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.
Kona starts ZAR 484900 cheaperCannon from ZAR 484,900 · Kona from ZAR 459,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Engine Power
110
88
Torque
480
172
Engine Size
1996
998
Claimed Mileage
9.8
15.5
Ground Clearance
210
165
Boot Space
-
466
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
2035
1460
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Cannon
60
/ 100
+2
pts
#2
Kona
58
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Cannon and Kona are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Cannon
+6 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Kona
+4 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
Kona
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Cannon
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Kona
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Cannon
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Kona
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Body Type
Pickup
SUV
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
DRL
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Full LED
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
Available
Body Cladding
Yes
Wheel Arch & Skid Plate Cladding
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Available
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Led Headlights
Yes
Available
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Multi-Spoke Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Rear Wiper
No
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Chrome Exterior Accents
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Available
Rear Spoiler
No
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Power Adjustable
Exterior Colour Options
5
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Number of Doors
4
Available
Seats
5
5
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
5380
4355
Width
1920
1825
Height
1835
1570
Wheelbase
3180
2660
Ground Clearance
210
165
Kerb Weight
2035
1460
Towing Capacity
3500
1000 kg (Unbraked)
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
Available
Load Bed Length
1505
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
1545
Not Applicable
Doors
4
5
Front Overhang
980
Available
Rear Overhang
1160
Available
Front Track Width
1560
1561 mm
Rear Track Width
1560
1556 mm
Front Headroom
1020
Available
Rear Headroom
975
Available
Front Legroom
1070
Available
Rear Legroom
880
Available
Front Shoulder Room
1440
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
1420
Available
Gross Vehicle Weight
3000
1850 kg
Boot Volume
0
Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
0
Available
Turning Radius
13.6
5.5 m
Max Payload
900
Available
Boot Space
-
466
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Payload Capacity
930
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
4
Available
Intercooler
Yes
Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
9.8
Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Available
Spare Wheel
Yes
Available
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
Available
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Available
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Available
Rear Defogger
Yes
Available
Power Windows
Yes
All
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Inside
Boot Opener
Yes
Inside
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Skid Plates
Yes
Available
Side Steps
Yes
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Available
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Sunroof
Yes
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Available
Heads Up Display
Yes
Available
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
No
Available
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
215
Available
Drag Coefficient
0.42
Available
Rear Seat Split
No
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
No
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Manual
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Tail Lamps
LED
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
No
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Available
Steering Response
Progressive
Available
Stability Control
Yes
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Available
Driver Display
Multi-Information Display
Available
Seat Type
Bucket Seat
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Available
Speed Limiter
Yes
Available
Launch Control
No
Available
Voice Command
Yes
Available
Voice Command Support
Yes
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
12V
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Chrome Grille
Yes
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
Available
Roof Antenna
Mast Antenna
Available
Rear Wing
No
Available
Aero Kit
No
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Performance Data Logger
No
Available
Panoramic Roof
Yes
Available
Climate Zones
2
Available
Adaptive Dampers
No
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Available
Remote Engine Start
No
Available
Rev Matching
No
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Available
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Engine Start Stop Button
-
No
Exhaust Finish
-
Available
Exhaust Type
-
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Engine
2.0L GW4D20 Turbocharged Diesel
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Petrol
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Inline
Engine Code
GW4D20
Available
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Available
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
16
12 (4 per cylinder)
Displacement
1996
998
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Available
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Compression Ratio
16.5:1
9.9:1
Cylinder Bore
84
Available
Piston Stroke
90
Available
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Petrol
Torque
480
172
Torque @ RPM
1,600-2,600 rpm
1500
Power
110
88
Power
148
150
Power @ RPM
3,400-3,600 rpm
5500
0–100 km/h
13.5
Available
Top Speed
172
185
0-100 km/h
110
10.5
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Front
Engine Displacement
1996
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
8.0
Available
Variable Valve Timing
No
Yes
Battery Capacity
-
Available
Charging Port
-
Available
AC Charging Time
-
Available
EV Range
-
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Unleaded 95
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Available
Start Stop System
No
No
Particulate Filter
Yes
Available
CO2 Emissions
258
120
Idle CO2 Output
258
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
Yes
Green NCAP Rating
3/5
Available
Noise Level
Moderate
68 dB
Hybrid System Type
None
Conventional (ICE)
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Fuel Tank Capacity
75
50
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
9.8
15.5
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
11.5
12.5
Highway Mileage
9.5
19.0
Average Fuel Consumption
10.5
Yes
Real-world Mileage
10.5
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
9.8
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Moderate
Available
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Multi-Link
Front Spring Type
Torsion Bar
Available
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Available
Power Steering
Yes
Electric
Chassis Type
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Monocoque
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Disc
Front Tyre Width
265
Available
Rear Tyre Width
265
Available
Tyre Size
265/60R18
235/45 R18
Wheel Diameter
18
Available
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Full Size
Spare Tyre
Yes
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
18
Available
Tyre Type
All-Terrain Radial
Tubeless Radial
Tyre Load Index
112
91
Tyre Speed Rating
S
H
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Manual
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
320
Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
300
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Available
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Available
Airbags
6
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Available
AEB
Yes
Available
Safety Rating
5
Not Rated (SA)
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
No
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Available
Knee Airbag
No
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Available
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Available
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Available
Hill Hold
Yes
Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Approach Angle
30
14°
Departure Angle
26
27°
Ramp-over Angle
24
Available
Wading Depth
800
160 mm
Recovery Hooks
Yes
Available
Underbody Protection
Yes
Front Underbody Guard
4WD System Type
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Available
Terrain Modes
Yes
No
Locking Differential
Yes
No
Hill Descent Control
Yes
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
22
20
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
Available
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Service Plan Distance
75000
60000
Service Plan Duration
5
4
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
5000
15000
Service Interval
10000
15000 km / 12 months
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Alternator
120A
120A
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
R2,500 – R4,000 per service
Battery Warranty
-
Not Applicable
Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
2
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
12
Available
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
9
8 Bose Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Premium Audio
Yes
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
Available
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
-
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Front Headrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Headrest
Yes
Yes
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Electric
Available
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Yes
No
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Heated Seats
Yes
Front
Leather Seats
Yes
No
Fabric Seats
No
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
No
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Analogue + MID
Seat Adjustment
Yes
Power Driver
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Available
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Available
Interior Colour Options
1
Available
Folding Rear Seats
No
60/40 Split
Cooled Seats
No
No
Ventilated Seats
No
Front
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear AC Vents
-
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Available
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Available
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Sport Mode
No
No
Eco Mode
No
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear
Front & Rear
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Available
EV Mode
No
No
Drive Modes
Yes
Eco / Normal
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Yes
Reverse Camera
-
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive
FWD
Transmission
Automatic
Available
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Type
4WD
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
4x4 AWD
Available
Differential Lock
Yes
No
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Transfer Case
Yes
None (FWD)
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
16.5:1
Available
LSD Available
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
3.54
Available
Clutch Type
-
Available
Spec
Cannon
Kona
Real-world City Mileage Min
10.5
Available
Real-world City Mileage Max
13.0
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.5
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
11.0
Available
Owner Review Count
-
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm Cannon
wins with 60 pts
vs 58 pts for Kona
In structured scoring, Cannon emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Kona 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 Cannon 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: Cannon 0 vs Kona 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: Cannon 18, Kona 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: Cannon 20, Kona 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: Cannon 8, Kona 12. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Cannon 14, Kona 8. 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 Cannon edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Cannon 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 Cannon and Kona in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Cannon scores 14 vs 8.
Efficiency: Cannon scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Cannon scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Cannon scores 8 vs 12.
Ownership: Cannon scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Cannon
the advantage in this comparison.
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