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 Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
EX-8 Dropside
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
J7
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2024
Generation
Current South African EX-8 Dropside listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current South Africa J7 range
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.
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2024
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.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Mid grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Van
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2650 kg
Not Available
Vehicle Type
Van
SUV
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Length
6620 mm
4500 mm
Width
2100 mm
1865 mm
Height
2355 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
3850 mm
2672 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
200 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
51 l
Kerb Weight
2650 kg
1531 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
7800 kg
1939 kg
Payload Capacity
5150 kg
434 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1300 kg
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
975 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
910 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
-
584 l
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Manual / automatic by trim
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1349 l
AC Type
Not Available
Manual / automatic by trim
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
-
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
ex-8-dropside
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
mid
-
Variant Role
Core range derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Engine
3.9-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
SQRF4J16C
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
3907 cc
1600 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
103 kW @ 2800 rpm
145 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
373 Nm
290 Nm
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
RWD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Normal, Sport
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 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
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Gearbox
Manual
7 DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Rear-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
5
7
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Manual
Electric
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
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
Not Applicable
Standard
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Manual
7 DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x2
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
7
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Claimed Mileage
5.2 km/l
14.3 km/l
City Mileage
4.2 km/l
11.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
6.1 km/l
16.8 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
100 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Standard
Real-world Mileage
5.2 km/l
14.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
100
51
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
J7
Airbags
Airbags not listed in official Hyundai EX8 brochure
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
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
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
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
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Seat Material
Cloth
Fabric or cloth trim
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Polyurethane / synthetic
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual
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.
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Fabric
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Infotainment System
SYNC
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
4-6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
Standard
USB Ports
Not Available
Front and rear USB where listed
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
SYNC
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
3
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Body Type
Van
-
Led Headlights
Halogen
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamps
Halogen
Not Available
Headlight Type
Halogen
Not Available
Headlights
Halogen
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
200 mm
200 mm
Ground Clearance Min
200 mm
200 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Tyre Size
Not Available
235/55 R18
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
235/55 R18
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Alternator
120A
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
5 Year / 70 000 km
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Accessory Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Warranty Years
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
5 Year / 150 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
163 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Spec
EX-8 Dropside
J7
Ownership Role
Mid
entry-value
Price Zar
656500 ZAR
519900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
entry-value
Starting Price
656500
519900
Starting Price Zar
656500
519900
In depth: how these cars differ
This EX-8 Dropside and J7 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 J7 59.
Efficiency index: EX-8 Dropside 31 vs J7 56.
Safety-equipment index: EX-8 Dropside 94 vs J7 91.
Practicality index: EX-8 Dropside 67 vs J7 67.
Ownership-cover index: EX-8 Dropside 65 vs J7 not separately scored.
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 J7 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
J7 leads by 5 points
EX-8 Dropside and J7 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
J7
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
67/100
EX-8 Dropside
Performance
58/100
Efficiency
31/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexJaecoo J7
leads the specification evidence index with 69 pts
vs 64 pts for EX-8 Dropside
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, J7 leads. However, EX-8 Dropside 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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