VS
At a Glance
Power
187 kW
85 kW
Torque
390 Nm
250 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
13.1 s
Engine
1998 cc
1493 cc
Choosing between the Chery Tiggo 8 PRO and the KIA Carens is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Chery Tiggo 8 PRO delivers 187 kW while the KIA Carens produces 85 kW. On fuel, the Tiggo 8 PRO returns 7.6 l/100km while the Carens uses 5.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R669 900 for the Tiggo 8 PRO and R499 995 for the Carens. 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 8 PROMAX 2.0 TGDI Executive DCT 2023 - From R669 900
KIA Carens1.5d AT EX 2026 - From R499 995
Performance
Power Output
187 kW
85 kW
Torque
390 Nm
250 Nm
0-100 kph
7.3 s
13.1 s
Top Speed
-
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1493 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
5.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
180 g/km
139 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4720 mm
4550 mm
Width
1860-2080 mm
1800 mm
Height
1705 mm
1734 mm
Wheelbase
2710 mm
2780 mm
Ground Clearance
203 mm
180 mm
Kerb Weight
1658 Kg
1488 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
7
Load Volume
117-739-1930 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
562 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
9
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
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
5
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
45000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiggo 8 PRO
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
Carens
Practicality
Tiggo 8 PRO
Pros & Cons
Chery Tiggo 8 PRO
More powerful engine (187 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (7.6 l/100km)
Higher starting price
KIA Carens
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R499 995)
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 187 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Tiggo 8 PRO or Carens?
The Tiggo 8 PRO uses 7.6 l/100km and the Carens uses 5.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Carens 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 8 PRO or Carens?
The Tiggo 8 PRO produces 187 kW and 390 Nm of torque while the Carens delivers 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque. The Tiggo 8 PRO is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Tiggo 8 PRO and Carens?
The Tiggo 8 PRO starts from R669 900 and the Carens from R499 995. The Carens is cheaper by R169 905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Tiggo 8 PRO or Carens?
The Tiggo 8 PRO has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the Carens can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Tiggo 8 PRO or the Carens?
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.