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.
⚡ 142 kW🔧 440 Nm⛽ 8.2 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformancePalisade
⛽Fuel EconomyCreta
🛡SafetyCreta
📦PracticalityPalisade
🔑OwnershipCreta
Creta starts ZAR 1204500 cheaperCreta from ZAR 407,900 · Palisade from ZAR 1,204,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Engine Power
85 kW
142 kW
Torque
144 Nm
440 Nm
Engine Size
1497 cc
2199 cc
Claimed Mileage
16.8 km/l
8.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
200 mm
Not confirmed
Boot / Load Bay
433 l
Not confirmed
Airbags
6
Driver, passenger, side and curtain
Kerb Weight
1365 kg
1952 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
= 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 Palisade are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Palisade
+38 pts
Efficiency
Creta
+24 pts
Safety
Creta
+54 pts
Practicality
Palisade
+8 pts
Ownership
Creta
+14 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Creta
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Palisade
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Creta
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Palisade
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
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
Palisade
Model Introduced Year
2016
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Second generation Creta built on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; the SA model is a popular variant shared with several emerging markets
Current South African Palisade listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
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
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2021
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Body Style
Not confirmed
Seven-seat SUV
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Ground Clearance
200 mm
Not confirmed
Wheelbase
2610 mm
Not confirmed
Length
4330 mm
Not confirmed
Width
1790 mm
Not confirmed
Height
1635 mm
Not confirmed
Kerb Weight
1365 kg
1952 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight
1860 kg
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
433 l
Not confirmed
Turning Radius
5.3 m
Not confirmed
Load Bed Length
433 l
Not confirmed
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396 l
Not confirmed
Number of Doors
5
Not confirmed
Boot Volume
433 l
Not confirmed
Doors
5
Not confirmed
Seats
5
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
71 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
1860 kg
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Mm
200 mm
Not confirmed
Height Mm
1635 mm
Not confirmed
Length Mm
4330 mm
Not confirmed
Loadbox Length Mm
433 l
Not confirmed
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Cargo Volume
433 l
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
1365 kg
1952 kg
Turning Circle
5.3 m
Not confirmed
Turning Circle M
5.3 m
Not confirmed
Width Mm
1790 mm
Not confirmed
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396 l
Not confirmed
Towing Capacity
Not confirmed
2200 kg
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Engine
1.5 MPI Naturally Aspirated
2.2-litre turbo diesel
Engine Type
Petrol
Not confirmed
Displacement
1497 cc
2199 cc
Cylinders
4
Not confirmed
Valves per Cylinder
16
Not confirmed
Power
85 kW
142 kW
Power @ RPM
6300
Not confirmed
Torque
144 Nm
440 Nm
Torque @ RPM
4500
Not confirmed
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Not confirmed
Turbocharger
No
Not confirmed
Top Speed
175 km/h
Not confirmed
0-100 km/h
11.5 sec
Not confirmed
Compression Ratio
10.0
Not confirmed
Engine Position
Front
Not confirmed
Engine Code
G4FJ
Not confirmed
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Not confirmed
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not confirmed
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Not confirmed
Maximum Engine RPM
6500 rpm
Not confirmed
Engine Type Config
Inline
Not confirmed
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
2199 cc
Engine Cylinders
4
Not confirmed
Engine Displacement Cc
1497 cc
2199 cc
Engine Power kW
85 kW
142 kW
Engine Torque Nm
144 Nm
440 Nm
Max Power kW
85 kW
142 kW
Max Torque Nm
144 Nm
440 Nm
Torque Nm Rpm
4500
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
All-wheel drive
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Not confirmed
LSD Available
No
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
No
Not confirmed
Number of Gears
7 km/h
8 km/h
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
7 km/h
8 km/h
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Claimed Mileage
16.8 km/l
8.2 km/l
City Mileage
13.5 km/l
6.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.0 km/l
9.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
71 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not confirmed
Average Fuel Consumption
6.8 l/100km
Not confirmed
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.8 l/100km
Not confirmed
Distance To Empty
Yes
Not confirmed
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Not confirmed
Fuel Efficiency
6.8 l/100km
Not confirmed
Combined Consumption
6.8 l/100km
Not confirmed
Combined Consumption L 100km
6.8 l/100km
Not confirmed
Fuel Economy Combined
6.8 l/100km
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
50 l
71 l
Fuel Type
Not confirmed
Diesel
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Airbags
6
Driver, passenger, side and curtain
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Not confirmed
Hill Descent Control
No
Not confirmed
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not confirmed
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Not confirmed
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Not confirmed
Brake Assist
Yes
Not confirmed
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Not confirmed
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not confirmed
Central Locking
Yes
Not confirmed
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Not confirmed
Speed Alert System
Yes
Not confirmed
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
Not confirmed
BA
Yes
Not confirmed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Yes
Not confirmed
EBD
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Not confirmed
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Not confirmed
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Yes
Not confirmed
TCS
Yes
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Cruise Control
Yes
Not confirmed
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not confirmed
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not confirmed
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not confirmed
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Not confirmed
Rear View Camera
Yes
Not confirmed
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Not confirmed
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not confirmed
Auto Lights
Yes
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
No
Not confirmed
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Not confirmed
Eco Mode
Yes
Not confirmed
EV Mode
No
Not confirmed
Sport Mode
No
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Not confirmed
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
Not confirmed
Heated Seats
Front
Not confirmed
Ventilated Seats
No
Not confirmed
Steering Type
Electric
Not confirmed
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Not confirmed
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not confirmed
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Not confirmed
Front Armrest
Yes
Not confirmed
Rear Armrest
No
Not confirmed
Cup Holders
4
Not confirmed
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Not confirmed
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not confirmed
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Not confirmed
Interior Colour Options
Black
Not confirmed
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Not confirmed
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Not confirmed
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Not confirmed
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Not confirmed
Cooled Seats
No
Not confirmed
Fabric Seats
Yes
Not confirmed
Front Headrest
Yes
Not confirmed
Leather Seats
No
Not confirmed
Memory Seats
No
Not confirmed
Rear Headrest
Yes
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic
Power Windows
All
Not confirmed
Keyless Entry
Yes
Not confirmed
Push Button Start
Yes
Not confirmed
Wireless Charging
Yes
Not confirmed
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Not confirmed
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Not confirmed
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Not confirmed
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Not confirmed
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Not confirmed
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic
Boot Opener
Inside
Not confirmed
Climate Zones
1
Not confirmed
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Not confirmed
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Not confirmed
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Not confirmed
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Not confirmed
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Not confirmed
Front Armrest
Yes
Not confirmed
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Not confirmed
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Not confirmed
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Not confirmed
Headlamp Washer
No
Not confirmed
Panoramic Roof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Power Mirrors
Yes
Not confirmed
Push Button Start
Yes
Not confirmed
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Not confirmed
Service Plan
4
7 years / 105 000 km
Service Reminder
Yes
Not confirmed
Spare Wheel
Steel
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Tachometer
Yes
Not confirmed
Telescopic Steering
No
Not confirmed
Tilt Steering
Yes
Not confirmed
Trip Computer
Yes
Not confirmed
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Not confirmed
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Automatic
Rim Size
17
20 Inches
Sound System
8
Not confirmed
Unlocking
Yes
Not confirmed
Wireless Charger
Yes
Not confirmed
Electric Tailgate
Not confirmed
Smart power tailgate
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Not confirmed
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not confirmed
Android Auto
Yes
Not confirmed
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Not confirmed
Number of Speakers
8
Not confirmed
Navigation System
Yes
Not confirmed
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Not confirmed
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Not confirmed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Not confirmed
FM Radio
Yes
Not confirmed
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Not confirmed
Voice Recognition
Yes
Not confirmed
AUX Input
Yes
Not confirmed
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25 inch
Not confirmed
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Not confirmed
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Not confirmed
Rear Usb
Yes
Not confirmed
Audio Speakers
8
Not confirmed
Infotainment Screen
10.25 inch
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
10.25 inch
Not confirmed
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Not confirmed
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not confirmed
Fog Lamps
LED
Not confirmed
Roof Rails
Yes
Not confirmed
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
20 Inches
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Not confirmed
Exterior Colour Options
Atlas White, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Galaxy Blue
Not confirmed
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Not confirmed
Rear Wiper
Yes
Not confirmed
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Not confirmed
Body Type
SUV
Not confirmed
DRL
LED
Not confirmed
Fog Lights
Yes
Not confirmed
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Not confirmed
Led Headlights
Full LED
Not confirmed
Led Taillights
Yes
Not confirmed
Daytime Running Lights
LED
Not confirmed
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Not confirmed
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Not confirmed
Headlamps
Full LED
Not confirmed
Headlight Type
Full LED
Not confirmed
Headlights
Full LED
Not confirmed
Roof Type
Not confirmed
Dual sunroof
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Locking Differential
No
Not confirmed
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
Not confirmed
Hill Descent Control
No
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
245/50 R20
Wheel Type
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
20 Inches
Front Brake Type
Disc
Not confirmed
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Not confirmed
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Not confirmed
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Not confirmed
Tyre Load Index
91
Not confirmed
Tyre Speed Rating
H
Not confirmed
Wheel Rim Size
17
20 Inches
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Not confirmed
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Not confirmed
Spare Tyre
Steel
Not confirmed
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Not confirmed
Wheel Diameter
17
20 Inches
Wheelbase Mm
2610 mm
Not confirmed
Wheels
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
20 Inches
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Not confirmed
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Not confirmed
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Not confirmed
Power Steering
Electric
Not confirmed
Steering Column
Tilt
Not confirmed
Front Spring Type
Coil
Not confirmed
Rear Spring Type
Coil
Not confirmed
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Not confirmed
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
Not confirmed
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
Not confirmed
First Service At
15000
Not confirmed
Service Plan Duration
4
7 years / 105 000 km
Service Plan Distance
4
7 years / 105 000 km
Alternator
120A
Not confirmed
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Not confirmed
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not confirmed
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Warranty Years
5
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Not confirmed
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
Not confirmed
Basic Warranty
5
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Not confirmed
Warranty
5
5 years / 150 000 km plus 2 years / 50 000 km powertrain
Spec
Creta
Palisade
CO2 Emissions
133 g/km
Not confirmed
Start Stop System
No
Not confirmed
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
Not confirmed
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Not confirmed
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Not confirmed
Spec
Creta
Palisade
Price Zar
Not confirmed
1204500 ZAR
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Creta leads by 7 points
Both Creta and Palisade 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
Palisade
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
40/100
Safety
38/100
Practicality
77/100
Ownership
51/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Creta
wins with 65 pts
vs 58 pts for Palisade
In structured scoring, Creta emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Palisade 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 Palisade 40. 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, Palisade 38. 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, Palisade 51. 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, Palisade 77. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Creta 36, Palisade 74. 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 Palisade in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Creta scores 36 vs 74.
Efficiency: Creta scores 64 vs 40.
Safety: Creta scores 92 vs 38.
Practicality: Creta scores 69 vs 77.
Ownership: Creta scores 65 vs 51.
Final structured scoring gives Creta
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.