at 75 °C after 6 hours, with 8 °C cold retention for both. Japan colors are navy, mint blue and pale taupe. Japan also gets a bigger 950 mL sibling, the SM-VS95. Zojirushi Japan’s product page now marks the SM-VA60 and SM-VA72 as limited stock (在庫限定品), so availability may change.
The handful of Japanese reviews on Kakaku.com mention easy washing thanks to the one-piece lid, that sports drinks are OK, and that ice fits the mouth; one reviewer wished a carrying case were offered. (Third-party reviews, not our own testing.)
If 20 oz is more than you need, compare the 16 oz flip-lid mug in SM-KHE48 vs SM-VA60.
SM-VA60 vs SM-VA72: Frequently Asked Questions
Do they fit car cup holders?
Zojirushi says they’re designed to fit most car cup holders.
Can I put sports drinks in them?
Yes. Zojirushi says “Sports drink OK.”
Are they leak-proof?
Zojirushi says yes, when used according to the instruction manual.
Is there a larger SM-VA?
Zojirushi mentions 28 and 32 oz models on the same page.
Check current listings
Prices and colors change often, so check the current listing before buying.
Related comparisons
- Zojirushi SM-KHE48 vs SM-VA60: Which Travel Mug to Buy?
- Zojirushi SM-KHE36 vs SM-KHE48: 12 oz or 16 oz Travel Mug?
- Zojirushi SM-KHE48 vs Tiger MMJ-A048: Which 16 oz Travel Mug?
- Zojirushi SW-KA40 vs SW-KA52: 14 oz or 18 oz Food Jar?
Sources
- Zojirushi, Stainless Mug SM-VA60/72 (official): https://www.zojirushi.com/app/product/smva
- Zojirushi Japan: SM-VA stainless mug specs (zojirushi.co.jp): https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/syohin/bottle_tumbler/bottle/sm-va/
- Zojirushi Japan: SM-VA60/72 and SM-VS95 press release (zojirushi.co.jp): https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/corp/news/2023/230124/SMVA.html
- Kakaku.com user reviews: Zojirushi SM-VA60 (Japanese): https://review.kakaku.com/review/S0000969601/
Specs checked October 2026. Prices and availability change, so check the current listing before buying.
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