VS
At a Glance
Power
106kW@6000
63kW@6000
Torque
189Nm@4250
110Nm@4100
Fuel
-
7.2L/100km
Towing
1100kg
-
0-100 km/h
-
14.1s
Engine
1998cc
1328cc
Choosing between the KIA Carens and the Suzuki Jimny is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carens delivers 106kW@6000 while the Suzuki Jimny produces 63kW@6000. On fuel, the Carens returns 0L/100km while the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R253 995 for the Carens and R184 900 for the Jimny. 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
106kW@6000
63kW@6000
Torque
189Nm@4250
110Nm@4100
0-100 kph
-
14.1s
Top Speed
-
140km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998cc
1328cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
Number of Gears
4
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
-
7.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
55L
40L
CO2 Emissions
-
171g/km
Dimensions
Length
4545mm
3645mm
Width
1800mm
1600mm
Height
1650mm
1705mm
Wheelbase
2560mm
2250mm
Ground Clearance
156mm
190mm
Kerb Weight
1498kg
1070kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100kg
-
Load Capacity
2106kg
816kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✗
Stability Control
ESP
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✗
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✗
Cruise Control
✗
✗
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
-
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✗
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
120
36
Warranty Distance
150000km
100000km
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carens
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Carens
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Jimny
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
KIA Carens
Higher towing capacity (1100kg)
Higher starting price
Suzuki Jimny
Lower starting price (R184 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.2L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carens or Jimny?
The Carens uses 0L/100km and the Jimny uses 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle. 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 Jimny?
The Carens produces 106kW@6000 and 189Nm@4250 of torque while the Jimny delivers 63kW@6000 and 110Nm@4100 of torque. The Carens is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carens and Jimny?
The Carens starts from R253 995 and the Jimny from R184 900. The Jimny is cheaper by R69 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Carens or Jimny?
The Carens has a braked towing capacity of 1100kg and the Jimny can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Carens or the Jimny?
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.