VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
75 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
130 Nm
Fuel
8.2L/100km
6.3 l/100km
Towing
1250kg
—
0-100 km/h
13.8s
—
Engine
1991cc
1462 cc
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 83kW@4000 while the Suzuki Jimny produces 75 kW. On fuel, the Carens returns 8.2L/100km while the Jimny uses 6.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R189 995 for the Carens and R444 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
83kW@4000
75 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
130 Nm
0-100 kph
13.8s
—
Top Speed
170km/h
145 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
MANUAL
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
FRONT
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2L/100km
6.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.8L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
6.6L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
55L
40 l
CO2 Emissions
-
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4493mm
3485 mm
Width
1748mm
1645 mm
Height
1609mm
1720 mm
Wheelbase
2560mm
2250 mm
Ground Clearance
155mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1474kg
1095 Kg
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
—
85 - 377 - 830 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1250kg
—
Load Capacity
1632kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
—
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✗
—
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000km
200000 Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4yr
Service Plan Distance
—
60000km
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carens
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Carens
Fuel Economy
Jimny
Value
Carens
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
KIA Carens
Lower starting price (R189 995)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2L/100km)
No factory service plan
Suzuki Jimny
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carens or Jimny?
The Carens uses 8.2L/100km and the Jimny uses 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Jimny 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 Jimny?
The Carens produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the Jimny delivers 75 kW and 130 Nm of torque. The Carens is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carens and Jimny?
The Carens starts from R189 995 and the Jimny from R444 900. The Carens is cheaper by R254 905 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 1250kg and the Jimny can tow not specified. 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.