Suzuki Eeco vs Toyota Hiace Ses'fikile

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.

Suzuki Eeco

1.2 Passenger Van MT Petrol Manual

ZAR 219,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 61 kW 🔧 103 Nm ⛽ 16.9 km/l

Toyota Hiace Ses'fikile

2.5D 16-seat MT Diesel Manual

ZAR 549,300 ex-showroom

⚡ 75 kW 🔧 260 Nm ⛽ 11.0 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Hiace Ses'fikile

⛽ Fuel Economy Tie

🛡 Safety Tie

📦 Practicality Eeco

🔑 Ownership Eeco

Eeco starts ZAR 549300 cheaper Eeco from ZAR 196,900 · Hiace Ses'fikile from ZAR 549,300

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Engine Power	61	75
Torque	103	260
Engine Size	1197	2494
Claimed Mileage	16.9	11.0
Ground Clearance	170	175
Boot Space	120	Not Available
Airbags	2	2
Kerb Weight	905	2080
Seating Capacity	Available	Available
Warranty	5	3

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

Eeco

/ 100

pts

Hiace Ses'fikile

/ 100

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

The Bottom Line

Both Eeco and Hiace Ses'fikile are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Hiace Ses'fikile +3 pts

Efficiency Equal

Safety Equal

Practicality Eeco +1 pts

Ownership Eeco +8 pts

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

Eeco

Performance 5/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 6/20

Practicality 8/20

Ownership 20/20

Hiace Ses'fikile

Performance 8/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 6/20

Practicality 7/20

Ownership 12/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

Eeco

Strengths

More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup

Best suited to: Family Usage

Hiace Ses'fikile

Strengths

More powerful engine output

Weak Spots

Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage

Best suited to: Highway Driving

Which One's Right for You?

Eeco

Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Hiace Ses'fikile

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Engine	1.2L G12B 4-Cylinder Petrol	2KD-FTV
Engine Type	Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated	Inline 4 Diesel
Engine Code	G12B	Standard
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated	Turbocharged
Displacement	1197	2494
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	2	16
Cylinder Bore	68.5	82.0
Piston Stroke	81.3	92.0
Compression Ratio	9.5:1	10.5:1
Engine Position	Transverse Front-Mounted	Available
Variable Valve Timing	Not Available — Fixed Cam Timing	Available
Fuel System	Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)	Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger	Not Applicable	Yes
Power	61	75
Power @ RPM	6,000 rpm	3600 rpm
Power	82	150
Torque	103	260
Torque @ RPM	3,000 rpm	1800 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM	6500	Available
Engine Oil Capacity	3.5	Available
Fuel Grade Required	93 RON Unleaded Petrol	Petrol
Top Speed	130	150
0-100 km/h	17.0	18.0
Engine Type Config	Available	Available
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	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Transmission	5-Speed Manual	5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type	Manual	Manual
Number of Gears	5	6
Drive Type	FWD	RWD
Drivetrain Layout	Front Wheel Drive	FR
Final Drive Ratio	4.529:1	3.909:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	3.2	Available
Clutch Type	Single Dry Plate Diaphragm	Single Plate Diaphragm
LSD Available	Not Available	No
Differential Lock	Not Available	Electronic Lock
Transfer Case	Not Applicable	No
Paddle Shifters	Not Available	No
Drivetrain	Available	Available
Transmission	Available	Automatic CVT

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Length	3675	5380
Width	1475	1880
Height	1700	2285
Wheelbase	2350	2985
Ground Clearance	170	175
Kerb Weight	905	2080
Gross Vehicle Weight	1280	3500
Max Payload	390	Available
Front Track Width	1285	1550
Rear Track Width	1285	1540
Turning Radius	4.5	6.5
Number of Doors	4	5
Seating Capacity	7	16
Boot Space	120	Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded	800	1500
Towing Capacity	0	2000
Load Bed Length	0	Available
Load Bed Width	0	Available
Front Legroom	930	Available
Rear Legroom	750	Available
Front Headroom	1020	Available
Rear Headroom	1000	Available
Front Shoulder Room	1200	Available
Rear Shoulder Room	1180	Available
Boot Volume	Available	Available
Doors	Available	Available
Seats	Available	Available
Front Overhang	Available	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	Available	Available
Rear Overhang	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Claimed Mileage	16.9	11.0
City Mileage	14.7	9.5
Highway Mileage	20.0	11.5
Fuel Tank Capacity	35	70
Emission Standard	Euro 5	Euro 4
AdBlue Tank Capacity	0	Available
Auto Start Stop	Not Available	Available
Average Fuel Consumption	Available	Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption	Available	Available
Distance To Empty	Available	Available
Low Fuel Warning	Available	Available
Fuel Efficiency	Available	Available
Real-world Mileage	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Airbags	2	2
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Not Available	Standard
Traction Control	Not Available	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Hill Descent Control	Not Available	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Not Available	Not Available
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Not Available	Not Available
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Alarm System	Not Available	Standard
Central Locking	Manual Central Locking	Standard
Side Impact Beams	Standard	Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Front Seats	Available
Speed Alert System	Not Available	Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Not Available	Available
Front Parking Sensors	Not Available	Yes
Safety Rating	Not Independently Rated — Commercial Vehicle	Available
Whiplash Protection	Basic Head Restraints	Available
Lane Change Warning	Not Available	Available
AEB	Available	Available
BA	Available	Available
Brake Override System	Available	Available
Curtain Airbags	Available	Available
Driver Airbag	Available	Available
EBD	Available	Available
Engine Immobiliser	Available	Available
Fatigue Detection	Available	Available
Hill Hold	Available	Available
Passenger Airbag	Available	Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Available	Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Available	Available
Side Airbags	Available	Available
TCS	Available	Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Available	Available
Knee Airbag	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	Not Available	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	Not Available	Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Not Available	Not Available
Parking Sensors	Not Available	Not Available
Rear View Camera	Not Available	Not Available
360 Degree Camera	Not Available	Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Not Available	Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert	Not Available	Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition	Not Available	Yes
Auto Highbeam	Available	Available
Auto Lights	Available	Available
Auto Wipers	Available	Available
Drive Modes	Available	Available
Eco Mode	Available	Available
EV Mode	Available	Available
Rear Parking Sensors	Available	Yes
Reverse Camera	Available	Available
Sport Mode	Available	Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available	Available
Park Assist	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Seat Material	Vinyl (Wipe-Clean Commercial Grade)	Fabric
Seat Adjustment	Manual 4-Way Driver	Manual
Heated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Ventilated Seats	Not Available	Not Available
Steering Type	Power Assisted Steering (Hydraulic)	Rack and Pinion
Steering Adjustment	Tilt Adjustable	Tilt
Ambient Lighting	Not Available	Not Available
Folding Rear Seats	Third Row Fold Flat	Standard
Front Armrest	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Armrest	Not Available	Available
Cup Holders	2	4
Rear AC Vents	Rear Roof-Mounted AC Vents	Available
Rear USB Ports	0	Available
Steering Wheel Material	Urethane	Available
Instrument Cluster Type	Basic Analogue Gauges	Available
Interior Colour Options	1	Black
Driver Lumbar Support	Not Available	Available
Door Map Pockets	Driver Door Pocket Only	Available
60 40 Split Seat	Available	Available
Adjustable Driver Seat	Available	Available
Adjustable Front Seat	Available	Available
Cooled Seats	Available	Available
Driver Seat Adjustment	Available	Available
Fabric Seats	Available	Available
Front Headrest	Available	Available
Leather Seats	Available	Available
Memory Seats	Available	Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment	Available	Available
Rear Headrest	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Climate Control	Manual Air Conditioning	Manual AC
Power Windows	Front Windows Only	Front Only
Keyless Entry	Not Available	Not Available
Push Button Start	Not Available	Not Available
Wireless Charging	Not Available	Not Available
Sunroof	Not Available	Not Available
Electric Tailgate	Not Available	Not Available
Automatic Headlamps	Not Available	Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers	Not Available	Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror	Not Available	Available
Rear Window Defroster	Standard	Available
Electric Mirror Folding	Manual Fold	Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Not Available	Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Not Available	Available
12V Accessory Socket	1 x 12V Socket	Available
Speed Limiter	Not Available	Available
AC Type	Available	Available
Adaptive Dampers	Available	Available
Aero Kit	Available	Available
Auto Dimming Irvm	Available	Available
Boot Opener	Available	Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights	Available	Available
Chrome Grille	Available	Available
Climate Zones	Available	Available
Door Ajar Warning	Available	Available
Drag Coefficient	Available	Available
Driver Display	Available	Available
Electric Folding Mirrors	Available	Available
Engine Check Warning	Available	Available
Engine Start Button Illumination	Available	Available
Engine Start Stop	Available	Available
Engine Start Stop Button	Available	Available
Engine Warranty	Available	5 Years / 150,000 km
Exhaust Finish	Available	Available
Exhaust Type	Available	Available
Front Armrest	Available	Available
Front Power Outlet	150	150
Fuel Consumption Combined	Available	9.1
Fuel Lid Opener	Available	Available
Gear Shift Type	Available	Available
Glovebox Cooling	Available	Available
Ground Clearance Unladen	Available	Available
Headlamp Height Adjust	Available	Available
Headlamp Washer	Available	Available
Headrest Adjustable	Available	Available
Heads Up Display	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
Panoramic Roof	Available	Available
Payload Capacity	Available	500
Performance Data Logger	Available	Available
Power Mirrors	150	Power Adjustment
Push Button Start	Available	Available
Rear Defogger	Available	Available
Rear Reading Lamps	Available	Available
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	3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Reminder	Available	Available
Side Steps	Available	Available
Skid Plates	Available	Available
Spare Wheel	Available	Available
Speed Alert System	Available	Available
Stability Control	Available	Available
Stabilizer Bar	Available	Front
Steering Mounted Controls	Available	Available
Steering Response	Available	Available
Tachometer	Available	Available
Tail Lamps	Available	Available
Telescopic Steering	Available	Available
Tilt Steering	Available	Available
Trip Computer	Available	Available
Tyre Repair Kit	Available	Available
Valves Per Cylinder	Available	Available
Vanity Mirror	Available	Available
Voice Command	Available	Available
Voice Command Support	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Infotainment Screen	No Infotainment — Basic Radio Provision	6.8-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size	0	Available
Apple CarPlay	Not Available	Not Available
Android Auto	Not Available	Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity	Not Available	Standard
Number of Speakers	2	2
Navigation System	Not Available	Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster	Not Available	Not Available
USB Ports	0	1
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Not Available	Available
FM Radio	AM/FM Radio Ready	Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Not Available	Available
Voice Recognition	Not Available	Available
AUX Input	Not Available	Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Not Available	Available
Audio Controls On Steering	Available	Available
Infotainment Display	Available	Available
Rear Usb	Available	Available
Premium Audio	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
LED Headlamps	Halogen Headlamps	Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps	Not Available	Not Available
Fog Lamps	Not Available	Not Available
Roof Rails	Not Available	Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design	Steel Wheels with Hub Caps	Not Available
Chrome Exterior Finish	Not Available	Not Available
Body Cladding	Not Available	Available
Rear Spoiler	Not Available	Not Available
Exterior Colour Options	3	Pearl White
Roof Type	Standard Fixed Roof	Available
Wing Mirror Type	Manual Fold Flat Mirrors	Available
Rear Wiper	Not Available	Available
Door Handle Finish	Black Door Handles	Chrome Finish
Body Type	Available	Available
DRL	Available	Available
Fog Lights	Available	Available
Front Fog Lights	Available	Available
Led Headlights	Available	Available
Led Taillights	Available	Available
Rear Fog Lights	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Approach Angle	22	29
Departure Angle	30	26
Wading Depth	0	700
Terrain Modes	Not Applicable	None
Locking Differential	Not Available	Rear Differential Lock
Underbody Protection	Not Available	Available
Ramp Breakover Angle	0	Available
Recovery Hooks	1 Rear Tow Hook	Available
4WD System Type	Not Applicable — FWD Only	Part-time 4WD
Hill Descent Control	Available	Available
Ramp-over Angle	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Tyre Size	155 R13 C	195/75 R16C
Wheel Type	Steel	Steel
Wheel Rim Size	13 Inches	Available
Front Brake Type	Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter	214	300
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	180	Available
Parking Brake Type	Conventional Handbrake	Available
Tyre Load Index	91	Available
Tyre Speed Rating	Q	Available
Spare Wheel Type	Full Size Spare	Full-Size
Brake Type Front	Available	Available
Brake Type Rear	Available	Available
Spare Tyre	Available	Available
Tyre Type	Available	Available
Front Tyre Width	Available	Available
Rear Tyre Width	Available	Available
Wheel Diameter	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Leaf Spring (Commercial Grade)	Leaf Spring
Chassis Type	Monocoque	Ladder Frame
Power Steering	Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering	Hydraulic
Steering Column	Tilt Adjustable	Available
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type	Leaf Spring	Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Standard	Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Not Available	Available
Shock Absorber Type	Telescopic Hydraulic	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Service Interval	15,000 km or 12 Months	10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Approx R1,500–R2,000 per Service	Moderate
Battery Warranty	12 Months	24 Months
Maintenance Plan	Not Included	Available
Engine Oil Change Interval	10,000 km or 6 Months	Available
First Service At	1,000 km Inspection	5000
Service Plan Duration	2 Years	Available
Service Plan Distance	30000	Available
Anti-Rust Treatment	Underbody Rust Protection	Available
Alternator	Available	Available
Battery Type	Available	Available
Gear Shift Indicator	Available	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Warranty Years	5	3
Warranty Kilometers	200000	100000
Roadside Assistance	5 Years Roadside Assistance	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	3 Years Anti-Corrosion	5 Years / Unlimited km
Basic Warranty	Available	3 Years / 100,000 km

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
CO2 Emissions	135	218
Start Stop System	Not Available	Not Available
Hybrid System Type	Not Applicable	None
Noise Level	72	Available
Fuel Octane Requirement	93 RON Unleaded	Unleaded 95 RON
Particulate Filter	Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)	Available
Euro Emission Standard	Euro 5	Available
Green NCAP Rating	Not Rated — Commercial Vehicle	Available
Idle CO2 Output	Within Euro 5 Limits	2.0
Fuel Evaporation Control	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)	Available

Spec	Eeco	Hiace Ses'fikile
Real-world City Mileage Min	6.0	10
Real-world City Mileage Max	8.0	12.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	4.5	9
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	6.0	10.5
Owner Review Count	0	8

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Suzuki Eeco wins with 39 pts vs 33 pts for Hiace Ses'fikile

In structured scoring, Eeco emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Hiace Ses'fikile may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Eeco 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: Eeco 0 vs Hiace Ses'fikile 0. 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: Eeco 6, Hiace Ses'fikile 6. 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: Eeco 20, Hiace Ses'fikile 12. 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: Eeco 8, Hiace Ses'fikile 7. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Eeco 5, Hiace Ses'fikile 8. 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 Eeco edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Eeco 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 Eeco and Hiace Ses'fikile in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Eeco scores 5 vs 8.

Efficiency: Eeco scores 0 vs 0.

Safety: Eeco scores 6 vs 6.

Practicality: Eeco scores 8 vs 7.

Ownership: Eeco scores 20 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives Eeco the advantage in this comparison.

Suzuki Eeco vs Toyota Hiace Ses'fikile

Suzuki Eeco

Toyota Hiace Ses'fikile

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

Eeco

Hiace Ses'fikile

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

Eeco

Hiace Ses'fikile

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Eeco

Hiace Ses'fikile

Which One's Right for You?

Eeco

Hiace Ses'fikile

Full Specs, Side by Side

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Other Comparisons Worth Checking

Buyers Also Looked At These

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down