VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
165kW@6200
Torque
144 Nm
284Nm@3500
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
10.3 s
9.3s
Engine
1497 cc
3195cc
Choosing between the KIA Sonet and the Suzuki Grand Vitara is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sonet delivers 85 kW while the Suzuki Grand Vitara produces 165kW@6200. On fuel, the Sonet returns 6.2 l/100km while the Grand Vitara uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R454 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.
Specification
KIA Sonet1.5 EX+ CVT 2024 - From R454 995
Suzuki Grand Vitara3.2 V6 AT 2008 - From R387 900
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
165kW@6200
Torque
144 Nm
284Nm@3500
0-100 kph
10.3 s
9.3s
Top Speed
175 Km/h
200km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
3195cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.3L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
66L
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
249g/km
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
4500mm
Width
1790 mm
1810mm
Height
1610 mm
1695mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2640mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
200mm
Kerb Weight
1197 Kg
1713kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
385 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
-
Load Capacity
—
398kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
✓ 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
90000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
3yr
—
Service Plan Distance
45000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Grand Vitara
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
Grand Vitara
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
KIA Sonet
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Lower starting price (R387 900)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.3ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonet or Grand Vitara?
The Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km and the Grand Vitara uses 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet 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 Sonet or Grand Vitara?
The Sonet produces 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the Grand Vitara delivers 165kW@6200 and 284Nm@3500 of torque. The Grand Vitara is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and Grand Vitara?
The Sonet starts from R454 995 and the Grand Vitara from R387 900. The Grand Vitara is cheaper by R67 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 0kg. 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.