Suzuki Across vs Hyundai IONIQ 5

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.

Suzuki Across in South Africa

Suzuki Across

2.5 PHEV E-CVT Hybrid Automatic
ZAR 1,199,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 225 kW 🔧 227 Nm ⛽ 22.7 km/l
VS
Hyundai IONIQ 5 in South Africa

Hyundai IONIQ 5

72kWh AWD Executive Electric Automatic
ZAR 1,068,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 225 kW 🔧 605 Nm ⛽ 454 km/l
Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Performance IONIQ 5
Fuel Economy IONIQ 5
🛡 Safety Tie
📦 Practicality Across
🔑 Ownership Tie
IONIQ 5 starts ZAR 1199900 cheaper Across from ZAR 1,199,900 · IONIQ 5 from ZAR 859,900

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec Across IONIQ 5
Engine Power 225 225
Torque 227 605
Engine Size 2487 Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
Claimed Mileage 22.7 454
Ground Clearance 200 160
Boot Space 490 527
Airbags 8 7
Kerb Weight 1955 2190
Seating Capacity 5 5
Warranty 5 5

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner
#1

IONIQ 5

93
/ 100
+22
pts
#2

Across

71
/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

The Bottom Line

IONIQ 5 holds a noticeable edge over Across, especially in key ownership areas.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance IONIQ 5 +3 pts
Efficiency IONIQ 5 +20 pts
Safety Equal
Practicality Across +1 pts
Ownership Equal

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

IONIQ 5

Performance 20/20
Efficiency 20/20
Safety 20/20
Practicality 13/20
Ownership 20/20

Across

Performance 17/20
Efficiency 0/20
Safety 20/20
Practicality 14/20
Ownership 20/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Across

Strengths
  • More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to: Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner

IONIQ 5

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
  • Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency

Which One's Right for You?

Across

  • Large families needing more practicality and usability

IONIQ 5

  • Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
  • Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Across IONIQ 5
Length 4635 4635
Width 1855 1890
Height 1690 1605
Wheelbase 2690 3000
Ground Clearance 200 160
Kerb Weight 1955 2190
Gross Vehicle Weight 2510 2370 kg
Seating Capacity 5 5
Seats 5 5
Doors 5 5
Number of Doors 5 Available
Boot Space 490 527
Boot Space Seats Folded 1604 Available
Boot Volume 490 Available
Front Track Width 1605 1624 mm
Rear Track Width 1620 1648 mm
Turning Radius 5.7 5.9 m
Front Headroom 1015 Available
Rear Headroom 1004 Available
Front Legroom 1090 Available
Rear Legroom 950 Available
Front Shoulder Room 1455 Available
Rear Shoulder Room 1418 Available
Max Payload 555 Available
Towing Capacity 1500 1600 kg (Braked)
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 Available
Front Overhang 915 Available
Rear Overhang 1030 Available
Load Bed Length Available Not Applicable
Load Bed Width Available Not Applicable
Spec Across IONIQ 5
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 72.6
City Mileage 22.7 5.8 km/kWh (city)
Highway Mileage 20.4 5.2 km/kWh (highway)
Claimed Mileage 22.7 454
Claimed Fuel Consumption 1.0 Available
Average Fuel Consumption Yes Yes
Distance To Empty Yes Yes
Low Fuel Warning Yes Yes
Auto Start Stop 0.5 Yes (Regenerative Braking)
Real-world Mileage 18.5 Available
Fuel Efficiency 1.0 Available
Emission Standard EURO 6 Zero Emission
AdBlue Tank Capacity Available Not Applicable

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Hyundai IONIQ 5 wins with 93 pts vs 71 pts for Across

In structured scoring, IONIQ 5 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.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the IONIQ 5 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 0 vs IONIQ 5 20. 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 20, IONIQ 5 20. 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 20, IONIQ 5 20. 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 14, IONIQ 5 13. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Across 17, IONIQ 5 20. 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 IONIQ 5 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The IONIQ 5 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 IONIQ 5 in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Across scores 17 vs 20.

Efficiency: Across scores 0 vs 20.

Safety: Across scores 20 vs 20.

Practicality: Across scores 14 vs 13.

Ownership: Across scores 20 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives IONIQ 5 the advantage in this comparison.