VS
At a Glance
Power
88 kW
165kW@6200
Torque
172 Nm
284Nm@3500
Fuel
5.8 l/100km
10.5
Towing
1100 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
—
9.3
Engine
998 cc
3195
Choosing between the Kia Sonet and the SUZUKI GRAND VITARA is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Sonet delivers 88 kW while the SUZUKI GRAND VITARA produces 165kW@6200. On fuel, the Sonet returns 5.8 l/100km while the GRAND VITARA uses 10.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R436 995 for the Sonet and R387 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
88 kW
165kW@6200
Torque
172 Nm
284Nm@3500
0-100 kph
—
9.3
Top Speed
180 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
998 cc
3195
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
3
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.8 l/100km
10.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.3
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
66
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
249
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
4500
Width
1790 mm
1810
Height
1610 mm
1695
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2640
Ground Clearance
190 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1201 Kg
1713
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
385 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
—
Load Capacity
—
398
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
GLASS, SLIDING
Heated Seats
—
FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
90000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
3
—
Service Plan Distance
45000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Sonet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonet
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
GRAND VITARA
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
Kia Sonet
Better fuel economy (5.8 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
Lower starting price (R387 900)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonet or GRAND VITARA?
The Sonet uses 5.8 l/100km and the GRAND VITARA uses 10.5 on the combined cycle. The Sonet 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 Sonet or GRAND VITARA?
The Sonet produces 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque while the GRAND VITARA delivers 165kW@6200 and 284Nm@3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and GRAND VITARA?
The Sonet starts from R436 995 and the GRAND VITARA from R387 900. The GRAND VITARA is cheaper by R49 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sonet or GRAND VITARA?
The Sonet has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the GRAND VITARA can tow 0. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sonet 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.