VS
At a Glance
Power
89 kW
115 kW
Torque
145 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
6.7 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
—
—
Engine
1498 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Honda Elevate and the Jaecoo J5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Honda Elevate delivers 89 kW while the Jaecoo J5 produces 115 kW. On fuel, the Elevate returns 6.7 l/100km while the J5 uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R373 800 for the Elevate and R379 900 for the J5. 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.
Performance
Power Output
89 kW
115 kW
Torque
145 Nm
230 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.7 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
159 g/km
172 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4312 mm
4380 mm
Width
1790- mm
1860 mm
Height
1650 mm
1650 mm
Wheelbase
2650 mm
2620 mm
Ground Clearance
199 mm
174 mm
Kerb Weight
1216 Kg
1453 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
458- l
480-1284 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
75000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Honda Elevate
2 / 4 categories
Performance
J5
Fuel Economy
Elevate
Value
Elevate
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Honda Elevate
Better fuel economy (6.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R373 800)
Less power than rival (89 kW vs 115 kW)
Jaecoo J5
More powerful engine (115 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Elevate or J5?
The Elevate uses 6.7 l/100km and the J5 uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Elevate is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Elevate or J5?
The Elevate produces 89 kW and 145 Nm of torque while the J5 delivers 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The J5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Elevate and J5?
The Elevate starts from R373 800 and the J5 from R379 900. The Elevate is cheaper by R6 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Elevate or J5?
The Elevate has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the J5 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Elevate or the J5?
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.