VS
At a Glance
Power
82 kW
96 kW
Torque
142 Nm
255 Nm
Fuel
9.5 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Towing
-
1400 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
n/a s
Engine
1498 cc
2497 cc
Choosing between the Foton Truckmate and the KIA K2500 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Foton Truckmate delivers 82 kW while the KIA K2500 produces 96 kW. On fuel, the Truckmate returns 9.5 l/100km while the K2500 uses 9.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R199 900 for the Truckmate and R424 995 for the K2500. 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
Foton TruckmateTruck MATE 1.5 F/C D/S 2025 - From R199 900
KIA K2500K 2500 P/U S/C 2016 - From R424 995
Performance
Power Output
82 kW
96 kW
Torque
142 Nm
255 Nm
0-100 kph
—
n/a s
Top Speed
140 Km/h
142 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2497 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.5 l/100km
9.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
218 g/km
247 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4735 mm
4825 mm
Width
1680 mm
1740 mm
Height
1920 mm
1995 mm
Wheelbase
2400 mm
2415 mm
Ground Clearance
—
200 mm
Kerb Weight
1210 Kg
1670 Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
3
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1400 Kg
Load Capacity
1200 lkg
1000 lkg
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating
—
n/astars
ABS
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
-
-
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
Optional
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
3yr
Service Plan Distance
—
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA K2500
3 / 4 categories
Performance
K2500
Fuel Economy
K2500
Value
Truckmate
Practicality
K2500
Pros & Cons
Foton Truckmate
Lower starting price (R199 900)
Higher fuel consumption (9.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (82 kW vs 96 kW)
No factory service plan
KIA K2500
More powerful engine (96 kW)
Better fuel economy (9.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1400 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Truckmate or K2500?
The Truckmate uses 9.5 l/100km and the K2500 uses 9.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The K2500 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 Truckmate or K2500?
The Truckmate produces 82 kW and 142 Nm of torque while the K2500 delivers 96 kW and 255 Nm of torque. The K2500 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Truckmate and K2500?
The Truckmate starts from R199 900 and the K2500 from R424 995. The Truckmate is cheaper by R225 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Truckmate or K2500?
The Truckmate has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the K2500 can tow 1400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Truckmate or the K2500?
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.
Also Consider