A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Across starts ZAR 120,000 cheaperAcross from ZAR 349,900 · C5 SHS from ZAR 469,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Maximum Power
75.8 kW @ 6000 rpm
150 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm
310 Nm
Engine Size
1462 cc
1500 cc
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
20.4 km/l
Ground Clearance
210 mm
169 mm
Boot / Load Bay
333 l
372 l
Airbags
6
Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight
-
1546 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
5 years / 200,000 km promotional warranty
5 Years / 150 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both Across and C5 SHS are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
C5 SHS
+28 pts
Efficiency
C5 SHS
+6 pts
Safety
C5 SHS
+2 pts
Practicality
Across
+7 pts
Ownership
C5 SHS
+4 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Across
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
C5 SHS
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Across
Large families needing more practicality and usability
C5 SHS
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
First South African generation of the current Across
Current South Africa C5 SHS range
Facelift History
All-new March 2026 South African launch model; no facelift yet
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door compact SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
On sale
active
Segment
C-segment family SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
1200-1250 kg
1546 kg
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Standard
Gearbox
6-speed automatic
DHT
Final Drive Ratio
3.683
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
Hybrid DHT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
2WD front-wheel drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Standard
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
6-speed automatic
DHT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
Hybrid DHT
Gear Shift Type
Straight-gate automatic selector
Electric
Clutch Type
-
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Standard
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Claimed Mileage
18.9 km/l
20.4 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
51 l
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Engine auto stop/start system standard
Standard
Average Fuel Consumption
5.3 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
5.3 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
5.3 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable; non-plug-in mild hybrid
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
5.3 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
5.3 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
5.3 l/100km
4.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
45
51
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable; no electric-only driving range
Not Available
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Available
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable; no electric-only range
Not Available
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable; no electric-only range
Not Available
City Mileage
-
Not Available
Highway Mileage
-
Not Available
Emission Standard
-
Euro VIb
Real-world Mileage
18.9 km/l
20.4 km/l
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Airbags
6
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard through ESP
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
2 rear anchor positions
Standard
Brake Assist
DSBS II brake assist
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seats only; rear reminder not available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
AEB
Standard
Standard
BA
DSBS II brake assist
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Alert
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front seats
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard through ESP
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available; six-airbag layout is front, side and curtain
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seats only
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Standard
Child Safety Lock
-
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Standard
Brake Override System
-
Standard
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Alert
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Standard
Rear View Camera
Surround-view camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Weaving alert
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Surround-view camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Around View Monitor
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
DSBS II warning
Standard
Surround View Camera
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Prevention
Standard
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Auto Wipers
-
Standard
Park Assist
-
Not Available
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Leatherette / leather
Ventilated Seats
Front
Standard
Ambient Lighting
64-colour LED
Standard
Rear Armrest
Standard with cup holders
-
Cup Holders
4 (2 front, 2 rear)
-
Rear AC Vents
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard single-fold rear seat
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-way electric
Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual; no height adjustment
Power
Boot Light
Standard
-
Seat Trim
Black synthetic leather with copper stitching
Leatherette / leather
Heated Seats
-
Standard
Front Shoulder Room
-
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
-
Not Available
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Climate Control
Automatic
Automatic
Power Windows
Front and rear; driver one-touch up/down
Standard
Keyless Entry
Standard
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Front Qi charger standard
Standard
Sunroof
Panoramic
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Smart powered hands-free tailgate
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
-
Rear Window Defroster
Electric demister
-
12V Accessory Socket
2 x 12V (front and luggage area)
-
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic
Heads Up Display
Standard
-
Power Mirrors
Electric folding
-
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
1079 l
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Length
4360 mm
4400 mm
Width
1795 mm
1830 mm
Height
1655 mm
1590 mm
Wheelbase
2600 mm
2630 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Payload Capacity
460 kg
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
51 l
Ground Clearance (Default)
210 mm
169 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
333 l
372 l
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
-
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
-
Kerb Weight
-
1546 kg
Towing Capacity
-
750 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
-
2052 kg
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Mild Hybrid
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
Cylinders
4
4
Valves
16
16
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
K15C
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Bore
74 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
85 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Normal, Sport
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
1500 cc
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
Maximum Power
75.8 kW @ 6000 rpm
150 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm
310 Nm
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Hybrid System
12V Mild Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Apple CarPlay
Wired or wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wired or wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
8-speaker Infinity
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch colour TFT information display
Standard
Infotainment System
10.1-inch display audio
Touchscreen infotainment
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Audio, cruise control and hands-free phone
-
Rear Usb
2 Type-C
-
Audio System
Infinity premium 8-speaker
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2 front Type-C and 2 rear Type-C
-
Infotainment Screen
10.1-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Smartphone Connectivity
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB or Wi-Fi
-
Touchscreen
10.1-inch
10.25-inch or larger by trim
USB Ports
4 Type-C (2 front, 2 rear)
Front and rear USB where listed
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED standard
Standard
Fog Lamps
Front standard; rear not available
Standard
Roof Rails
Grey
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Machined 17-inch
-
Rear Wiper
Fixed intermittent
-
Led Taillights
Connected rear LED tail lamps
-
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
-
Front Fog Lamps
Front standard; rear not available
Standard
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
Magma Grey Metallic; Sizzling Red Metallic; Exuberant Blue Pearl Metallic; Arctic White Pearl; Bluish Black Pearl; Mystic Green Pearl; Splendid Silver Pearl Metallic; and GLX two-tone combinations of Splendid Silver, Sizzling Red or Exuberant Blue with a Bluish Black roof
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, moonlight silver, grey and other official Omoda market colours where listed.
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
210 mm
169 mm
Ground Clearance Min
210 mm
169 mm
Approach Angle
-
Not Available
Departure Angle
-
Not Available
Wading Depth
-
Not Available
Terrain Modes
-
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
-
Not Available
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
18-inch alloy
Wheel Type
Machined 17-inch
-
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size spare
Not Available
Parking Brake Type
Electric
-
Wheel Rim Size
17-inch machined alloy
18-inch alloy
Electric Park Brake
Standard
-
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Multi-link
Power Steering
Electronic rack-and-pinion
-
Steering Column
Tilt and telescopic adjustment
-
Front Track Width
1530 mm
Not Available
Rear Track Width
1535 mm
Not Available
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first
-
Service Plan
4 years / 60,000 km
5 Years / 70 000 km
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 years
-
Roadside Assistance
5 years
-
Warranty
5 years / 200,000 km promotional warranty
5 Years / 150 000 km
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
CO2 Emissions
121 g/km
Not Available
Start Stop System
Standard
-
Hybrid System Type
12V SHVS mild hybrid with integrated starter generator
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
Petrol
Spec
Across
C5 SHS
Ownership Role
A buyer who values AEB, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise, surround-view parking and cooled front-seat comfort enough to accept a R92,000 premium over GL 6AT.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
C5 SHS
Performance
62/100
Efficiency
82/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
55/100
Ownership
55/100
Across
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
76/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
51/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Omoda C5 SHS
wins with 70 pts
vs 63 pts for Across
In structured scoring, C5 SHS emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Across may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the C5 SHS edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Across 76 vs C5 SHS 82. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Across 92, C5 SHS 94. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Across 51, C5 SHS 55. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Across 62, C5 SHS 55. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Across 34, C5 SHS 62. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The C5 SHS edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The C5 SHS scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Across and C5 SHS in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Across scores 34 vs 62.
Efficiency: Across scores 76 vs 82.
Safety: Across scores 92 vs 94.
Practicality: Across scores 62 vs 55.
Ownership: Across scores 51 vs 55.
Final structured scoring gives C5 SHS
the advantage in this comparison.
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