KIA Carens vs Suzuki Grand Vitara

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.

KIA Carens

1.5D SX Auto Diesel Automatic

ZAR 599,995 ex-showroom

⚡ 85 kW 🔧 260 Nm Nm ⛽ 18.2 km/l

Suzuki Grand Vitara

1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip AT Hybrid Automatic

ZAR 542,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 76 kW 🔧 137 Nm ⛽ 17.9 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Carens

⛽ Fuel Economy Tie

🛡 Safety Carens

📦 Practicality Grand Vitara

🔑 Ownership Tie

Grand Vitara starts ZAR 399995 cheaper Carens from ZAR 399,995 · Grand Vitara from ZAR 359,900

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Engine Power	85 kW	76
Torque	260 Nm	137
Engine Size	1493	1462
Claimed Mileage	18.2	17.9
Ground Clearance	185	210
Boot Space	143	310
Airbags	7	6
Kerb Weight	1745	1225
Seating Capacity	7	Available
Warranty	7	5

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

Carens

/ 100

pts

Grand Vitara

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

The Bottom Line

Both Carens and Grand Vitara are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Carens +3 pts

Efficiency Equal

Safety Carens +2 pts

Practicality Grand Vitara +3 pts

Ownership Equal

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

Carens

Performance 9/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 9/20

Ownership 20/20

Grand Vitara

Performance 6/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 12/20

Ownership 20/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

Carens

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package

Weak Spots

Less practical in daily usage

Best suited to: Highway Driving

Grand Vitara

Strengths

More practical for daily use

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features

Best suited to: Family Usage

Which One's Right for You?

Carens

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment

Grand Vitara

Large families needing more practicality and usability

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Engine	1.5 D4FE Inline-4 Diesel Turbo	1.5L K15C Dualjet SHVS Mild Hybrid 4-Cylinder
Engine Type	Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel	Inline 4 Cylinder Mild Hybrid (SHVS)
Engine Type Config	Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel	Available
Engine Code	D4FE	K15C
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	16	4
Displacement	1493	1462
Engine Displacement	1493	Available
Engine Aspiration	Turbocharged	Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharger	Yes	Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore	75.0	74.0
Piston Stroke	84.5	85.1
Compression Ratio	16.0:1	10.5:1
Fuel System	Common Rail Direct Injection	Multi-Point Fuel Injection with 12V ISG
Fuel Grade Required	B7 Diesel	93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Variable Valve Timing	No	Dual VVT — Intake and Exhaust
Engine Position	Front Transverse	Transverse Front-Mounted
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5	3.7
Power	85 kW	76
Power	114	102
Power @ RPM	4,000 rpm	6,000 rpm
Torque	260 Nm	137
Torque @ RPM	1,500 rpm	4,400 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM	4,500 rpm	6800
0–100 km/h	11.5	Available
0-100 km/h	11.5	13.5
Top Speed	172	175
EV Range	N/A	Available
Battery Capacity	N/A	Available
Charging Port	N/A	Available
AC Charging Time	N/A	Available

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Valves Per Cylinder	4	Available
Intercooler	Yes	Available
Launch Control	No	Available
Rev Matching	No	Available
Performance Data Logger	No	Available
Fuel Consumption Combined	5.5	Available
Engine Start Stop	Yes	Available
Engine Start Stop Button	Yes	Available
Engine Start Button Illumination	Yes	Available
Engine Check Warning	Yes	Available
Gear Shift Type	Automatic	Available
Ground Clearance Unladen	185	Available
Drag Coefficient	0.34	Available
Payload Capacity	N/A	Available
Stabilizer Bar	Yes	Available
Steering Response	Normal	Available
Skid Plates	No	Available
Side Steps	No	Available
Spare Wheel	Temporary Spare	Available
Tyre Repair Kit	No	Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner	Yes	Available
Seatbelt Reminder	Yes	Available
Stability Control	Yes	Available
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Available
Speed Limiter	Yes	Standard
Speed Alert System	Yes	Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock	Yes	Available
Adaptive Dampers	No	Available
Wireless Charging	Yes	Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Voice Command	Yes	Available
Voice Command Support	Yes	Available
Driver Display	Digital Cluster	Available
Heads Up Display	Yes	Available
Tachometer	Yes	Available
Trip Computer	Yes	Available
Multi Function Steering	Yes	Available
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Available
AC Type	Automatic Climate Control	Available
Climate Control	Yes	Automatic Climate Control
Climate Zones	2	Available
Glovebox Cooling	No	Available
Seat Type	Leather Seats	Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Yes	Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Rear Seat Split	Yes	Available
Headrest Adjustable	Yes	Available
Front Armrest	Yes	Available
Vanity Mirror	Yes	Available
12V Accessory Socket	Yes	1 x 12V Socket
Front Power Outlet	Yes	150
Rear Reading Lamps	Yes	Available
Keyless Entry	Yes	Not Available
Push Button Start	Yes	Available
Push Button Start	Yes	Not Available
Remote Engine Start	No	Available
Door Ajar Warning	Yes	Available
Fuel Lid Opener	Remote	Available
Boot Opener	Remote	Available
Power Windows	Yes	All Four Windows
Power Mirrors	Yes	150
Electric Folding Mirrors	Yes	Available
Electric Mirror Folding	Yes	Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
Auto Dimming Irvm	No	Available
Auto Dimming Mirror	No	Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers	Yes	Standard
Rear Window Defroster	Yes	Standard
Rear Defogger	Yes	Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Yes	Not Available
Tail Lamps	LED	Available
Automatic Headlamps	Yes	Standard
Headlamp Height Adjust	Yes	Available
Headlamp Washer	No	Available
Sunroof	Yes	Panoramic Glass Roof
Panoramic Roof	Yes	Available
Roof Antenna	Yes	Available
Rear Wing	Yes	Available
Aero Kit	No	Available
Chrome Grille	Yes	Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights	No	Available
Ride Mode Selection	Yes	Available
Electric Tailgate	No	Not Available
Engine Warranty	7 Years / 150,000 km	Available
Service Plan	3 Years / 45,000 km	Available
Service Reminder	Yes	Available
Exhaust Finish	-	Available
Exhaust Type	-	Available
Telescopic Steering	-	Available
Tilt Steering	-	Available

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Fuel Octane Requirement	B7 Diesel	93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter	DPF	Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Fuel Evaporation Control	No	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Idle CO2 Output	151	Within Euro 5 Limits
CO2 Emissions	144	131
Green NCAP Rating	4	Improved — Mild Hybrid Reduces City Fuel Use
Start Stop System	Yes	Automatic Start-Stop via ISG
Euro Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
Hybrid System Type	None	12V SHVS Mild Hybrid — Integrated Starter Generator (ISG)
Noise Level	67	68

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
AdBlue Tank Capacity	No	0
Claimed Fuel Consumption	5.5	Available
Claimed Mileage	18.2	17.9
City Mileage	14.7	14.7
Highway Mileage	21.3	20.8
Average Fuel Consumption	5.5	Available
Real-world Mileage	6.6	Available
Fuel Efficiency	5.5 L/100km	Available
Auto Start Stop	Yes	Not Available
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
Distance To Empty	N/A	Available
Low Fuel Warning	Yes	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	50	45

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Available
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Standard
Brake Override System	Yes	Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Yes	Standard
Airbags	7	6
Driver Airbag	Yes	Available
Passenger Airbag	Yes	Available
Side Airbags	Yes	Available
Curtain Airbags	Yes	Available
Knee Airbag	Yes	Available
Side Impact Beams	Yes	Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Yes	Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Yes	All Seats
Whiplash Protection	Yes	Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
ABS	Yes	Standard
BA	Yes	Available
EBD	Yes	Available
Brake Assist	Yes	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Yes	Standard
TCS	Yes	Available
Traction Control	Yes	Standard
Hill Hold	Yes	Available
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Standard
Hill Descent Control	No	Not Available
AEB	Yes	Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Yes	Not Available
Lane Change Warning	Yes	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Yes	Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Available
Fatigue Detection	Yes	Available
Speed Alert System	Yes	Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h
Child Safety Lock	Yes	Standard
Safety Rating	5	Not Independently Rated
ISOFIX Mounts	Yes	2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	Not Available
Central Locking	Yes	Remote Central Locking
Alarm System	Yes	Standard

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Alternator	Yes	Available
Engine Oil Change Interval	15000	10,000 km or 6 Months
Battery Type	N/A	Available
Battery Warranty	N/A	12 Months
Gear Shift Indicator	No	Available
Service Plan Duration	3	4 Years
Service Plan Distance	45000	60000
Maintenance Plan	3 Years / 45,000 km	Not Included
Service Interval	15000	15,000 km or 12 Months
First Service At	15000	1,000 km Inspection
Approx Service Cost	R3,800 per service	Approx R2,000–R2,500 per Service
Anti-Rust Treatment	Yes	Underbody Rust Protection

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Real-world City Mileage Min	12.5	6.0
Real-world City Mileage Max	16.2	8.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	19.1	4.8
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	22.3	6.5
Owner Review Count	-	0

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
EV Mode	No	Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Yes	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	Yes	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Yes	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Yes	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert	Yes	Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Yes	Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control	Yes	Available
Cruise Control	Yes	Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition	No	Not Available
Auto Highbeam	Yes	Available
Rear View Camera	Yes	360-Degree Surround View
Reverse Camera	Yes	Available
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Available
Parking Sensors	Yes	Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Park Assist	Yes	Available
360 Degree Camera	Yes	360-Degree Surround View Camera
Auto Wipers	Yes	Available
Auto Lights	Yes	Available
Drive Modes	Yes	Available
Eco Mode	Yes	Available
Sport Mode	Yes	Available

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Transmission	6-Speed DCT	6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Transmission	6-Speed DCT	Available
Transmission Type	Dual Clutch Transmission	6-Speed Automatic
Number of Gears	6	6
Clutch Type	Dry Dual Clutch	Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Paddle Shifters	Yes	Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Final Drive Ratio	3.63	4.388:1
Drivetrain	FWD	Available
Drive Type	FWD	AWD — AllGrip Auto
Drivetrain Layout	FWD	All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transfer Case	N/A	Not Applicable
Differential Lock	No	Not Available
LSD Available	No	Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	15.1:1	2.8

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
4WD System Type	N/A	AllGrip Auto — Intelligent AWD with Snow/Sport/Lock modes
Locking Differential	No	Not Available
Approach Angle	16	19
Departure Angle	18	21
Ramp Breakover Angle	16	18
Ramp-over Angle	14	Available
Wading Depth	N/A	0
Recovery Hooks	No	Front and Rear Tow Hooks
Underbody Protection	No	Skid Plate Under Engine
Hill Descent Control	No	Available
Terrain Modes	No	Auto / Sport / Snow / Lock

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Length	4540	4345
Width	1850	1795
Height	1700	1645
Wheelbase	2780	2600
Front Track Width	1600	1565
Rear Track Width	1600	1565
Ground Clearance	185	210
Turning Radius	11.4	5.4
Front Overhang	880	Available
Rear Overhang	880	Available
Kerb Weight	1745	1225
Gross Vehicle Weight	2295	1680
Towing Capacity	N/A	0
Max Payload	N/A	530
Load Bed Length	N/A	0
Load Bed Width	N/A	0
Doors	5	Available
Number of Doors	5	5
Seats	7	Available
Seating Capacity	7	5
Front Headroom	990	1010
Rear Headroom	950	970
Front Legroom	1030	1060
Rear Legroom	860	935
Front Shoulder Room	1380	1455
Rear Shoulder Room	1330	1430
Boot Space	143	310
Boot Space Seats Folded	1660	708
Boot Volume	143	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	50	Available

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Body Type	MPV	Available
Alloy Wheel Design	Alloy Alloy	17-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
Wing Mirror Type	Electric	Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
Rear Wiper	Yes	Standard
Led Headlights	Yes	Available
LED Headlamps	Yes	LED Projector Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps	Yes	LED DRLs
DRL	Yes	Available
Led Taillights	Yes	Available
Fog Lights	Yes	Available
Fog Lamps	Yes	Front Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lights	Yes	Available
Rear Fog Lights	Yes	Available
Roof Type	Standard	Standard Fixed Roof
Roof Rails	Yes	Standard Roof Rails
Rear Spoiler	Yes	Not Available
Body Cladding	No	Black Plastic Side Body Cladding
Chrome Exterior Finish	No	Not Available
Door Handle Finish	Body Colour	Body-Coloured Door Handles
Exterior Colour Options	Multiple	6

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Chassis Type	Unibody	Monocoque
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link	Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring
Shock Absorber Type	Telescopic	Telescopic Gas Dampers
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Standard
Power Steering	Yes	Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column	Adjustable	Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted	Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Rear USB Ports	Yes	0
Instrument Cluster Type	Digital	Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Urethane
Rear AC Vents	Yes	Not Available
Heated Seats	Yes	Not Available
Cooled Seats	Yes	Available
Ventilated Seats	Yes	Not Available
Seat Material	Leather	Leatherette Seat Trim
Fabric Seats	No	Available
Leather Seats	Yes	Available
Driver Seat Adjustment	8-Way Power	Available
Adjustable Driver Seat	8-Way Power	Available
Seat Adjustment	8-Way Power	Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment	4-Way Manual	Available
Adjustable Front Seat	4-Way Manual	Available
Driver Lumbar Support	Yes	Not Available
Memory Seats	Yes	Available
60 40 Split Seat	Yes	Available
Folding Rear Seats	Yes	60:40 Split Fold
Front Headrest	Adjustable	Available
Rear Headrest	Adjustable	Available
Front Armrest	Centre Armrest	Standard Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest	Yes	Integrated in Seat Back
Door Map Pockets	Yes	All Four Door Pockets
Cup Holders	4	4
Ambient Lighting	Yes	Not Available
Interior Colour Options	Black	2

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front	Ventilated Disc	Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter	300	296
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear	Disc	Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	262	259
Parking Brake Type	Electronic	Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Size	235/45 R18	215/60 R17
Wheel Rim Size	235/45 R18	17 Inches
Front Tyre Width	235	Available
Rear Tyre Width	235	Available
Wheel Diameter	18	Available
Wheel Type	Alloy	17-inch Polished Alloy
Tyre Type	Radial	Available
Tyre Load Index	107	96
Tyre Speed Rating	H	H
Spare Tyre	Temporary Spare	Available
Spare Wheel Type	Temporary Spare	Space Saver Spare

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Infotainment Display	12.3	Available
Infotainment Screen	12.3-inch Touchscreen	9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size	12.3	9
Navigation System	Yes	Via Smartphone Mirroring
Apple CarPlay	Yes	Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Yes	Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto	Yes	Wired Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Standard
USB Ports	4	2
Rear Usb	Yes	Available
AUX Input	No	Not Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No	Not Available
Number of Speakers	8	6
Premium Audio	Yes	Available
FM Radio	Yes	Standard
Voice Recognition	Yes	Via Smartphone
Digital Instrument Cluster	Yes	9-inch Digital Cluster
Audio Controls On Steering	Yes	Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Yes	Standard

Spec	Carens	Grand Vitara
Basic Warranty	7 Years / 150,000 km	Available
Warranty Years	7	5
Warranty Kilometers	150000	200000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	5 Years	3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	5 Years Roadside Assistance

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 KIA Carens wins with 58 pts vs 56 pts for Grand Vitara

In structured scoring, Carens emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Grand Vitara may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Carens 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: Carens 0 vs Grand Vitara 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: Carens 20, Grand Vitara 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: Carens 20, Grand Vitara 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: Carens 9, Grand Vitara 12. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Carens 9, Grand Vitara 6. 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 Carens edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Carens 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 Carens and Grand Vitara in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Carens scores 9 vs 6.

Efficiency: Carens scores 0 vs 0.

Safety: Carens scores 20 vs 18.

Practicality: Carens scores 9 vs 12.

Ownership: Carens scores 20 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives Carens the advantage in this comparison.

KIA Carens vs Suzuki Grand Vitara

KIA Carens

Suzuki Grand Vitara

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

Carens

Grand Vitara

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

Carens

Grand Vitara

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Carens

Grand Vitara

Which One's Right for You?

Carens

Grand Vitara

Full Specs, Side by Side

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Other Comparisons Worth Checking

Buyers Also Looked At These

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down