VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
122kW@6000
Torque
230 Nm
225Nm@4000
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
8.9L/100km
Towing
—
-
0-100 km/h
—
11.7s
Engine
1498 cc
2393cc
Choosing between the Jaecoo J5 and the Suzuki Grand Vitara is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Jaecoo J5 delivers 115 kW while the Suzuki Grand Vitara produces 122kW@6000. On fuel, the J5 returns 7.5 l/100km while the Grand Vitara uses 8.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R439 900 for the J5 and R324 900 for the Grand Vitara. 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
115 kW
122kW@6000
Torque
230 Nm
225Nm@4000
0-100 kph
—
11.7s
Top Speed
-
180km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
2393cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
8.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.4L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
66L
CO2 Emissions
172 g/km
212g/km
Dimensions
Length
4380 mm
4500mm
Width
1860 mm
1810mm
Height
1650 mm
1695mm
Wheelbase
2620 mm
2640mm
Ground Clearance
174 mm
200mm
Kerb Weight
1475 Kg
1615kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480-1284 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
-
Load Capacity
—
398kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
-
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st km
90000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
75000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Suzuki Grand Vitara
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Grand Vitara
Fuel Economy
J5
Value
Grand Vitara
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Jaecoo J5
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Lower starting price (R324 900)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the J5 or Grand Vitara?
The J5 uses 7.5 l/100km and the Grand Vitara uses 8.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The J5 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 J5 or Grand Vitara?
The J5 produces 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the Grand Vitara delivers 122kW@6000 and 225Nm@4000 of torque. The Grand Vitara is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the J5 and Grand Vitara?
The J5 starts from R439 900 and the Grand Vitara from R324 900. The Grand Vitara is cheaper by R115 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the J5 or Grand Vitara?
The J5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Grand Vitara can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the J5 or the Grand Vitara?
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.