A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 85 kW🔧 143 Nm⛽ 17.5 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mitsubishi Destinator vs Hyundai Elantra: the short answer
Destinator and Elantra are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Recorded price context
Destinator:
current from
ZAR 489,990
·
Elantra:
last listed from
ZAR 448,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Destinator
Elantra
Maximum Power
Destinator120 kW @ 5000 rpm
Elantra85 kW @ 6300 rpm
Maximum Torque
Destinator250 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm
Elantra143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Engine Size
Destinator1499 cc
Elantra1497 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Destinator13.9 km/l
Elantra17.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
Destinator214 mm
Elantra130 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mitsubishi Destinator
Exceed 1.5T CVT
Hagalu editorial rating
4.3/5★★★★★★★★★★
Desk research · Exact variant
Hagalu Editorial Team ·
Editorial assessment, not a customer rating. Not road-tested for this review.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Destinator
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Specification evidence leader
Elantra
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Destinator
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Elantra
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Model Introduced Year
2026
1990
Generation
First-generation Destinator
Seventh generation Elantra on Hyundai's K3 platform; bold parametric design language marks a clear break from the conservative sixth gen
Facelift History
South African launch specification introduced in March 2026.
Seventh generation launched globally in 2020 and brought to SA; significant leap in styling and interior quality over the previous generation
Facelift Launched Since
Current specification
2020
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
SUV
Sedan
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
active
discontinued
Segment
Medium seven-seat SUV
Sedan
Vehicle Type
Passenger vehicle
Sedan
Tare Mass Kg
-
1355 kg
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Length
4680 mm
4680 mm
Width
1840 mm
1825 mm
Height
1780 mm
1415 mm
Wheelbase
2815 mm
2720 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
214 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
185 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
47 l
Boot/Cargo Space
152 l
473 l
Kerb Weight
1500 kg
1355 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2090 kg
1860 kg
Payload Capacity
590 kg
505 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
890 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
850 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1055 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
620 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
4B40
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1499 cc
1497 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Dual Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
75 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
84.8 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
120 kW @ 5000 rpm
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
Maximum Torque
250 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm
143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
180 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
10.4 sec
11.2 sec
Quarter Mile
17.6 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, Tarmac
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6000 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
80 kW/tonne
62.7 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
166.7 Nm/tonne
105.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Gearbox
CVT
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Final Drive Ratio
6.386
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
1
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Type
CVT automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Continuously variable pulley system
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Floor-mounted selector
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Continuously variable
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
1
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Position
-
Front
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Claimed Mileage
13.9 km/l
17.5 km/l
City Mileage
11.4 km/l
14.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
16 km/l
21.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
47 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
13.9 km/l
17.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
45
47
Combined Driving Range
625
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
647 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
581 km
Not Applicable
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
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
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
No
No
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Yes
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Highbeam
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Yes
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
No
Yes
Park Assist
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Seat Material
Synthetic leather
Leather-Look
Heated Seats
No
Front
Ventilated Seats
No
No
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power adjustable
Not Officially Disclosed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual adjustable
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Trim
Synthetic leather
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power Driver
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Climate Control
Dual-zone automatic with nanoe X
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Front and rear
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Yes
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
No
AC Type
Dual-zone automatic with nanoe X
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
Full-size alloy
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Dual-zone automatic with nanoe X
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Rim Size
18-inch alloy
17-inch Alloy
Sound System
8
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
Yes
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Infotainment System
Smartphone-link Display Audio
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
8-inch
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
Front, second and third row
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
12.3-inch
Not Officially Disclosed
Touchscreen
12.3-inch
Not Officially Disclosed
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
LED Headlamps
Yes
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Exterior Colour Options
Quartz White Pearl, Graphite Grey Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Lunar Blue Mica
Not Officially Disclosed
Headlights
Yes
Full LED
Panoramic Sunroof
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Alloy Wheel Design
-
17-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
No
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
Sedan
DRL
Yes
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
LED
Headlamps
Yes
Full LED
Headlight Type
Yes
Full LED
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Approach Angle
21 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
25.5 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, Tarmac
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
20.8 deg
Not Officially Disclosed
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
No
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
130 mm
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Tyre Size
225/55 R18
225/45 R17
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-size alloy
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch alloy
17-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Electric parking brake
Not Officially Disclosed
Wheel Type
-
17-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
Full-size alloy
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
18-inch alloy
17-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
17-inch Alloy
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion beam
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion beam
Multi-Link
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
CO2 Emissions
172 g/km
126 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Unleaded 95
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Service Plan
5 years / 75,000 km; 15,000 km intervals
4
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
5 years / 75,000 km; 15,000 km intervals
4
Service Plan Distance
5 years / 75,000 km; 15,000 km intervals
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Ownership Role
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Private and family
Price Zar
569990 ZAR
492900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Official South African recommended retail price
Historical listed price
Starting Price
569990
492900
Starting Price Zar
569990
492900
Spec
Destinator
Elantra
Warranty
5 years / unlimited km
5
Warranty Years
5 years / unlimited km
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 years / unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 years / unlimited km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This Destinator and Elantra comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Destinator 50 vs Elantra 36.
Efficiency index: Destinator 54 vs Elantra 67.
Safety-equipment index: Destinator 73 vs Elantra 84.
Practicality index: Destinator 63 vs Elantra 61.
Ownership-cover index: Destinator not separately scored vs Elantra 65.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Destinator and Elantra image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Elantra leads by 2 points
Destinator and Elantra are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Elantra
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
61/100
Ownership
65/100
Destinator
Performance
50/100
Efficiency
54/100
Safety
73/100
Practicality
63/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai Elantra
leads the specification evidence index with 62 pts
vs 60 pts for Destinator
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Elantra leads. However, Destinator may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.