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.
Creta starts ZAR 649900 cheaperCreta from ZAR 407,900 · H7 from ZAR 649,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Creta
H7
Engine Power
85
185
Torque
144
420
Engine Size
1497
1999
Claimed Mileage
16.8
8.5
Ground Clearance
200
195
Boot Space
433
620
Airbags
6
8
Kerb Weight
1365
1830
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
H7
73
/ 100
+15
pts
#2
Creta
58
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
H7 holds a noticeable edge over Creta, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
H7
+10 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
H7
+2 pts
Practicality
H7
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
H7
Performance
17/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
16/20
Ownership
20/20
Creta
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Creta
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
H7
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Creta
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
H7
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Creta
H7
Length
4330
4772
Width
1790
1910
Height
1635
1750
Wheelbase
2610
2800
Ground Clearance
200
195
Kerb Weight
1365
1830
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
433
620
Rear Track Width
1521 mm
1570
Gross Vehicle Weight
1860
2200
Front Track Width
1524 mm
1560
Turning Radius
5.3
12.2
Towing Capacity
1200 kg (Unbraked)
1500
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396
820
Front Legroom
Available
1050
Rear Legroom
Available
890
Front Headroom
Available
990
Rear Headroom
Available
960
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1430
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1390
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
-
Boot Volume
Available
620
Front Overhang
Available
880
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
63
Rear Overhang
Available
890
Spec
Creta
H7
Engine
1.5 MPI Naturally Aspirated
2.0L GW4C20D Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Petrol
Displacement
1497
1999
Cylinders
4
4
Power
85
185
Torque
144
420
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Top Speed
175
210
0-100 km/h
11.5
150
Power @ RPM
6300
5,500 rpm
Torque @ RPM
4500
1,500-4,000 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Compression Ratio
10.0
10.5:1
Engine Position
Front
Front Transverse
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Engine Code
G4FJ
GW4C20D
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Maximum Engine RPM
6500
6,000
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Cylinder Bore
Available
82.5
Piston Stroke
Available
93.1
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
5.5
Power
150
248
Cylinder Layout
Available
Inline 4 (I4)
0–100 km/h
Available
7.9
Battery Capacity
Available
-
Charging Port
Available
-
AC Charging Time
Available
-
Engine Displacement
Available
1999
EV Range
Available
-
Spec
Creta
H7
Transmission
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
AWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Engine All Wheel Drive
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Transfer Case
None (FWD)
No
LSD Available
No
No
Differential Lock
No
-
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.42
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
14.7:1
Clutch Type
Available
Torque Converter
Drivetrain
Available
All Wheel Drive
Transmission
Available
Automatic
Spec
Creta
H7
Claimed Mileage
16.8
8.5
City Mileage
13.5
8.0
Highway Mileage
20.0
6.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
63
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
No
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.8
8.5
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
7.5
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Good
Real-world Mileage
Available
7.5
Spec
Creta
H7
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
5
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Creta
H7
Cruise Control
Yes
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
No
Yes
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Available
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
H7
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Yes
Heated Seats
Front
Yes
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
Yes
Ventilated Seats
No
Yes
Cup Holders
4
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Digital Instrument Cluster
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
Black
2
Rear Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Front Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
Yes
Fabric Seats
Yes
No
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Memory Seats
No
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
10-Way Electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Spec
Creta
H7
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Power Windows
All
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Optional
Yes
AC Type
Automatic
Dual Zone Climate Control
Climate Zones
1
2
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Yes
Boot Opener
Inside
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Engine Start Stop Button
No
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Electric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Yes
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.34
Driver Display
Available
Digital
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
8.5
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
195
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
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
-
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
60/40
Rear Wing
Available
Integrated Spoiler
Remote Engine Start
Available
Yes
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Shark Fin Antenna
Seat Type
Available
High Bolster Sports Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
No
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
H7
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
12
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Yes
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25 inch
14
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
14.6-inch Touchscreen
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
H7
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
Diamond Cut Premium Alloy
Body Cladding
Wheel Arch & Lower Body Cladding
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
Chrome Grille Surround
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Electric Adjustable
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Atlas White, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Galaxy Blue
6
Roof Type
Available
Metal Roof
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
H7
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
235/50R20
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Steel
Tyre Speed Rating
H
V
Tyre Load Index
91
94
Wheel Rim Size
17
20
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Electronic
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Radial
Spare Tyre
Steel
Yes
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Available
308
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
292
Front Tyre Width
Available
235
Rear Tyre Width
Available
235
Wheel Diameter
Available
20
Spec
Creta
H7
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link Independent
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Hydraulic
Spec
Creta
H7
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10000
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Years / 75,000 km
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
-
Approx Service Cost
R2,000 – R3,500 per service
Included in Service Plan
Service Plan Duration
4
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
75000
First Service At
15000
5000
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Alternator
120A
110A
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
10,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
H7
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
150000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Spec
Creta
H7
CO2 Emissions
133
198
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Conventional (ICE)
None
Noise Level
68 dB
Low
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
EVAP Canister
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
95 Octane Unleaded
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Particulate Filter
Available
No
Green NCAP Rating
Available
4/5
Idle CO2 Output
Available
198
Spec
Creta
H7
Underbody Protection
Front Underbody Guard
No
Approach Angle
18°
20
Wading Depth
200 mm
-
Departure Angle
26°
24
Locking Differential
No
-
Terrain Modes
No
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
20
16
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Recovery Hooks
Available
No
4WD System Type
Available
Front-wheel drive
Ramp-over Angle
Available
17
Spec
Creta
H7
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
7.0
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
9.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
6.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
8.0
Owner Review Count
Available
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm H7
wins with 73 pts
vs 58 pts for Creta
In structured scoring, H7 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Creta 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 H7 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: Creta 0 vs H7 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: Creta 18, H7 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: Creta 20, H7 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: Creta 13, H7 16. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Creta 7, H7 17. 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 H7 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The H7 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 Creta and H7 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Creta scores 7 vs 17.
Efficiency: Creta scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Creta scores 18 vs 20.
Practicality: Creta scores 13 vs 16.
Ownership: Creta scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives H7
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.