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
148 kW
Torque
227
440 Nm
Engine Size
2487
2151
Claimed Mileage
22.7
15.6
Ground Clearance
200
185
Boot Space
490
219
Airbags
8
7
Kerb Weight
1955
1960
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Across
71
/ 100
+6
pts
#2
Sorento
65
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Across and Sorento are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Across
+2 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Across
+4 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Across
Performance
17/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
14/20
Ownership
20/20
Sorento
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Across
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Sorento
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Across
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Sorento
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Across
Sorento
Length
4635
4810
Width
1855
1900
Height
1690
1700
Wheelbase
2690
2815
Ground Clearance
200
185
Kerb Weight
1955
1960
Gross Vehicle Weight
2510
2550
Seating Capacity
5
7
Seats
5
7
Doors
5
5
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space
490
219
Boot Space Seats Folded
1604
616
Boot Volume
490
219
Front Track Width
1605
1640
Rear Track Width
1620
1644
Turning Radius
5.7
11.2
Front Headroom
1015
1010
Rear Headroom
1004
955
Front Legroom
1090
1040
Rear Legroom
950
855
Front Shoulder Room
1455
1405
Rear Shoulder Room
1418
1350
Max Payload
555
N/A
Towing Capacity
1500
2000
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
67
Front Overhang
915
900
Rear Overhang
1030
1095
Load Bed Length
Available
N/A
Load Bed Width
Available
N/A
Spec
Across
Sorento
Fuel Tank Capacity
55
67
City Mileage
22.7
12.8
Highway Mileage
20.4
18.5
Claimed Mileage
22.7
15.6
Claimed Fuel Consumption
1.0
6.4
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
6.4
Distance To Empty
Yes
N/A
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Auto Start Stop
0.5
Yes
Real-world Mileage
18.5
7.7
Fuel Efficiency
1.0
6.4 L/100km
Emission Standard
EURO 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
No
Spec
Across
Sorento
Engine
2.5L Petrol + Electric (PHEV)
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Type
Hybrid
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Engine Type Config
Inline 4-cylinder + 2 electric motors
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
Engine Code
A25A-FXS + 5JM/5HM
D4HB
Displacement
2487
2151
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Position
Transverse Front
Front Transverse
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Compression Ratio
14.0
15.4:1
Fuel System
D-4S Direct + Port Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol + Electric
B7 Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
Dual VVT-i
No
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Power
225
148 kW
Power @ RPM
6000
3,800 rpm
Power
302
198
Torque
227
440 Nm
Torque @ RPM
3600
1,750 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6000
4,000 rpm
Top Speed
180
200
0-100 km/h
6.0
8.5
Cylinder Bore
87.5
85.4
Piston Stroke
103.4
94.0
Engine Oil Capacity
4.6
6.0
Engine Displacement
2487
2151
0–100 km/h
6.0
8.5
Battery Capacity
18.1 kWh
N/A
EV Range
75
N/A
AC Charging Time
6.5 hours (3.3 kW)
N/A
Charging Port
Type 2
N/A
Spec
Across
Sorento
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
B7 Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
No
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
CO2 Emissions
22
167
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Noise Level
62 dB
69
Idle CO2 Output
0
175
Particulate Filter
Yes
DPF
Green NCAP Rating
5-star (PHEV)
5
Hybrid System Type
Available
None
Spec
Across
Sorento
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
N/A
Service Plan Duration
6
3
Service Plan Distance
90000
45000
First Service At
15000
15000
Approx Service Cost
R7500
R4,200 per service
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
15000
Alternator
DC-DC Converter
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Maintenance Plan
6 Years / 90000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160000 km
N/A
Service Interval
Available
15000
Spec
Across
Sorento
EV Mode
Yes
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes (Pre-Collision)
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Drive Modes
EV / Auto / Charge / Eco / Normal / Sport / Trail
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Available
No
Spec
Across
Sorento
Transmission Type
E-CVT
Dual Clutch Transmission
Number of Gears
1
8
Differential Lock
No
No
Transfer Case
Electric (no mechanical)
Electronic Coupling
Clutch Type
N/A (E-CVT)
Dry Dual Clutch
Final Drive Ratio
3.542
3.63
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
15.2:1
Transmission
E-CVT
8-Speed DCT
Drivetrain
AllGrip-e AWD (electric rear axle)
AWD
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
AWD
Transmission
Available
8-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Available
FWD
LSD Available
Available
No
Paddle Shifters
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Sorento
4WD System Type
AllGrip-e Electric AWD
Electronic AWD
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Approach Angle
19
19
Departure Angle
19
20
Wading Depth
500
N/A
Underbody Protection
Yes
Yes
Recovery Hooks
Yes (front + rear)
No
Ramp-over Angle
17
19
Terrain Modes
Available
Yes
Locking Differential
Available
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
17
Spec
Across
Sorento
Airbags
8
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes (Toyota Safety Sense)
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5-star Euro NCAP
5
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes (WIL Concept)
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Remote
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes (driver)
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Available
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Sorento
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Dual-zone Automatic
Automatic Climate Control
Climate Zones
2
2
Front Armrest
Yes (with storage)
Centre Armrest
Vanity Mirror
Yes (illuminated)
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes (Smart Entry)
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Yes
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Auto
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside (button)
Remote
Boot Opener
Power Tailgate (Hands-free)
Remote
Front Power Outlet
Yes (12V + 1500W AC)
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V + 1500W AC outlet
Yes
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
Yes
-
Tachometer
Yes (Hybrid System Indicator)
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
All (one-touch front)
Yes
Power Mirrors
Heated + Folding
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Auto
Yes
Heads Up Display
Yes (10-inch colour HUD)
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Sunroof
Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
No
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.35
Driver Display
Available
Digital Cluster
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
7 Years / 150,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
6.4
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
185
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Payload Capacity
Available
N/A
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
Yes
Rear Wing
Available
Yes
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Yes
Seat Type
Available
Leather Seats
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
3 Years / 45,000 km
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
No
Spare Wheel
Available
Temporary Spare
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Normal
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Sorento
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Yes (with cupholders)
Yes
Cup Holders
6
6
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
12.3-inch Digital
Digital
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Fabric Seats
No
No
Heated Seats
Front + Rear
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Front
Yes
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Memory Seats
Driver
Yes
Rear Headrest
3 (adjustable)
Adjustable
Front Headrest
Yes (adjustable)
Adjustable
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-way Power
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Driver 8-way / Passenger 8-way Power
4-Way Power
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-way Power with Memory
8-Way Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
8-way Power
4-Way Power
Driver Lumbar Support
Power (driver)
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Seat Material
Available
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Power
Steering Type
Available
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Available
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
Available
Yes
Spec
Across
Sorento
Rear Wiper
Yes
No
Wing Mirror Type
Power + Heated + Auto-folding
Electric
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Body Cladding
Yes (lower)
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Pure White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Emotional Red, Cyan Metallic, Dark Blue Mica
Multiple
Led Headlights
LED Bi-Beam Projector
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes (Bi-Beam Projector)
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes (LED)
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes (LED)
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
DRL
LED Daytime Running Lights
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Yes (rear roof)
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured
Body Colour
Chrome Exterior Finish
Lower trim
No
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Roof Type
Panoramic Glass
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
19-inch Machined Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Spec
Across
Sorento
Steering Column
Tilt + Telescopic
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Double Wishbone (Multi-link)
Multi-Link
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Chassis Type
Available
Unibody
Spec
Across
Sorento
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
9-inch Touchscreen
12.3
Infotainment Screen Size
9 inch
12.3
Android Auto
Yes (Wireless)
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes (Wireless)
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
9
12
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
No
Rear Usb
Yes (2x USB-C)
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
No
Navigation System
Yes (with cloud updates)
Yes
Premium Audio
JBL Premium 9-speaker
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Available
Yes
USB Ports
Available
4
Spec
Across
Sorento
Parking Brake Type
Electric
Electronic
Wheel Rim Size
19
255/45 R20
Tyre Load Index
95
107
Tyre Speed Rating
V
H
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Radial
Spare Tyre
Tyre Repair Kit
Temporary Spare
Front Brake Disc Diameter
328
340
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
281
305
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Wheel Diameter
19
20
Front Tyre Width
235
235
Rear Tyre Width
235
235
Tyre Size
Available
255/45 R20
Wheel Type
Available
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Available
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Available
Ventilated Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Temporary Spare
Spec
Across
Sorento
Warranty Years
5
7
Warranty Kilometers
200000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Roadside Assistance
Available
5 Years
Spec
Across
Sorento
Real-world City Mileage Min
20
10.9
Real-world City Mileage Max
30
14.1
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18
16.7
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
23
19.4
Owner Review Count
0
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Suzuki Across
wins with 71 pts
vs 65 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 0 vs Sorento 0. 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, Sorento 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, Sorento 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, Sorento 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Across 17, Sorento 15. 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 17 vs 15.
Efficiency: Across scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Across scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: Across scores 14 vs 10.
Ownership: Across scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Across
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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