A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Suzuki Baleno vs Mitsubishi Destinator: the short answer
Baleno and Destinator are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Baleno starts ZAR 220,090 cheaperBaleno from ZAR 269,900 · Destinator from ZAR 489,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Baleno
Destinator
Maximum Power
Baleno77 kW
Destinator120 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Baleno138 Nm
Destinator250 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm
Engine Size
Baleno1462 cc
Destinator1499 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Baleno16.1 km/l
Destinator13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Baleno0 mm
Destinator214 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Suzuki Baleno
1.5 GLX AT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Baleno
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Specification evidence leader
Destinator
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Baleno
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Destinator
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Model Introduced Year
2026
2026
Generation
Current market generation
First-generation Destinator
Facelift History
Current market specification
South African launch specification introduced in March 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
2026
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Hatchback
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Hatchback
Medium seven-seat SUV
Vehicle Type
Hatchback
Passenger vehicle
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Length
3990 mm
4680 mm
Width
1745 mm
1840 mm
Height
1500 mm
1780 mm
Wheelbase
2520 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
0 mm
214 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
150 mm
185 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
Boot/Cargo Space
318 l
152 l
Kerb Weight
940 kg
1500 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1700 kg
2090 kg
Payload Capacity
760 kg
590 kg
Towing Capacity
500 kg
0 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
5.4 m
Front Headroom
1000 mm
890 mm
Rear Headroom
950 mm
850 mm
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1055 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
620 mm
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
K15B/K15C
4B40
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1462 cc
1499 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Multi-point fuel injection
Dual Injection
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
11.0:1
Bore
73.0 mm
75 mm
Stroke
85.0 mm
84.8 mm
Maximum Power
77 kW
120 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque
138 Nm
250 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
Not Officially Disclosed
FWD
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
CVT
Top Speed
170 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
10.4 sec
Quarter Mile
16.5 sec
17.6 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, Tarmac
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
6000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
81.9 kW/tonne
80 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
146.8 Nm/tonne
166.7 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Gearbox
4-speed automatic
CVT
Drivetrain Layout
2WD
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
No
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
4.3
6.386
Number of Gears
4
1
Transmission Type
4-speed automatic
CVT automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter / CVT
Continuously variable pulley system
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
2WD
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
No
No
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
4-speed automatic
Continuously variable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front driven axle
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Speeds
4
1
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Claimed Mileage
16.1 km/l
13.9 km/l
City Mileage
16.0 km/l
11.4 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.0 km/l
16 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6 equivalent
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
No
Real-world Mileage
16.1 km/l
13.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
37
45
Combined Driving Range
700
625
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
650 km
647 km
Range Real World Mixed
600 km
581 km
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Not Applicable
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Applicable
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
No
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
No
ABS EBD
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
No
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Applicable
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Applicable
No
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Park Assist
Yes
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Applicable
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
No
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Seat Material
Fabric upholstery
Synthetic leather
Heated Seats
No
No
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Ambient Lighting
No
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustment
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
Fabric upholstery
Synthetic leather
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic with nanoe X
Power Windows
Yes
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
No
Yes
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Applicable
Yes
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic with nanoe X
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment system
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument display
8-inch
USB Ports
USB-A / USB-C
Front, second and third row
Infotainment Screen
9
12.3-inch
Touchscreen
9
12.3-inch
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
No
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple Suzuki factory exterior colours
Quartz White Pearl, Graphite Grey Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Lunar Blue Mica
Headlights
Yes
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Yes
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
21 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
25.5 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, Tarmac
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
20.8 deg
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
225/55 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space-saver spare wheel
Full-size alloy
Wheel Rim Size
16
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Manual parking brake
Electric parking brake
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Torsion beam
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
172 g/km
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Service Plan
5 Years / 90000 km
5 years / 75,000 km; 15,000 km intervals
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Ownership Role
Suzuki ownership programme
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
312500 ZAR
569990 ZAR
Pricing Role
Hagalu Research Team price estimate
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
312500
569990
Starting Price Zar
312500
569990
Spec
Baleno
Destinator
Warranty
5 Years / 200000 km
5 years / unlimited km
In depth: how these cars differ
This Baleno and Destinator comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Baleno 34 vs Destinator 50.
Efficiency index: Baleno 62 vs Destinator 54.
Safety-equipment index: Baleno 87 vs Destinator 73.
Practicality index: Baleno 50 vs Destinator 63.
Ownership-cover index: Baleno not separately scored vs Destinator not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Baleno and Destinator image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Destinator leads by 3 points
Baleno and Destinator are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Destinator
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
54/100
Safety
73/100
Practicality
63/100
Baleno
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
50/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMitsubishi Destinator
leads the specification evidence index with 60 pts
vs 57 pts for Baleno
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Destinator leads. However, Baleno may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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