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.
Sorento starts ZAR 1199900 cheaperAcross from ZAR 1,199,900 · Sorento from ZAR 999,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Across
Sorento
Engine Power
225 kW
148 kW
Torque
227 Nm
440 Nm
Engine Size
2487 cc
2151 cc
Claimed Mileage
100 km/l
15.6 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
185 mm
Boot / Load Bay
490 l
219 l
Airbags
8
7
Kerb Weight
1955 kg
1960 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Across has a slight advantage, but Sorento remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Across
+4 pts
Efficiency
Across
+37 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Across
+2 pts
Ownership
Across
+11 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Across
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Sorento
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Across
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Sorento
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Across
Sorento
Model Introduced Year
2021
2021
Generation
Fifth-generation RAV4 platform (TNGA-K). The Across uses the same body, drivetrain and electronics as the RAV4 PHEV, distinguished only by Suzuki badging and a slightly different grille treatment.
Fourth generation (MQ4); global launch 2020, SA 2021
Facelift History
Originally launched globally in 2020 as Toyota RAV4 PHEV; rebadged as Suzuki Across for European and select markets including SA from 2021. No major facelift to date.
Fourth generation (MQ4) launched SA 2021; updated spec 2024
Facelift Launched Since
2021
2024
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Color Note
Pure White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Emotional Red, Cyan Metallic, Dark Blue Mica
Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Interstellar Grey, Gravity Blue
Dealer Stock Note
Phev grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.2 CRDi SXL AWD DCT
Spec
Across
Sorento
Ground Clearance
200 mm
185 mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2815 mm
Length
4635 mm
4810 mm
Width
1855 mm
1900 mm
Height
1690 mm
1700 mm
Kerb Weight
1955 kg
1960 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
2510 kg
2550 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
490 l
219 l
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
2000 kg
Front Track Width
1605 mm
1640 mm
Rear Track Width
1620 mm
1644 mm
Turning Radius
5.7 m
11.2 m
Load Bed Length
490 l
219 l
Load Bed Width
-
-
Front Legroom
1090 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
950 mm
855 mm
Front Headroom
1015 mm
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
1004 mm
955 mm
Front Shoulder Room
1455 mm
1405 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
1418 mm
1350 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
1604 l
616 l
Number of Doors
5
5
Max Payload
555 kg
-
Boot Volume
490 l
219 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Front Overhang
915 mm
900 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
Rear Overhang
1030 mm
1095 mm
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
2510 kg
2550 kg
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
185 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
185 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
185 mm
Height Mm
1690 mm
1700 mm
Length Mm
4635 mm
4810 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
490 l
219 l
Loadbox Width Mm
-
-
Payload Kg
555 kg
-
Cargo Volume
490 l
219 l
Tare Mass Kg
1955 kg
1960 kg
Turning Circle
5.7 m
11.2 m
Turning Circle M
5.7 m
11.2 m
Width Mm
1855 mm
1900 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
1604 l
616 l
Spec
Across
Sorento
Engine
2.5L Petrol + Electric (PHEV)
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Type
Hybrid
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Displacement
2487 cc
2151 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Power
225 kW
148 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
3,800 rpm
Torque
227 Nm
440 Nm
Torque @ RPM
3600
1,750 rpm
Fuel System
D-4S Direct + Port Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Top Speed
180 km/h
200 km/h
0-100 km/h
6.0 sec
8.5 sec
Compression Ratio
14.0
15.4:1
Engine Position
Transverse Front
Front Transverse
Cylinder Bore
87.5 mm
85.4 mm
Piston Stroke
103.4 mm
94.0 mm
Engine Code
A25A-FXS + 5JM/5HM
D4HB
Engine Oil Capacity
4.6 l
6.0 l
Power
302 bhp
198 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol + Electric
B7 Diesel
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Variable Valve Timing
Dual VVT-i
No
Maximum Engine RPM
6000 rpm
4,000 rpm
Engine Type Config
Inline 4-cylinder + 2 electric motors
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
0–100 km/h
6.0 sec
8.5 sec
Battery Capacity
18.1 kWh
-
Charging Port
Type 2
-
AC Charging Time
6.5 hours (3.3 kW)
-
Engine Displacement
2487 cc
2151 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
2487 cc
2151 cc
EV Range
75 km
-
Acceleration 0 100
6.0 sec
8.5 sec
Engine Config
2.5L Petrol + Electric (PHEV)
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Cylinders
4
4
Engine Displacement Cc
2487 cc
2151 cc
Engine Power kW
225 kW
148 kW
Engine Torque Nm
227 Nm
440 Nm
Engine Valves
16
16
Induction
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Max Power kW
225 kW
148 kW
Max Torque Nm
227 Nm
440 Nm
Maximum Power
225 kW
148 kW
Maximum Torque
227 Nm
440 Nm
Power Assisted Steering
Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Power kW Rpm
6000
3,800 rpm
Active Exhaust
-
-
Torque Nm Rpm
3600
1,750 rpm
Turbo Type
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Power Sliding Doors
-
No
Motor Position
-
-
Motor Power
-
-
Motor Torque
-
-
Motor Type
-
-
System Output
-
-
Combined System Power
-
-
Combined System Torque
-
-
Spec
Across
Sorento
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
AllGrip-e AWD (electric rear axle)
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
AllGrip-e AWD (electric rear axle)
FWD
LSD Available
-
No
Transfer Case
-
-
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
-
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
3.542
3.63
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
15.2:1
Number of Gears
1 km/h
8 km/h
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
-
Dry Dual Clutch
Drivetrain
AllGrip-e AWD (electric rear axle)
AWD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
-
-
4WD Hi Range
-
-
4WD Lo Range
-
-
4WD Selector
-
-
Automatic Shift Paddles
-
Yes
Front Differential Lock
-
-
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
-
-
Axle Layout
AllGrip-e AWD (electric rear axle)
AWD
Rear Differential Lock
-
-
Transmission Speeds
1 km/h
8 km/h
Transfer Case Guard
-
-
Spec
Across
Sorento
Claimed Mileage
100 km/l
15.6 km/l
City Mileage
82 km/l
12.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
116 km/l
18.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
No
Auto Start Stop
0.5
Yes
Average Fuel Consumption
1.0 l/100km
6.4 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
1.0 l/100km
6.4 l/100km
Distance To Empty
Yes
-
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
1.0 l/100km
6.4 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
100 km/l
15.6 km/l
AC Charging Power
-
-
Charging Port Type
Type 2
-
Charging Time AC Full
6.5 hours (3.3 kW)
-
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
-
-
Charging Type
-
-
Combined Consumption
1.0 l/100km
6.4 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
1.0 l/100km
6.4 l/100km
DC Charging Power
-
-
Fuel Economy Combined
1.0 l/100km
6.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
55 l
67 l
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Diesel
Low Range Ratio
-
-
Combined Driving Range
75
-
Electric Consumption
-
-
Range Real World Highway
-
-
Range Real World Mixed
-
-
Range Wltp
-
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
7.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Extra Urban
-
5.4 l/100km
Spec
Across
Sorento
Airbags
8
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
-
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Remote
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5-star Euro NCAP
5
Whiplash Protection
Yes (WIL Concept)
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes (Pre-Collision)
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes (driver)
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
8
7
Driver Passenger Airbags
8
7
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
-
Yes
Spec
Across
Sorento
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
-
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes (Pre-Collision)
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Drive Modes
EV / Auto / Charge / Eco / Normal / Sport / Trail
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
Yes
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Emergency Braking
Yes (Pre-Collision)
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
-
Yes
Front Camera
Yes
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Yes
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Yes
Reversing Camera
Yes
Yes
Surround View Camera
Yes
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Yes
Parking Sensor
-
Yes
Spec
Across
Sorento
Seat Material
No
Leather
Seat Adjustment
8-way Power with Memory
8-Way Power
Heated Seats
Front + Rear
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Front
Yes
Steering Type
Electric
Yes
Steering Adjustment
Tilt + Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Yes (with cupholders)
Yes
Cup Holders
6
6
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
12.3-inch Digital
Digital
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Driver Lumbar Support
Power (driver)
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-way Power
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Driver 8-way / Passenger 8-way Power
4-Way Power
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-way Power with Memory
8-Way Power
Fabric Seats
No
No
Front Headrest
Yes (adjustable)
Adjustable
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Memory Seats
Driver
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-way Power
4-Way Power
Rear Headrest
3 (adjustable)
Adjustable
Armrest Front
Yes
Centre Armrest
Armrest Rear
Yes (with cupholders)
Yes
Boot Space Seats Down
1604
616
Boot Space Seats Up
490
219
Cargo Space
490
219
Driver Seat
8-way Power with Memory
8-Way Power
Interior Courtesy Lamps
9-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, JBL Premium 9-speaker audio, 12.3-inch digital cluster, 10-inch heads-up display, panoramic glass roof, ventilated front seats, heated front + rear seats, 8-way powe
Performance
Across +4
Efficiency
Across +37
Safety
Level
Practicality
Across +2
Ownership
Across +11
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Across
Performance
78/100
Efficiency
98/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
66/100
Ownership
82/100
Sorento
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
100/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
71/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Suzuki Across
wins with 84 pts
vs 75 pts for Sorento
In structured scoring, Across emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Sorento 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 Across 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 98 vs Sorento 61. 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 100, Sorento 100. 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 82, Sorento 71. 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 66, Sorento 64. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Across 78, Sorento 74. 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 Across edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Across 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 Sorento in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Across scores 78 vs 74.
Efficiency: Across scores 98 vs 61.
Safety: Across scores 100 vs 100.
Practicality: Across scores 66 vs 64.
Ownership: Across scores 82 vs 71.
Final structured scoring gives Across
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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