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.
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Maximum Power
420 kW @ 5000-6000 rpm
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
850 Nm @ 1600-4250 rpm
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Engine Size
6749 cc
1462 cc
Claimed Mileage
5.95 km/l
17.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
173 mm
210 mm
Boot / Load Bay
612 l
310 l
Airbags
8
6
Kerb Weight
2725 kg
1225 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
4 years; regional conditions apply
5
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Cullinan has a slight advantage, but Grand Vitara remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Cullinan
+65 pts
Efficiency
Grand Vitara
+45 pts
Safety
Cullinan
+17 pts
Practicality
Cullinan
+13 pts
Ownership
Grand Vitara
+27 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Cullinan
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Grand Vitara
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Cullinan
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Grand Vitara
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Model Introduced Year
2018
2022
Generation
Cullinan Series II, the current evolution of the marque's five-door super-luxury SUV
Third generation YHB-series Grand Vitara; shared platform with Toyota Urban Cruiser (a partnership-specific platform development); mild-hybrid system uses belt-integrated starter generator technology; all-new design and powertrain versus the previous generation
Facelift History
Cullinan was introduced in South Africa in 2018 and received its most extensive evolution as Cullinan Series II in May 2024
Third-generation Grand Vitara launched in SA in 2022; previous second-generation model discontinued in SA in 2015; current generation is a complete redesign on a new platform shared with the Toyota Urban Cruiser
Facelift Launched Since
2024
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Five-door luxury SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
published
Segment
Full-size super-luxury SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
Internal-combustion sport utility vehicle
SUV
Color Note
-
Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Grandeur Grey, Metallic Midnight Blue, Premium Silver, Pearl Burning Red
Dealer Stock Note
-
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip AT
Tare Mass Kg
-
1225 kg
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Drivetrain Layout
All-wheel drive with all-wheel steering
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transfer Case
ATC 13 transfer case
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No lockable differential
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Gearbox
8-speed ZF automatic
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Final Drive Ratio
2.81:1
4.388:1
Number of Gears
8
6
Transmission Type
8-speed ZF automatic
6-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
4WD / AWD
4WD Engagement
Everywhere off-road capability engaged by one button
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Everywhere button
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-speed ZF automatic
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
All-wheel-drive power delivery with active rear-axle steering
AWD — AllGrip Auto
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
6
Gear Shift Type
Satellite Aided automatic gear selection
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
LSD Available
-
Not Applicable
Engine Position
-
Transverse Front-Mounted
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
-
2.8
Gear Shift Indicator
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Claimed Mileage
5.95 km/l
17.9 km/l
City Mileage
5.10 km/l
14.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.08 km/l
20.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6e (B6e)
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Automatic start/stop: Yes
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
16.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
16.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
16.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
5.95 km/l
17.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
16.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
16.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
16.8 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
90
45
Combined Driving Range
536-563 km (calculated from 90 L and 16.0-16.8 l/100 km WLTP)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
-
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
-
Not Applicable
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Airbags
8
6
ABS
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Rear child-safety locks
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seatbelt warning sensor
All Seats
Front Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Not Available
AEB
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Not Available
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Head Protection System
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Driver airbag
6
EBD
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Standard
Hill Hold
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Front-passenger airbag
6
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear three-point pretensioning seatbelts; front force limiters
All Seats
Side Airbags
Front side-impact airbags
Not Available
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Knee Airbag
Active front knee protection
Not Available
ABS EBD
Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seatbelt warning sensor
All Seats
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Remote Central Locking
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Speed Alert System
-
Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h
Pedestrian Detection AEB
-
Not Available
Safety Rating
-
Not Independently Rated
Whiplash Protection
-
Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
Lane Change Warning
-
Not Available
Brake Override System
-
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Not Available
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
6
ESC With Traction Control
-
Standard
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Cruise Control
Dynamic Cruise Control; Active Cruise Control fitted to the referenced current vehicle
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure Warning with Active Return
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
360 Degree Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Collision Warning with Brake Function; pedestrian/bike warning with brake function
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Driver Attention Alert
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Speed Limit Information
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
High-Beam Assistance
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Park Distance Control, front and rear
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Adaptive Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Park Assist
Park Assist and Reversing Assistant
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Blind Spot Warning
Lane Change Warning with Blind Spot Detection
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Collision Warning with Brake Function
Not Available
Auto Lights
-
Standard
Emergency Braking
-
Not Available
Front Camera
-
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Parking Sensor
-
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Pre-Collision System
-
Not Available
Rain Sensor Wipers
-
Standard
Rear View Camera
-
360-Degree Surround View
Reverse Camera Type
-
360-Degree Surround View
Reversing Camera
-
360-Degree Surround View
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera with 3D view
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Seat Material
Leather, Duality Twill or Bespoke alternatives
Leatherette Seat Trim
Heated Seats
Available, including rear-seat heating
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Available, including rear-seat cooling
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Illuminated Fascia with Cullinan wordmark and Cityscape graphic; illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Heated full-leather multifunction steering wheel
Urethane
60 40 Split Seat
Electronically folding 2/3 and 1/3 rear bench
60:40 Split Fold
Driver Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Heated, electronically adjustable front seat with memory
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Seat Trim
Placed Perforation leather available
Leatherette Seat Trim
Seat Adjustment
-
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Steering Type
-
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60:40 Split Fold
Front Armrest
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
-
Integrated in Seat Back
Cup Holders
-
4
Rear AC Vents
-
Not Available
Rear USB Ports
-
0
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Interior Colour Options
-
2
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Not Available
Door Map Pockets
-
All Four Door Pockets
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Fabric Seats
-
Leatherette Seat Trim
Armrest Front
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Armrest Rear
-
Integrated in Seat Back
Boot Space Seats Down
-
708
Driver Seat
-
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Interior Courtesy Lamps
-
9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control (GLX and Hybrid), 360-degree surround view camera (GLX AT and Hybrid), adaptive cruise control (GLX and Hybrid), blind-spot monitoring (GL
Interior Trim Colour
-
2
Leather Accented Seat Trim
-
Leatherette Seat Trim
Interior Colours
-
2
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
-
Integrated in Seat Back
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
-
Not Available
Seat Belt Warning
-
All Seats
Seat Fold Type
-
60:40 Split Fold
Front Shoulder Room
-
1455 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
-
1430 mm
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows
Front and rear power windows with one-touch up/down
All Four Windows
Keyless Entry
Comfort Access keyless entry
Not Available
Push Button Start
Engine start button
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Wireless smartphone charging
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Sunroof
Panoramic glass roof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Electric Tailgate
Power-operated two-part Clasp tailgate
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers
Standard
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic Climate Control
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Rear Window Defroster
-
Standard
Electric Mirror Folding
-
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
-
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Not Available
12V Accessory Socket
-
1 x 12V Socket
Speed Limiter
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Irvm
-
Not Available
Climate Zones
-
Automatic Climate Control
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
All Four Windows
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Not Available
TPMS
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Standard
Engine Start Stop
Engine start button
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Engine start button
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4 Years
Front Armrest
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Front Power Outlet
-
1 x 12V Socket
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.6
Glovebox Cooling
-
All Four Door Pockets
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Panoramic Roof
Panoramic glass roof
Panoramic Glass Roof
Power Mirrors
-
All Four Windows
Push Button Start
Engine start button
Not Available
Rear Defogger
-
Standard
Rear Seat Split
-
60:40 Split Fold
Rear Wing
-
Not Available
Seat Type
-
Leatherette Seat Trim
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
-
All Seats
Spare Wheel
Full-size matching spare wheel fitted on an exact 2026 commissioned vehicle; mounted inside
Space Saver Spare
Speed Alert System
-
Standard
Stabilizer Bar
-
Standard
Steering Mounted Controls
-
Standard
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Voice Command
-
Via Smartphone
Voice Command Support
-
Via Smartphone Mirroring
Accelerator 0 100
-
13.5 sec
Air Conditioning
Automatic four-zone climate control
Automatic Climate Control
Battery Preconditioning
-
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Bottle Holders
-
4
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Centre Console
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Common Rail Injection
-
Multi-Point Fuel Injection with 12V ISG
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
-
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
-
Electrically Adjustable Auto-Fold Mirrors
Front Wiper
-
Standard
Front Wipers Type
-
Standard
Glove Box
-
All Four Door Pockets
Intelligent Battery System
-
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Not Available
Lift Gate
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Light
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Automatic Climate Control
Mirror
-
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
One Pedal Driving
-
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
-
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
-
1 x 12V Socket
Powered Tailgate
-
Not Available
Rear Air Conditioning
-
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
-
Not Available
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Remote Central Locking
Remote Side Mirror
-
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
Rim Size
22- and 23-inch approved fitments
17 Inches
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Standard Roof Rails
Side Impact Bars
-
Standard
Sonar
-
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Sound System
16
6
Source Model Column
-
grand-vitara
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Stabilizer Bar Front
-
Standard
Stabilizer Bar Rear
-
Standard
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
Surround View Camera with 3D view
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
-
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
-
Not Available
Trim Level
-
flagship
Unlocking
Comfort Access keyless entry
Not Available
Variant Role
-
Performance-focused derivative
Vdc
-
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
-
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
-
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Not Available
Walk Away Lock
-
Not Available
Wireless Charger
Wireless smartphone charging
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
708 l
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
-
708 l
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Length
5355 mm
4345 mm
Width
2000 mm
1795 mm
Height
1835 mm
1645 mm
Wheelbase
3295 mm
2600 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Front Headroom
1064 mm
1010 mm
Payload Capacity
575 kg
530 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
45 l
Kerb Weight
2725 kg
1225 kg
Towing Capacity
2700 kg
-
Rear Headroom
1026 mm
970 mm
Front Legroom
1006 mm
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
1090 mm
935 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
173 mm
210 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
173 mm
-
Boot/Cargo Space
612 l
310 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3300 kg
1680 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
6.6 m
5.4 m
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Engine
6.75-litre V12 petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Mild Hybrid
Cylinders
12
4
Valves
48
16
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
10.5:1
Drive Type
AWD
4WD
Top Speed
250 km/h
175 km/h
Engine Code
N74B68A
K15C
Cylinder Layout
V
Inline
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Bore
89 mm
74 mm
Stroke
90.4 mm
85.1 mm
Drive Modes
Low
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
6749 cc
1462 cc
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
0-100 km/h
5.3 sec
13.5 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Maximum Power
420 kW @ 5000-6000 rpm
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
850 Nm @ 1600-4250 rpm
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
12V Mild Hybrid
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
154.1 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
311.9 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Cullinan
Grand Vitara
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Android Auto compatibility
Wired Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth wireless technology; rear passengers can pair headphones individually
Standard
Number of Speakers
16
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
SPIRIT digital instrument interface
9-inch Digital Cluster
Infotainment System
SPIRIT infotainment operated by touch, controller and voice commands; independent rear-screen streaming available
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen plus available independently streaming rear screens
9-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen plus available independently streaming rear screens
9-inch Touchscreen
USB Ports
USB Type-C ports
2
Navigation System
-
Via Smartphone Mirroring
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay compatibility
Wireless Apple CarPlay
FM Radio
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Standard
Voice Recognition
-
Via Smartphone
AUX Input
-
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25-inch Central Information Display with touchscreen plus available independently streaming rear screens
Performance
Cullinan +65
Efficiency
Grand Vitara +45
Safety
Cullinan +17
Practicality
Cullinan +13
Ownership
Grand Vitara +27
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Cullinan
Performance
99/100
Efficiency
28/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
75/100
Ownership
44/100
Grand Vitara
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
71/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Rolls-Royce Cullinan
wins with 73 pts
vs 63 pts for Grand Vitara
In structured scoring, Cullinan 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.
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 Cullinan 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: Cullinan 28 vs Grand Vitara 73. 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: Cullinan 99, Grand Vitara 82. 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: Cullinan 44, Grand Vitara 71. 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: Cullinan 75, Grand Vitara 62. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Cullinan 99, Grand Vitara 34. 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 Cullinan edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Cullinan 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 Cullinan and Grand Vitara in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Cullinan scores 99 vs 34.
Efficiency: Cullinan scores 28 vs 73.
Safety: Cullinan scores 99 vs 82.
Practicality: Cullinan scores 75 vs 62.
Ownership: Cullinan scores 44 vs 71.
Final structured scoring gives Cullinan
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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