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.
Dzire starts ZAR 659900 cheaperCamry from ZAR 659,900 · Dzire from ZAR 229,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Engine Power
160
60
Torque
221
112
Engine Size
2487
1197
Claimed Mileage
19.2
13.5
Ground Clearance
140
145
Boot Space
493
400
Airbags
9
6
Kerb Weight
1575
940
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
3
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Camry
69
/ 100
+15
pts
#2
Dzire
54
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Camry holds a noticeable edge over Dzire, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Camry
+8 pts
Efficiency
Camry
+12 pts
Safety
Camry
+2 pts
Practicality
Camry
+1 pts
Ownership
Dzire
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Camry
Performance
13/20
Efficiency
12/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Dzire
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Camry
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Dzire
Strengths
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Camry
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Dzire
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Ground Clearance
140
145
Wheelbase
2825
2450
Length
4885
3995
Width
1840
1735
Height
1445
1525
Kerb Weight
1575
940
Gross Vehicle Weight
2055
1600
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
493
400
Towing Capacity
Not Rated
1500
Front Track Width
1575
1550
Rear Track Width
1580
1540
Turning Radius
5.8
Available
Number of Doors
5
Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1500
Load Bed Length
Available
Available
Load Bed Width
Available
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
378
Doors
Available
4
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Engine
2.5L Hybrid Petrol-Electric
1.2L Z12E DualJet 3-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder DOHC Hybrid
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
2487
1197
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
160
60
Power @ RPM
5700 rpm
5,700 rpm
Torque
221
112
Torque @ RPM
3600 rpm
4,300 rpm
Fuel System
Direct + Port Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Top Speed
180
160
0-100 km/h
8.3
13.2
Compression Ratio
14.0:1
12.0:1
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Transverse Front-Mounted
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 3 (I3)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code
Standard
Z12E
Cylinder Bore
82.0
73.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
95.5
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
2.9
Power
150
82
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
6700
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Transmission
CVT Automatic (e-CVT)
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Not Available
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Available
Number of Gears
6
CVT
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic CVT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Clutch Type
Available
Torque Converter with CVT Belt Drive
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Claimed Mileage
19.2
13.5
City Mileage
16
10.2
Highway Mileage
21
15.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
60
37
Emission Standard
Euro 6
EURO 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Available
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
4.6
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Airbags
9
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
ABS with EBD
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Available
Alarm System
Standard
Available
Central Locking
Standard
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Standard — Low Speed AEB
BA
Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Available
Standard
EBD
Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Available
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Standard — Front
Side Airbags
Available
Standard
TCS
Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Available
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Optional
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Standard
Auto Highbeam
Available
Standard
Auto Lights
Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Not Available
Drive Modes
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Rear View Camera
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Seat Material
Leather Sport
Fabric with Leather Trim
Seat Adjustment
Electric 8-Way
Available
Heated Seats
Front
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Front
Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Available
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Available
Ambient Lighting
Multi-colour
Available
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Available
Front Armrest
Standard
Yes
Rear Armrest
Standard
Available
Cup Holders
4
Available
Leather Seats
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Rear AC Vents
Available
Not Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Manual 6-way
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Manual 4-way
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Climate Control
Dual Zone Automatic
Yes
Power Windows
All Doors
Standard
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Standard
Push Button Start
Standard
Available
Wireless Charging
Standard
15W Wireless Charging
Sunroof
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Standard
Available
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Power Adjustment
Payload Capacity
500
500
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Manual Air Conditioning
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Standard
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
10
4
Navigation System
Standard
Google Maps via CarPlay/Android Auto
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch Full Digital
Multi-Information Display (MID)
USB Ports
3
1 USB Type-A
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless CarPlay
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Standard
Voice Recognition
Available
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
9 Inches
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Available
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Available
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Sport Alloy
Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Available
Body Cladding
Not Available
Available
Rear Spoiler
Sport Rear Spoiler
Available
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Chrome Finish
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
5
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Standard
Body Type
Available
Sedan
DRL
Available
LED DRL
Fog Lights
Available
Not Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Not Available
Led Headlights
Available
LED Projector Headlights
Led Taillights
Available
LED Tail Lamps
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Not Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Tyre Size
235/45 R18
185/65 R15
Wheel Type
Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Solid Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
Space Saver Spare Wheel
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
236
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
190
Parking Brake Type
Available
Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Load Index
Available
84
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
H
Wheel Rim Size
Available
15 Inches
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Tyre Type
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque (HEARTECT Platform)
Power Steering
Electric
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard
Rear Spring Type
Available
Torsion Beam
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Service Interval
15,000 km or 1 Year
15,000 km or 12 Months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R7,500
Approx R1,800–R2,400 per Service
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160,000 km
12 Months
Maintenance Plan
Optional
Not Included
First Service At
5000
1,000 km Inspection
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km or 6 Months
Service Plan Duration
Available
4 Years
Service Plan Distance
Available
60000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Underbody Rust Protection
Alternator
Available
Available
Battery Type
Available
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Warranty Years
3
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
200000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Camry
Dzire
CO2 Emissions
93
115
Start Stop System
Standard
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Full Parallel Hybrid
Not Applicable
Noise Level
64
67
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
Within Euro 5 Limits
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter
Available
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Not Independently Rated
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Spec
Camry
Dzire
Real-world City Mileage Min
14
5.5
Real-world City Mileage Max
18
7.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18
4.8
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
22
5.8
Owner Review Count
19
8
Spec
Camry
Dzire
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Approach Angle
25
0
Departure Angle
23
0
Wading Depth
600
0
Terrain Modes
Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Available
Not Available
Underbody Protection
Available
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
0
Recovery Hooks
Available
1 Rear Tow Hook
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Toyota Camry
wins with 69 pts
vs 54 pts for Dzire
In structured scoring, Camry emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Dzire 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 Camry 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: Camry 12 vs Dzire 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: Camry 20, Dzire 18. 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: Camry 12, Dzire 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: Camry 12, Dzire 11. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Camry 13, Dzire 5. 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 Camry edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Camry 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 Camry and Dzire in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Camry scores 13 vs 5.
Efficiency: Camry scores 12 vs 0.
Safety: Camry scores 20 vs 18.
Practicality: Camry scores 12 vs 11.
Ownership: Camry scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Camry
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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