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.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Grand Vitara
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published ownership cover
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
EX-8 Dropside
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Grand Vitara
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2022
Generation
Current South African EX-8 Dropside listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
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
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
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
Original current-generation version
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Dropside truck
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Grandeur Grey, Metallic Midnight Blue, Premium Silver, Pearl Burning Red
Dealer Stock Note
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Van
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2650 kg
1225 kg
Vehicle Type
Van
SUV
Drivetrain Note
-
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip AT
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Length
6620 mm
4345 mm
Width
2100 mm
1795 mm
Height
2355 mm
1645 mm
Wheelbase
3850 mm
2600 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
210 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
45 l
Kerb Weight
2650 kg
1225 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
7800 kg
1680 kg
Payload Capacity
5150 kg
530 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
3 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
5.4 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1010 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
970 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1060 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
935 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
310 l
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1565 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1565 mm
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Front Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
-
Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
-
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
-
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Chassis Material
-
Monocoque
Front Suspension Type
Not Available
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Axle Type
-
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension Type
Not Available
Multi-Link Independent with Coil Spring
Shock Absorbers
-
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows
Not Available
All Four Windows
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic Glass Roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
708 l
AC Type
Not Available
Automatic Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
4 Years
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Difflock
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
ex-8-dropside
grand-vitara
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Trim Level
mid
flagship
Variant Role
Core range derivative
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
708 l
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
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Not Available
Front Armrest
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Front Power Outlet
-
1 x 12V Socket
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.6
Glovebox Cooling
-
All Four Door Pockets
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Panoramic Glass Roof
Power Mirrors
-
All Four Windows
Push Button Start
Not Available
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
Automatic Climate Control
Bottle Holders
-
4
Centre Console
-
Standard Centre Armrest
Common Rail Injection
-
Multi-Point Fuel Injection with 12V ISG
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 Keyless Entry
-
Not Available
Lift Gate
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Automatic Climate Control
Mirror
-
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
Passive Entry Start
-
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
-
1 x 12V Socket
Powered Tailgate
-
Not Available
Rear Air Conditioning
-
Not Available
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
-
Remote Central Locking
Remote Side Mirror
-
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
Rim Size
Not Available
17 Inches
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Standard Roof Rails
Side Impact Bars
-
Standard
Sonar
-
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Sound System
Not Available
6
Stabilizer Bar Front
-
Standard
Stabilizer Bar Rear
-
Standard
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Sub Frame
-
Monocoque
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
360-Degree Surround View Camera
TPMS
Not Available
Standard
Unlocking
Not Available
Not Available
Vdc
-
Standard
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Not Available
Walk Away Lock
-
Not Available
Wireless Charger
Wireless
Standard 15W Wireless Charger
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Engine
3.9-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Mild Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
K15C
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
12V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
3907 cc
1462 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
74 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
85.1 mm
Maximum Power
103 kW @ 2800 rpm
76 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
373 Nm
137 Nm @ 4400 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
RWD
4WD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
6-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
13.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
38.9 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
140.8 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
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
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 Officially Disclosed
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Gearbox
Manual
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
All Wheel Drive (AWD)
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
4.388:1
Number of Gears
5
6
Transmission Type
Manual
6-Speed Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Manual
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
4WD / AWD
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
Not Applicable
Standard Sport Paddle Shifters
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
AWD — AllGrip Auto
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
6
Engine Position
-
Transverse Front-Mounted
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
-
2.8
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Claimed Mileage
5.2 km/l
17.9 km/l
City Mileage
4.2 km/l
14.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
6.1 km/l
20.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
45 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
5.2 km/l
17.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
100
45
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Airbags
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
All Seats
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Not Available
6
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
6
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
All Seats
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
All Seats
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
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
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Not Available
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
-
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
-
6
ESC With Traction Control
-
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Rear View Camera
Not Available
360-Degree Surround View
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Standard
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Reverse Camera
Not Available
360-Degree Surround View
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard Adaptive Cruise Control
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
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
Not Available
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
Grand Vitara
Seat Material
Cloth
Leatherette Seat Trim
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1455 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1430 mm
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Urethane
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Interior Colour Options
3
2
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
60:40 Split Fold
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Fabric Seats
Cloth
Leatherette Seat Trim
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EX-8 Dropside grade before assuming a feature is included.
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
This EX-8 Dropside and Grand Vitara 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: EX-8 Dropside 58 vs Grand Vitara 34.
Efficiency index: EX-8 Dropside 31 vs Grand Vitara 73.
Safety-equipment index: EX-8 Dropside 94 vs Grand Vitara 88.
Practicality index: EX-8 Dropside 67 vs Grand Vitara 62.
Ownership-cover index: EX-8 Dropside 65 vs Grand Vitara 71.
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
EX-8 Dropside and Grand Vitara 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
EX-8 Dropside leads by 0 points
EX-8 Dropside and Grand Vitara are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
EX-8 Dropside +24
Efficiency
Grand Vitara +42
Safety
EX-8 Dropside +6
Practicality
EX-8 Dropside +5
Ownership
Grand Vitara +6
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
EX-8 Dropside
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
Grand Vitara
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
62/100
Ownership
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexHyundai EX-8 Dropside
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 64 pts for Grand Vitara
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, EX-8 Dropside leads. However, Grand Vitara 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.
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