VS
At a Glance
Power
108 kW
85 kW
Torque
210 Nm
144 Nm
Fuel
6.9 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
675 Kg
1100 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.3 s
Engine
1499 cc
1497 cc
Choosing between the Chery Tiggo 7 and the KIA Sonet is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Chery Tiggo 7 delivers 108 kW while the KIA Sonet produces 85 kW. On fuel, the Tiggo 7 returns 6.9 l/100km while the Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R457 900 for the Tiggo 7 and R454 995 for the Sonet. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Chery Tiggo 71.5t Executive DCT 2026 - From R457 900
KIA Sonet1.5 EX+ CVT 2024 - From R454 995
Performance
Power Output
108 kW
85 kW
Torque
210 Nm
144 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.3 s
Top Speed
-
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
1497 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.9 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
158 g/km
148 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4553 mm
4110 mm
Width
1862 mm
1790 mm
Height
1686 mm
1610 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
154 mm
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1437 Kg
1197 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
565-1396 l
385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
675 Kg
1100 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
5
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
60000km
45000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sonet
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiggo 7
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
Tied
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
Chery Tiggo 7
More powerful engine (108 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Sonet
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R454 995)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 108 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tiggo 7 or Sonet?
The Tiggo 7 uses 6.9 l/100km and the Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Tiggo 7 or Sonet?
The Tiggo 7 produces 108 kW and 210 Nm of torque while the Sonet delivers 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque. The Tiggo 7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tiggo 7 and Sonet?
The Tiggo 7 starts from R457 900 and the Sonet from R454 995, a difference of just R2 905, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tiggo 7 or Sonet?
The Tiggo 7 has a braked towing capacity of 675 Kg and the Sonet can tow 1100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tiggo 7 or the Sonet?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.