VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
77 kW
Torque
250 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
5.0 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
0-100 km/h
12.0 s
—
Engine
1493 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the KIA Carens and the Suzuki Ertiga is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carens delivers 85 kW while the Suzuki Ertiga produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Carens returns 5.0 l/100km while the Ertiga uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R399 995 for the Carens and R366 900 for the Ertiga. 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
85 kW
77 kW
Torque
250 Nm
138 Nm
0-100 kph
12.0 s
—
Top Speed
175 Km/h
170 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1493 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
147 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4550 mm
4395 mm
Width
1800 mm
1735 mm
Height
1734 mm
1690 mm
Wheelbase
2780 mm
2740 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
180 mm
Kerb Weight
1462 Kg
1170 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
7
Load Volume
—
153-550-803 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
558 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability 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
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
200000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3yr
4yr
Service Plan Distance
45000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carens
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carens
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
Ertiga
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Carens
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Ertiga
Lower starting price (R366 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carens or Ertiga?
The Carens uses 5.0 l/100km and the Ertiga uses 6.2 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 Carens or Ertiga?
The Carens produces 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Ertiga delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The Carens is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carens and Ertiga?
The Carens starts from R399 995 and the Ertiga from R366 900. The Ertiga is cheaper by R33 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Carens or the Ertiga?
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.