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.
Archive comparison
These models are no longer sold new in South Africa. Verified final local specs and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
No longer sold newSpecs stay visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 88 kW🔧 172 Nm⛽ 15.5 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceKona
⛽Fuel EconomyCreta
🛡SafetyTie
📦PracticalityCreta
🔑OwnershipTie
Creta starts ZAR 459900 cheaperCreta from ZAR 407,900 · Kona from ZAR 459,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Creta
Kona
Engine Power
85 kW
88 kW
Torque
144 Nm
172 Nm
Engine Size
1497 cc
998 cc
Claimed Mileage
16.8 km/l
15.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
165 mm
Boot / Load Bay
433 l
466 l
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1365 kg
1460 kg
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Both Creta and Kona are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Kona
+4 pts
Efficiency
Creta
+4 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Creta
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Creta
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Kona
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Creta
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Kona
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Creta
Kona
Model Introduced Year
2016
2018
Generation
Second generation Creta built on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; the SA model is a popular variant shared with several emerging markets
Second generation Kona on Hyundai's K2 GEN platform; the design is more conservative than the first gen but better resolved
Facelift History
Second generation arrived in SA in 2021 with significant upgrades to interior quality, safety tech, and engine options; notably improved over the first-gen car
Second generation launched globally in 2023 and brought to SA; softened styling compared to the sharper first gen, improved interior quality and tech
Facelift Launched Since
2021
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Kona
Ground Clearance
200 mm
165 mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2660 mm
Length
4330 mm
4355 mm
Width
1790 mm
1825 mm
Height
1635 mm
1570 mm
Kerb Weight
1365 kg
1460 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1860 kg
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
433 l
466 l
Turning Radius
5.3 m
Not confirmed
Load Bed Length
433 l
466 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396 l
Not confirmed
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Volume
433 l
466 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
50 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1860 kg
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
165 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
165 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
165 mm
Height Mm
1635 mm
1570 mm
Length Mm
4330 mm
4355 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
433 l
466 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Cargo Volume
433 l
466 l
Tare Mass Kg
1365 kg
1460 kg
Turning Circle
5.3 m
Not confirmed
Turning Circle M
5.3 m
Not confirmed
Width Mm
1790 mm
1825 mm
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396 l
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Kona
Engine
1.5 MPI Naturally Aspirated
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Engine Type
Petrol
Petrol
Displacement
1497 cc
998 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
16
Not confirmed
Power
85 kW
88 kW
Power @ RPM
6300
5500
Torque
144 Nm
172 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4500
1500
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Top Speed
175 km/h
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.5 sec
10.5 sec
Compression Ratio
10.0
Not confirmed
Engine Position
Front
Front
Engine Code
G4FJ
Not confirmed
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not confirmed
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Maximum Engine RPM
6500 rpm
Not confirmed
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
998 cc
Engine Cylinders
4
3
Engine Displacement Cc
1497 cc
998 cc
Engine Power kW
85 kW
88 kW
Engine Torque Nm
144 Nm
172 Nm
Max Power kW
85 kW
88 kW
Max Torque Nm
144 Nm
172 Nm
Torque Nm Rpm
4500
1500
Spec
Creta
Kona
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
LSD Available
No
No
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Number of Gears
7 km/h
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
7 km/h
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Kona
Claimed Mileage
16.8 km/l
15.5 km/l
City Mileage
13.5 km/l
12.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.0 km/l
19.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
50 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Average Fuel Consumption
6.8 l/100km
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.8 l/100km
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
6.8 l/100km
Yes
Combined Consumption
6.8 l/100km
Yes
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.8 l/100km
Yes
Fuel Economy Combined
6.8 l/100km
Yes
Fuel Tank Litres
50 l
50 l
Spec
Creta
Kona
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
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
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
Not Rated (SA)
BA
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Not confirmed
TCS
Yes
Yes
Spec
Creta
Kona
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
No
No
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Eco / Normal
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Sport Mode
No
No
360 Degree Camera
Not confirmed
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Creta
Kona
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Power Driver
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Ventilated Seats
No
Front
Steering Type
Electric
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
No
Cup Holders
4
4
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Not confirmed
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Analogue + MID
Interior Colour Options
Black
Not confirmed
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Manual
Cooled Seats
No
No
Fabric Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear Headrest
Yes
Yes
Spec
Creta
Kona
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
12V
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Boot Opener
Inside
Inside
Climate Zones
1
Not confirmed
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Manual
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Panoramic Roof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Service Plan
4
4
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Steel
Steel
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Telescopic Steering
No
No
Tilt Steering
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
17
18-inch Alloy
Sound System
8
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Creta
Kona
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25 inch
Not confirmed
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
Infotainment Screen
10.25 inch
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
10.25 inch
Not confirmed
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Spec
Creta
Kona
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Atlas White, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Galaxy Blue
Not confirmed
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
LED
LED
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Full LED
Full LED
Led Taillights
Yes
Not confirmed
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Headlamps
Full LED
Full LED
Headlight Type
Full LED
Full LED
Headlights
Full LED
Full LED
Spec
Creta
Kona
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Locking Differential
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Spec
Creta
Kona
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
235/45 R18
Wheel Type
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Steel
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Manual
Tyre Load Index
91
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Wheel Rim Size
17
18-inch Alloy
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Spare Tyre
Steel
Steel
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
17
18-inch Alloy
Wheelbase Mm
2610 mm
2660 mm
Wheels
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Spec
Creta
Kona
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt
Front Spring Type
Coil
Not confirmed
Rear Spring Type
Coil
Not confirmed
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Spec
Creta
Kona
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
15000
15000
Service Plan Duration
4
4
Service Plan Distance
4
4
Alternator
120A
120A
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
15000 km / 12 months
Spec
Creta
Kona
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Warranty
5
5
Spec
Creta
Kona
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
120 g/km
Start Stop System
No
No
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
Unleaded 95
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not confirmed
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Creta leads by 0 points
Both Creta and Kona are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Creta
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
64/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
69/100
Ownership
65/100
Kona
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
60/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Creta
wins with 65 pts
vs 65 pts for Kona
In structured scoring, Creta 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 Creta 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 64 vs Kona 60. 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 92, Kona 92. 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 65, Kona 65. 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 69, Kona 67. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Creta 36, Kona 40. 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 Creta edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Creta 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 Kona in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Creta scores 36 vs 40.
Efficiency: Creta scores 64 vs 60.
Safety: Creta scores 92 vs 92.
Practicality: Creta scores 69 vs 67.
Ownership: Creta scores 65 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives Creta
the advantage in this comparison.
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