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.
Dzire starts ZAR 799900 cheaperDzire from ZAR 229,900 · IONIQ 6 from ZAR 799,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Engine Power
60
239
Torque
112
605
Engine Size
1197
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
Claimed Mileage
13.5
519
Ground Clearance
145
140
Boot Space
400
401
Airbags
6
7
Kerb Weight
940
2155
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
IONIQ 6
90
/ 100
+36
pts
#2
Dzire
54
/ 100
High confidence result.
The Bottom Line
IONIQ 6 dominates this comparison with clear advantages across multiple categories.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
IONIQ 6
+15 pts
Efficiency
IONIQ 6
+20 pts
Safety
IONIQ 6
+2 pts
Practicality
Dzire
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 6
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
20/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
Dzire
Performance
5/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Dzire
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 6
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Dzire
Large families needing more practicality and usability
IONIQ 6
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Engine
1.2L Z12E DualJet 3-Cylinder Petrol
Dual Motor AWD Electric
Engine Type
Inline 3 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Electric
Engine Code
Z12E
Available
Cylinder Layout
Inline 3 (I3)
Available
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Available
Displacement
1197
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
Cylinders
3
Not Applicable (Electric Motor)
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable (Electric)
Cylinder Bore
73.0
Available
Piston Stroke
95.5
Available
Compression Ratio
12.0:1
Not Applicable (Electric)
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Front
Variable Valve Timing
Dual VVT on Intake and Exhaust
Yes
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Electric Drive
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
No
Power
60
239
Power @ RPM
5,700 rpm
Instant Torque (0–7500 rpm)
Power
82
150
Torque
112
605
Torque @ RPM
4,300 rpm
0–3500 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6700
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
2.9
Available
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Electric
Top Speed
160
185
0-100 km/h
13.2
5.1
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Length
3995
4855
Width
1735
1880
Height
1525
1495
Wheelbase
2450
2950
Ground Clearance
145
140
Kerb Weight
940
2155
Boot Volume
378
Available
Seats
5
5
Doors
4
4
Boot Space
400
401
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
Available
Seating Capacity
5
5
Front Track Width
1550
1626 mm
Rear Track Width
1540
1651 mm
Towing Capacity
1500
1500 kg (Braked)
Gross Vehicle Weight
1600
2400 kg
Turning Radius
Available
5.7 m
Load Bed Length
Available
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Available
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Number of Doors
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Fuel Tank Capacity
37
77.4
Claimed Fuel Consumption
4.6
Available
Claimed Mileage
13.5
519
City Mileage
10.2
5.9 km/kWh (city)
Highway Mileage
15.8
5.6 km/kWh (highway)
Emission Standard
EURO 6
Zero Emission
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Available
Yes (Regenerative Braking)
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Yes
Distance To Empty
Available
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Drive Type
FWD
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
AWD e-4WD
LSD Available
Not Available
No
Differential Lock
Not Available
Electronic LSD
Transfer Case
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Dual Motor AWD
Transmission
CVT Automatic
Single-speed Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
CVT
1
Clutch Type
Torque Converter with CVT Belt Drive
Available
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
No
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Available
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
CO2 Emissions
115
0
Start Stop System
Not Available
No
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Noise Level
67
63 dB
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
Electric
Particulate Filter
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently Rated
Available
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Yes
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Tyre Load Index
84
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver Spare Wheel
Tyre Repair Kit
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
236
Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
190
Available
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Manual
Tyre Size
185/65 R15
255/35 R20
Wheel Type
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Alloy
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
Available
Brake Type Front
Available
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Available
Disc
Spare Tyre
Available
Steel
Tyre Type
Available
Tubeless Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque (HEARTECT Platform)
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Rear Spring Type
Torsion Beam
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Airbags
6
7
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Available
EBD
Standard
Yes
BA
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Available
Hill Hold
Standard
Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Side Airbags
Standard
Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard — Front
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Available
AEB
Standard — Low Speed AEB
Available
Fatigue Detection
Not Available
Available
Brake Assist
ABS with EBD
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Alarm System
Available
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Not Rated (SA)
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months
12 months / 15000 km
Approx Service Cost
Approx R1,800–R2,400 per Service
R1,200 – R2,000 per service
Battery Warranty
12 Months
8 Years / 160000 km
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
Available
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection
15000
Service Plan Duration
4 Years
4
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection
Available
Alternator
Available
120A
Battery Type
Available
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Yes
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
200000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
USB Ports
1 USB Type-A
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Navigation System
Google Maps via CarPlay/Android Auto
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Multi-Information Display (MID)
12-inch Digital Cluster
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
12-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
9 Inches
Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
8 Bose Premium
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Available
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
Available
Seat Material
Fabric with Leather Trim
Nappa Leather
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front & Rear
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-way
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-way
Available
Interior Colour Options
Black
Available
Leather Seats
Available
No
Seat Adjustment
Available
Power 12-way
Ventilated Seats
Available
Front
Steering Type
Available
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Available
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Available
64-Colour Ambient
Folding Rear Seats
Available
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Available
No
Cup Holders
Available
4
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Analogue + MID
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Manual
Cooled Seats
Available
No
Fabric Seats
Available
Yes
Front Headrest
Available
Yes
Memory Seats
Available
No
Rear Headrest
Available
Yes
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Power Windows
Standard
All
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
Keyless Entry
Standard
Yes
Heads Up Display
Not Available
Available
AC Type
Manual Air Conditioning
Available
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Available
Push Button Start
Standard
Available
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Hands-Free Electric Tailgate
Payload Capacity
500
Available
Climate Control
Yes
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Available
12V
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Inside
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
No
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Yes
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Inside
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Manual
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
No
Tilt Steering
Available
Yes
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Rear Wiper
Standard
No
Exterior Colour Options
5
Available
Body Type
Sedan
Sedan
Led Headlights
LED Projector Headlights
Available
Led Taillights
LED Tail Lamps
Available
DRL
LED DRL
Yes
Fog Lights
Not Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Not Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Not Available
Available
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body Coloured
LED Headlamps
Available
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
Fog Lamps
Yes
No
Roof Rails
Available
No
Alloy Wheel Design
Available
20-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
No
Body Cladding
Available
No
Rear Spoiler
Available
Yes
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Power Adjustable
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
4WD System Type
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Available
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Normal / Sport / Snow
Approach Angle
0
14°
Departure Angle
0
20°
Ramp Breakover Angle
0
20
Wading Depth
0
100 mm
Underbody Protection
Not Available
Underbody Battery Guard
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
Available
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
Hill Descent Control
Available
No
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Available
Auto Lights
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Rear View Camera
Available
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Available
360 Degree Camera
Optional
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Available
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Eco / Normal
Eco Mode
Available
Yes
EV Mode
Available
No
Sport Mode
Available
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Dzire
IONIQ 6
Real-world City Mileage Min
5.5
Available
Real-world City Mileage Max
7.0
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.8
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
5.8
Available
Owner Review Count
8
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai IONIQ 6
wins with 90 pts
vs 54 pts for Dzire
In structured scoring, IONIQ 6 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Dzire 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 IONIQ 6 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: Dzire 0 vs IONIQ 6 20. 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: Dzire 18, IONIQ 6 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: Dzire 20, IONIQ 6 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: Dzire 11, IONIQ 6 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Dzire 5, IONIQ 6 20. 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 IONIQ 6 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The IONIQ 6 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 Dzire and IONIQ 6 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Dzire scores 5 vs 20.
Efficiency: Dzire scores 0 vs 20.
Safety: Dzire scores 18 vs 20.
Practicality: Dzire scores 11 vs 10.
Ownership: Dzire scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives IONIQ 6
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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